Cornwall Croquet Club

Sun 28 Jun 2015 - SWF Federation League (Played at Budleigh Salterton CC)

Budleigh Salterton v Cornwall

On Sunday June 28th three Cornwall members played Budleigh Salterton in their second Federation league match of the season. Cornwall were represented by David Edwards (handicap 6), Des Honey (8), and Peter Dexter (16). Their opponents were Jacqui Hardcastle (9), Elaine Marsh (8), and Malcolm Beaver (9). Morning rain quickly cleared to leave very pleasant playing conditions on Budleigh’s excellent lawns.

The morning’s play saw Des Honey play Elaine Marsh, in a game which for the first hour or so was rather slow and negative, with few hoops scored. Playing level, neither side had bisques, so there were no “get of jail” cards. As the game developed, Honey gained control, and playing well, achieved a 21-9 win. In the doubles, Edwards & Dexter played well together, and steadily built up a lead, managing to maroon Hardcastle on hoop 2, while Beaver scored 9 hoops, Dexter pegged out to give Cornwall a 2-0 lead at lunch.

One win only was needed by Cornwall in the afternoon singles. Dexter with seven bisques built a substantial lead against Beaver, but when the bisques were all used, Beaver steadily caught up, finally winning 24-21. Hardcastle had an altogether better afternoon, and playing very well for a good lead, gave Honey very little chance of catching up, finally winning 25-12. The game between Edwards & Marsh started slowly & defensively, with Marsh having the advantage of two bisques. The first part of the game saw Marsh move steadily ahead, but with no big breaks, generally leaving Edwards well separated. After the bisques were used, Edwards had a better chance of getting into the game, and worked out a small lead. In a tense finish, Edwards held on to win 19-17.

Final Score: Budleigh Salterton 2 Cornwall 3

Report by David Edwards