The 2024 Carol Hayward AC handicap singles competition was played at United Croquet Club over five Tuesday mornings from 6 February to 5 March. The weather was good each day.

Each morning an 18-point game was played with a time limit of two and a half hours with a break halfway for morning tea and a chat.

A total of 12 players entered the event with the manager, John Yarrall, filling in if there were an odd number of players. Thanks to Tony O’Donnell who filled in as manager on one day.

The format was flexible Swiss to allow players the option of not playing any week. Four games had to be played to be considered for a place.

After four rounds, three players were on 75% so a count back was inevitable. Full results are at https://croquetscores.com/2024/ac/carol-hayward.

The winner was Sue Stott for the third time winning 4 out of five games. Gay Jones was runner up also with four out of five wins, but with net hoops of 37 compared to Sue’s 41. Although opposition strength was not declared for tie-breaking, the average strength of Sue’s opponents was 58% compared to 55% for Gay.

Both Lyn Dawson and Tony O’Donnell had three wins out of five and both had 11 net points. The strength of Lyn’s opponents was 46% and Tony’s 44%.

For future years, consideration needs to be given to the means of resolving ties, using some combination of strength of opponents, who beat whom and net points.

Many thanks to Ryman for continuing to sponsor these events.