The GC Open Singles was held on Sunday, 11^th February at Fendalton Park Croquet Club.

Heavy rain the night before left one lawn unplayable until later in the morning. With a field of 16 playing a round robin in two blocks, double-banking was the order of the day. Players were happy to use our fifth lawn during the early rounds, until Lawn 2 became available, so as not to delay the finish.

Mike, the groundsman said the hoop holes were filled with water when he arrived on Sunday morning. Knowing the hammering the hoops would get he packed them for the start of the day, and had to repeat the procedure before the final rounds.

Although cold there was very little rain. Some of the younger men braved it all day in shorts while the older folk were adding layers. The sun was shining at 5.30 for the finals.

In Block 1 after six rounds Duncan Dixon and Josh Winter had each won six games, and met each other in Round 7. It was a close hard fought game with Josh taking it 7/6.  In Block 2 after six rounds Levi Franks and Paul Kaiser had each won six games, and met each other in Round 7. Not as close a game, Levi won 7/4.

The final between the two Cashmere chums was a repeat of the Premier Grades. Levi overcame Josh 7/4 and took the title which Josh had won the previous two seasons. On the other lawn the two United men, Duncan and Paul were battling it out for 3^rd and 4^th.  Duncan took this one 7/2.

Full results are at https://croquetscores.com/2024/gc/canterbury-nz-open-singles.