SCOTTISH OPEN CONTINUED English spring and I’m in a nice warming outfit - boy oh boy I’m warm.
ABM and Rick both take the second games, so semis both going to a third. Play is strong for the most part, ending with Rick and ABM in the final. Jane is now a little pooped, but we’re putting it down to the Ebola, which has spread down both legs to her feet. Nice friendly chats have gone out of the window as I’m just about keeping up with CroquetScores, who should play whom, fending off calls for increased time, moving lawns, getting in a beer and this. I’m hot. I glance across at Christophe and Verena Bergen from Austria, obviously used to warmer climes, wrapped up and potentially wearing thermals - I didn’t ask, but they looked…. chilly; meanwhile the Scottish are out and about in shorts and t-shirt ! Final of the plate begins between James and Stefan (Ebola consultant). In the main Final, ABM struggled to get back in the flow after his sextuple the previous day. Nice play from Rick with only a couple of hiccups, and the final was over in two. Congratulations to Rick, the new Scottish Open Champion in two games. (Restaurant booking safe). James won the plate and presentations were made. Then the whisky appeared - Port Charlotte – tasty, thank you Stefan. Thanks were mainly given to Campbell for his hard work on the lawns, but I can tell you this club has many keen, knowledgeable and able members, quietly checking borders for work needed, clearing bins, making decisions on the new kitchen, meeting potential room hires etc etc. If I lived even remotely near I’d be keen to call this my club. End of the tournament and Emma has provided a great message for all budding AC players : Having played GC for a couple of years I decided to take up the AC form of croquet last year, since then I have become hooked by it’s strategy and fascinated by the way each game can develop. This year I decided I would enter all local tournaments, not realising how prestigious some were or even how the Advanced Level was played. I have had a great weekend, playing against or rather simply just watching in awe and admiration at how the game can be played by extremely talented and gracious players. Final Note: Decision made, it can’t be Ebola as Campbell, Rick and I are still rash free, she must just be allergic to us.
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