2020 Federation of East Midlands Croquet Clubs 14pt AC League Report

Report by Bob Thompson

After several years of being left on the back burner, the federation 14pt AC League was back in action at Ashby on one of the hottest days of the year.

Four 3-person teams entered the 14pt AC League competition, Ashby, Pinchbeck, Nottingham A and Nottingham B hosted by the Ashby club on Saturday 8th August. With Covid 19 restrictions, the teams were mindful of self-distancing during the day and all equipment being washed down before and after play. The format was for three 1.5 hour timed single handicap games, played to base 4.

The morning play saw Nottm A win 2-1 over Ashby, Pinchbeck won 3-0 against Nottm B.

The early afternoon saw Ashby 2-1 winners beating Nottm B and Pinchbeck produced another maximum 3-0 win against Nottm A.

The late afternoon saw Pinchbeck securing a 2-1 win over Ashby 2-1 and Nottm B a 2-1 win over fellow club members Nottm A.

All teams finished with a match win, more than 70% of the matches were won/loss by 5 hoops or less.

With an impressive 3 out of 3 match victories, Pinchbeck won the 2020 FEMCC AC 14pt League competition. Patricia Duke-Cox, Federation Chair, thanked everyone for taking part, the Ashby club for hosting and presented the salver.

Many thanks to the Ashby club for hosting the event in these trying times, hopefully we shall be back to normality next year.

It was pleasing to note that there was a 50/50 split of ladies and gents, it being the first games played in a federation event for some whilst the seasoned player would have to check their handicap cards to recollect the number of events attended.

During the blistering heat of the day players made use of the shade aside the hedgeline wherever possible, one player settled himself in corner two of lawn three with water bottle, binoculars and paperwork, he was hoping to extend his bird spotting experiences, but he was required to break cover now and then to run the occasional hoop. One player intended to go home and cool down in the pool. For another player who couldn't get enough croquet, had arranged to play GC with fellow club member Mike O'Brian who came along to watch the play and renew acquaintances.

Bob Thompson
FEMCC AC League Manager