GC ‘A’ Level Series 0+ Championship 2024 FINAL
by Louise Smith Sixteen finalists gathered at Sidmouth Croquet Club for the GC ‘A’ Level Series 0+ National Final on the 28/29th September. With the courts closed just 24 hours prior to the tournament due to torrential rain, it was apparent the weather conditions needed careful monitoring from the outset. Fortunately, Saturday dawned bright and dry, and the blocks began with the top two seeds, Tony Butcher, (Southchurch), and Louise Smith, (Budleigh), bagging a couple of early wins. As the day progressed, Richard Gardiner, (Dowlish Wake), and Konstantin Yudintsev, (Sussex County), strode ahead, topping their respective blocks with 7 and 6 wins respectively. Block A had a wider range of scores, with Paul Gunn, (Wingrave), and Tony Butcher achieving 5 wins apiece, whilst three other competitors struggled with just 1 win each.
Block B was much tighter, with Andy Dochniak, (East Dorset), Louise Smith, and Bernie Phillips, (Guildford), all on 4 wins, and three other players attaining respectable 3 wins each. Having made good time to complete the blocks, and with the prospect of having to curtail the format on Sunday due to yellow rain and wind warnings, it was agreed to shorten and run the first round of the knock‐out stages on Saturday. The only real surprise was Block B winner Konstantin Yudintsev losing to Block B’s fourth placed Mike Bilton, (Gainsborough), 2/7. Mike joined Louise Smith, Andy Dochniak and Richard Gardiner for Sunday’s Semi Finals. The first Plate Knock‐Out round had some very competitive scores, with Ross Bagni (Leighton Linslade) moving forward to play Geoff Johnson (Watford), and Andy Jones (Phyllis Court) gaining a Plate Semi Final place with Sarah Clements, (Chester). Despite a slight reprieve on the forecast rain which was now due at lunchtime, all players faced challenging windy conditions on Sunday morning. The co‐Managers gave the Players the choice of format, and nevertheless, all remaining competitors opted for best‐of‐three game matches. The strong prevailing gale made it very difficult for players to keep a steady swing, and the courts were showered with seafoam spray ‐ like snowflakes ‐ whipped up by the relentless wind. Louise Smith took the first game from Mike Bilton, but never really got going in game 2. The third deciding game looked like a set win for Louise, but Mike fought back and ran a winning 13th hoop from an angled back boundary position. Richard Gardiner, unbeaten up to this point, also lost game 1 of the Semi Final to Andy Dochniak 3/7, but came back to take the remaining two games, and the match win 7/5, 7/6. The Plate Semi Final results promoted Ross Bagni and Andy Jones to the Plate Final. Meanwhile the two remaining players in the Saucer played a ‘final’ of their own, with David Boxell, (Hunstanton), beating Tony McCann, (Backworth), 2/0. Several brave spectators wrapped up and came along to watch the main National Final unfold. Mike seemed to find an extra gear, but Richard kept pace with some super long clearance and hoop running shots. Overall, it appeared that Mike’s longer experience prevailed, but only just – with the final results 7/6, 7/6. The tournament was concluded just in time before torrential rain fell for the remainder of the afternoon. Croquet England Trustee for the South‐West, Stuart M. Smith, attended to present the trophies to the worthy winners. Thanks were given to co‐Managers Louise Smith and Phillip Harris for their responsive approach in giving competitors as much play as possible, and ensuring the tournament reached a conclusion. Sidmouth Croquet Club grounds staff and volunteers were also commended for the marvellous job they did with the courts ‐ removing any surface water on Saturday, and even mowing first thing on Sunday morning. Many Congratulations to Mike Bilton, 2024 GC ’A’ Level Series 0+ National winner! Photo : Left ‐ Ross Bagni Plate Winner, Right‐ Mike Bilton National Final Winner
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