A field of 18 players contested the Grades Competition this year. The games were played Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November 2024 at St Martins Croquet Club in fine weather until the usual Canterbury easterly made its presence felt from 3pm with players and referees donning  jackets and for some their wooly hats.  

Although entries were down on last season’s numbers it was encouraging to see new players in their first CCA tournament, including one player from Ashburton.  All players managed 5 games before the semi finalists were found. Play was of a high standard with many games going to the 13th hoop. 

Semi finalists were: Vince van den Dorpe, Rangiora: Alison Lowe, Cashmere; Leon Busch, Holmes Park; and Tony Bilish, Holmes Park. Both these games went to the wire with Alison managing to get hoop 13 over Vince – interesting to watch this game as no player got two hoops in a row. The other semi saw Leon take the game on the 12th hoop from Tony.

The final between Alison and Leon was another game that went to the 13th hoop after some great clearing shots and hoop running. 

Well done to Leon the eventual winner, Alison – runner up. Vince taking third place from Tony.

Well done to all players and thanks to the referees, John Borner and Maria Narbey and assistant Manager Janet Scott

Full results are at https://croquetscores.com/2024/gc/canterbury-primary-grade-silver-badge

Gay Jones  Manager