Caesars first match of the season was played at Coronation Park against an evenly matched Southport team.
The morning started with Tony and Chris playing in the doubles giving away 2 ½ bisques to their opponents which, with the consistent way they played, was more than enough for Southport to defeat them 26-1.
Phil was narrowly beaten in his singles match whilst Anne kept Caesars hopes alive by winning her match comfortably.
Following lunch in the singles Chris’ match placed him against and equal handicap opponent in Bill meaning no bisques were had at all and although there was a lot of changes of the lead Chris went behind by 5 hoops with 45 minutes to go.
Having managed to claw back the lead both players were for peg with both balls, Chris managing to peg one out first. It then became a shoot-out and after some narrow misses it was taken by Southport 26-25.
Tony gave bisques to Tony from Southport and despite some good play was defeated 26-15.
Both Phil and Anne were still in it at this point with Anne having a commanding lead over Eddie which ultimately led her to a 20-5 victory on time.
Phil was 2 ahead when the timer went with his opponent Peter having the innings. It was a tense finish, but Peter clanged the last hoop he needed to draw level leaving Phil with a 15-14 win on time.
A good series of matches but unfortunately the win went to Southport 4-3
Report by Chris Alvey
Match Report - Bury Short Lawn Team v Fylde CC,
Whitehead Park, Saturday 12th April 2025
The first Bury league match of the 2025 season at Whitehead Park, our Short lawn team welcomed Fylde CC on a gloriously sunny day.
It took both teams time to adjust to the speed of the lawns which were in great condition. Bury had the best of the morning session winning seven of the eight games, however Fylde faired better in the afternoon winning five games.
The overall result Bury 10, Fylde 6.
Teams:
Bury - Vi Richards - Captain, David Barrett, Richard Leach, Roger Schofield.
Fylde - Alison Broughton - Captain, Ian Theakstone, Barry Broughton, Robert Brentwood.
Richard Leach won all 4 of his games and Roger 3.
A good positive start to the season.
Report & photo Roy Spencer
Pre-season Supper & Awards
Friday 28th March 2025, Whitehead Park
Approximately forty members attended a special event at Whitehead Park celebrating success of 2024 tournament and internal competition winners.
The committee having made the decision to move the annual dinner to the end of the croquet season 2025, it was recognised that an event was necessary to celebrate the success of those members who won competitions in 2024.
The Chair, Roy Spencer welcomed members to the evening and explained that before making presentations, the committee felt that it was appropriate to thank a special group of people that have helped our players over many years – the coaches.
Accordingly, David Barrett, Ken Jones, John Gilmartin and Margaret Eccles were invited to come forward and receive a token gift and a round of applause. (Pictured). Chris Alvey who could not be present was also recognised.
The committee were pleased to welcome Jean Hargreaves and Janet Wood as special guests, both long term and hard-working members of the club.
Jean was presented with a gift (pictured) in recognition of her work in many and varied roles in the club.
Club Honorary President David Barrett was then invited to present various trophies to the winners.
Unfortunately, not all successful players could be present, including Ged Smolskas who had a magnificent year winning ten tournaments at clubs around the country. Also not present:
Chris Williamson – winner AC Full Lawn
Paul Kenworthy – winner AC Advanced.
Trophies were presented to:
Dawn Meachin – winner Golf Handicap
Simon Attwell – winner Golf 8+ Handicap
Richard Leach – winner Golf Level Play
Richard Leach & Barbara Duncan – winners Gold Level Doubles
David Barrett – winner One Ball
Bernard Lord – winner Boules
David Artingstall was presented with the trophy having won the Bury CC Heat of the National C Level GC Series, going on to take part in the National Final at Watford CC.
David performed very well, and whilst not bringing home the silverware on this occasion was the highest ranked Northern player.
Following the presentations guests took enjoyed an excellent finger buffet, followed by a delightful croquet cake. (Pictured).
The buffet was followed by a table team challenge with members of taking part in basketball and target croquet games. The ultimate winners being, Target Croquet, Richard Leach and Basketball, David Artingstall.
Grateful thanks for the organisation of what all present agreed was a most enjoyable and well organised evening are due to Simon Attwell, Gail Burnett and Elaine Bretherton.
First social of the 2025 calendar year saw a fewer number than 2024 but still a fantastic turnout by
Club members.
22 members played with a further 3 as spectators, thankfully the bad weather abated, although still
cold and wet.
An enjoyable evening was had by all
8 played 2 games and 14 played 3 games
Participants playing 2 game on lanes 3-4 were -
Margaret Anderton, David Barrett, Ken Eccles, Steve Lent, Dawn Meachin, Duncan Meachin,
Roger Schofield and Roy Spencer
Particpants playing 3 games on Lanes 5-8 were –
Ken Anderton, Helen Artenstall, David Artenstall, Ian Birkett, Hilary Hamer, Peter Hamer,
Richard Leach, Bernard Lord, Pat Lord, Helena Nuttall, Phil Nuttall, Ian Saunders,
Gabija Smolskiene, Gediminas Smolskas
Prize Winners on the night
Highest score first game – Ian Saunders 127
Highest score second game – Peter Hamer 117
Highest score third game – Gediminas Smolskas 96
2 game overall winner – Steve Lent 199
2 game overall runner-up – Duncan Meachin 179
2 game overall third – Dawn Meachin 165
3 game overall winner – Phil Nuttall 383
3 game overall runner-up – David Artenstall 337
3 game overall third – Ken Anderton 307
Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone.
Big thankyou to Margaret Eccles for collating all the scores, Helena Nuttall for being presentation
photographer and to our Chairman Roy Spencer for other photos and presenting the prizes
£81.20 was raised on the night.
