Federation Level play Millennium Golf

Golf Croquet players descended upon Fylde Croquet Club to play the final tournament of the 2018 season, the missing ‘GC Millennium Level Play’.

Fittingly after the summer we’ve had the single day event was played in bright sunshine with unbroken blue sky. The format was all-play-all, 19 point single games, which led (despite the official hoop order being stated on the Tournament Notice Board) to some very interesting routes used to play the required 10 points!

The handicaps of the Players ranged from 2 to 12, FCC's Ted Walker was playing in his very first tournament, just why the Federation holds these events. Fabulous to see and be a part of, plenty of Fylde Members came down to watch and support, a very good day was had by those who attended. Thank you Fylde!

Federation Chairman Paul Rigge presents Libby Dixon with the Millenium LPG Trophy.

The manager’s worst nightmare unfolded during the final round with three combatants all conspiring to finish on four wins each and each, having their single loss shared between them, so who beat whom didn’t help… to the rescue came ‘Net Hoops’; David Cornes and Frank Sharpes couldn’t even be split with them but thankfully, Libby Dixon was clear by a one hoop differentiator ahead of them both, so Libby is the 2018 NW Champion. Phew……

Paul Rigge, 6th October 2018

STOP PRESS - Ken Harper Wins The Green Trophy

The Webmeister is moved to comment in the style of Sir Henry John Newbolt ...

There's a breathless hush in the Close tonight
Peg to make and the match to win
A bumping pitch and a blinding light
A minuet to play and the last ball in.

The Full Lawn Association Croquet Final was held in glorious sunshine on Tuesday 25th September. Some classy and some sloppy play made for an interesting match. With Ken on Peg and Rover Catherine hit in and pegged Ken’s peg ball out putting his rover ball into the far distance. She then proceeded to run a confident turn from 2 back to rover using all three balls before dispatching Ken back to the far corner of the lawn leaving her two balls in the middle. Ken had a shot and missed leaving his ball also close by. Catherine then attempted to run rover with the wrong ball. The crowd of two realised what was happening but could say nothing. Even oppo didn’t realise what was going on. She failed! Ken hit Catherine’s ball and finished. Score 26 – 23 to Ken. Well done to both of you.

Liz 25th September

Through the roof

The problem, solution and FCC F1 Girls who fixed it.

Philip also helped...

the view from the roof

Storm Ali took the felt off the front of the middle shed. A crash team went to the lawns of Friday morning and removed the old felt before the rain swept in. It is all ready for the new felt – we just need a few dry hours.

From U to D, Philip, Liz, Ian & Eileen fix the roof.

In the meantime with grateful thanks to past members Eddie and Jo who moved down South but left us some ground sheets the roof is temporarily waterproof. Well done Philip, Ian, Eileen and Liz

20th September 2018

this year’s F.A.B. Cup

The two finalists took to the lawns for their first competitive game. Shelagh Fagan took an early lead and played some skilful croquet to get to the peg with her first ball with 4 bisques remaining. Alison Broughton replied with a wobbly break to hoop 6 using most of her 10 bisques. The game then continued with the odd hoop being snatched here and there. On time both competitors had a ball on peg and a second ball on hoop 5.

We have two potentially brilliant players in the club.

Alison stuck in the hoop, Shelagh shot at it and hit the hoop full on moving the ball. Unfortunately it was the hoop that moved the ball and not a roquet. All tense stuff. Alison played a hoop approach and struck her ball firmly through the hoop. Plus one on time to Alison. Well done to both. The golden hoop was watched by visiting lawn expert Duncan Hector and a crowd of two !

The King of Spades with the Ace of Clubs.

15th September 2018

Preparing for the All England Area Championship

Spectators will be most welcome this weekend. Top class bisque play will be on display and Alan will be representing us again after missing out from the final in a very close finish last year.

Twice cross mowed by Richard.

31st August 2018

Trafalgar Plate

The Trafalgar plate has been completed.

Sue Clarke beat Lindsay in one semi-final (7-6) and in the other semi-final Jude came back from 6 -5 down to beat Geoffrey 7 -6

Sue and Jude played the final in front of an enthusiastic spectator crowd of Lindsay, Carole, Sita, Freda and Angela and whilst it was level most of the way through Sue came out the winner 7 -5. Congratulations to all of you for finishing the competition in good time.

Posted by Liz, a happy Match Captain, 22nd August 2018

Fylde Golf Competition Day

What lovely weather for our scheduled Golf Competitions The Progress Cup (Level play) and the Midgeland Trophy (handicap) have previously been run simultaneously, but this year many members wanted to have a go at both the Level play was run in the morning as a seeded knock out with the final being played between Jan Smith and Ian Theakstone. At 6 – 4 to Jan it looked like it was the runner-up spot for Ian however a series of interesting and lucky (some would say skilful) shots brought Ian home the winner of the Progress Cup.

