Cornwall Croquet Club

Sat-Sun 19-20 Jun 2010 - Wilson Salvers Handicap Doubles

Twelve members started the Wilson-Salvers, club competion, in perfect weather over Sat & Sun 19-20 June 2010. Grouped into six doubles partnerships, each would play the other five pairs during the two days; each match being timed at a maximum of 2 1/2 hours.

Competition was keen, with each pair having its own strategy to outplay the oppposition. Such was the competition between the pairings, that in the first two match sessions no game was won by more than 4 hoops, and that between the Edwards and Russell/Ron ended level.

By the end of the day's 3 sessions, Tony Dyson & Des Honey was the only unbeaten team; but Stephen Read & Tony Backhouse, and Colin Hadley & Tony Jennings were only one point behind with two games to play on Sunday. The final pairing consisted of Jenny Burrows & Rosemary Bradshaw, the latter returning to the club from away.

Sunday was another perfect day and play got underway at 10 o'clock. One of the contenders fell by the wayside when Russell & Ron became the first pair to peg out in their match against Colin & Tony J. This left two teams in the running for the salvers and, by pure chance, they had to play each other in the final session.

So, with a winner-takes-all match in prospect, they were given the opportunity to play on their own, rather than double up according to the programme. Although Tony & Stephen battled hard for a win, they had the disadvantage of having no bisques to play with: they eventually lost by 4 hoops, leaving Tony Dyson & Des Honey unbeaten and winners of the trophy.

The tournament was managed by Colin Hadley, who thanked those who had prepared the lawns. Colin was thanked for his work in organising and running the event by the club chairman, Ron George, who also presented the salvers to the winners.


Des Honey & Tony Dyson (far lef and far right) being presented with the Wilson Salvers by Ron George (Club Chairman, second from left), with Colin Hadley, tournament manager looking on.