BUDLEIGH GC B, C & D SERIES APRIL 2026
By Louise Smith
Over a very busy three days, 10-12th April, sixty-four players competed in four tournaments at the top facilities provided by Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club. As ever, the courts were presented in pristine condition by the dedicated grounds team, and we offer our thanks and recognition to all club volunteers that contribute to these efforts ensuring high standards and an enjoyable experience for all competitors. Thanks are also due to visiting Referees, Brian Wilson, Steve Bennett and Ian Burridge for their efforts in resolving any issues that arose during play. GC ‘D’ Level (10+) Series Friday began with the GC ‘D’ Level (10+) Series managed by Stuart M. Smith. Seven of the sixteen competitors were making their tournament debut, travelling from Phyllis Court, Bath, Watford and Taunton Deane. John Warren (Taunton Deane), Roger Isaac (Budleigh), and Mike Gorvette (Bradford upon Avon) made strong starts each gaining a full house of three wins in their respective blocks. They were joined in the main knockout stages by Marion Bedford (Bath), Lynn Wulcko (Camerton & Peasedown), Martin Sloots (Watford), Michael Bellotti (Budleigh) and Monica Baker (Bradford upon Avon) all with 2 game wins. Amid the majority female competitors, it was only Michael Bellotti that survived the first Main knockout round, to face Lynn Wulcko in the semi-final. Monica Baker and Marion Bedford took the second semi-final places. Both Wulcko and Baker despatched their respective opponents with 7-3 wins, earning places in the Main Final. The Main Final saw an on-form Lynn Wulcko dominate the game leading to a 7-1 victory over Monica Baker in her first ever tournament and gaining a place at the National GC ‘D’ Level Series Final in September (19/20th @ Compton). In the Plate, Andrew Kingsnorth (Budleigh) had some tight games (7-6 and 7-5) to reach the Plate Final with Carol Gorvett having a slightly more comfortable journey (7-3 and 7-4). The Plate Final was a close contest with Gorvette the victor on the 13th hoop. GC ‘C’ Level (7+) Series Saturday’s GC ‘C’ Level (7+) Series also saw an impressive turnout of female players, comprising 12 of the 16 competitors.
Andrew Jackson (Guildford) was the only player achieving 3 wins in the block stages, with all other Main Knockout qualifiers on 2 wins each. Jackson was swiftly relegated to the Bowl with a 1/7 loss to Susan Bellew (Bristol) in the Quarter Final round; Kevin Currie (Watford) was narrowly defeated by Christine Moore (Bristol), 6-7. Lynn Wulcko (Camerton and Peasedown) in her second KO of the weekend, secured a swift win over Julia Green (Phyllis Court) 7-3; as did Clare Rockall (Gainsborough), 7-3 playing Helen Metcalf (Winchester). Entering the semi-finals, having put in a strong performance throughout, Rockall was favourite for the main title and quickly gained her place beating Christine Moore 7-5. The other semi-finalists, Susan Bellew and Lynn Wulcko played well, with Bellew’s increasing confidence showing and earning her a 7-4 victory. As the Main Final got underway, Bellew played a positive game, taking every chance that presented itself, and established an early lead. Clare Rockall – the more experienced player – gave an admirable performance but was unable to recover, with Bellew winning the game and her first tournament, 7-2 and a place at the National ‘C’ Level Finals (26/27th September @ Wrest Park). In the Plate, Yvette Currie (Watford) and Catriona Peterson (Nottingham) appeared the two stronger contenders with Peterson’s accomplished jumping ability a favourable asset. Two Budleigh locals, Jennifer Norton-Smith and Yvonne Price gave both players tougher games in the Semi Finals but
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