Jan & Ian in the Progress Cup Final.

It the afternoon a Swiss competition catered for 16 members. The final pairing on 3 wins each was between Sue Elsmore and Ted Walker. At the end of a long afternoon of croquet both players should be commended for managing a 4th game. Sue Elsmore came out the winner 7 – 5.

Spectating in the Sunshine.

Well done to all members for competing and contributing to a great day of sport.

Posted by Liz (Manager), 5th August 2018

Pendle Midweek

Liz presented the two Peters with the Doubles Trays.

Once again Liz managed and catered for the Pendle mid week tournament with 7 trophies on offer. Never before had Pendle seen such scorched earth and high temperatures for a prolonged spell.

The Fylde pairing of the two Peters regained their trophies for a second time taking advantage of some long roquets in the final.

Peter also picked up the fastest game trophy in 75 minutes in an advanced game against Fylde's old boy Terry Vernazza.

3rd - 6th July 2018

Boss storms crake

David Williamson presents Liz with the Cumbria Cup.

The tournament started in driving rain but Liz put together yet another controlled 9-12-5 to start with a win. A lawn was briefly lost to puddling while the heavy rain continued. The drainage was coping on the other. More fine Croquet from Liz, hardly a hoop missed all day. On a dry Sunday morning the beautiful lawns reveiled their true colours by playing smooth and fast. Liz's game became a three ball, became a two ball and the game was won +1. She concluded with a 8-12-6 in the afternoon.

With a score of 5/5 in an incomplete block she was unanimously declared the winner.

17th June 2018

National Croquet Day

A big turn out from members and Nordic Walkers from 10am to Sun down. Many people tried Croquet for the first time today. Lots of snacks turned up too. A wonderful day weatherwise always helps proceedings.

13th May 2018

Milleennium Short

Sharpshooters Liz and Peter represented FCC at Chester in a four round Swiss. The Chestert lawns were in excelent shape and offered everone good games. John Dawson Managed the event and CCC provided the excelent facilities and food from their club house. Although advertised by the manager and the lack of waterproofing needed, FCC were the only team to wear their colours. Unfortunately Liz and Peter had to play each other in the second round somwhat lengthening the bookies odds for a FCC win. It was great to see the trophy again, supplied by FCC when we resurected the tournament five years ago. We were a couple of hoops away from winning it.

12th May April 2018

UU on Midgeland Road dun good

The culvert into the new surface water drainage pipe work beneath Midgeland Road has been completely re-engineered it looks to include a new water catchment area with a sump. This could well improve the water run off from our lawns. See news 21st January for comparison.

This has now been bricked, new photo required!

21st April 2018

Friday is tiday

  • Thanks to Geoffrey and Philip – lawn treatment
  • John and Ian – lawn layout
  • Carole and Angela – pavilion cleaning
  • Eileen – croquet store cleaning
  • Alan and Liz – sorting and tidying

Fast refueling in the pits is essential.

9th March 2018

King of Spades Reports

The drainage ditch from the lawns to the Midgeland Road culvert is now running free and has been cleared of leaves, mud, twigs, plastic bags and weeds.

Update 27th January: The remaining ditches around the lawns have now been checked and cleared where necessary.The south ditch was completely blocked in places and overgrown with brambles and weeds. The west ditch is still overgrown but appears to be clear without any obvious blockage.

23rd January 2018

Newest Blues

Congratulations to those playing their first league match for us this season. They were all presented with their blues at the annual dinner today. We hope they have a successful, enjoyable and fun 2018 season.

L to R, Carol Ramsbottom, Lindsay Campbell, Sue Clarke, Jude Acda, Andy Brandwood and Sita Gough.

11th November 2017

THE FAB Trophy

Winner & R/U.

(Fylde Association Beginners). Seven newly trained association players entered this event. Eileen Moore was given a bye as she had an early morning date with a builder. Ted Walker played John Derbyshire and won 7 – 5. Jan Smith played Jean Audsley and won 9 – 4. Phil Blewitt played Barbara Walker and won 10 – 2. In the 2nd round Jan played Eileen and won 8 – 4. Ted played Phil and in a very close match which could have gone either way Ted came out the winner 14 – 11.

The final was set up between Jan and Ted. Ted went to peg with his first ball and as Jan did the same she was advised (advise flowed freely!) to peg Ted’s ball out. She did this with some skill but unfortunately followed his ball on to the peg and so the match came down to a game of one ball. Both 2nd balls were for hoop one and Ted pulled ahead. However with Jan’s remaining 4 bisques to Ted’s 2 Jan caught up, overtook and won with the final score 14 – 10. It was a great day with lots of good sportsmanship and enjoyment.

Fylde have some potentially good AC players coming through! Well done to the class of 2017

The players.

14th October 2017

The 2017 News has been Archived Here

23rd November 2016