Posted on by paulfelton

More National Success For Broadwas GC Players


Tournament manager Jon Carrington presented the competition trophy to Billy Cooke, seen with runner-up, Jeff Faulkner.

Broadwas players have excelled again in a national golf croquet tournament.

Billy Cooke and Jeff Faulkner were the finalists in the Broadwas heat of the GC B-level (3+) series tournament held at Stoney Ley on Wednesday.

In sweltering heat, Billy and Jeff battled through the blocks competition held in the morning to qualify for the main knockout competition in the afternoon.

Sixteen low-handicap players from clubs in England and Wales visited Broadwas for the B-level tournament which culminates in a National Final which is to be held at East Dorset Croquet Club, Poole, in September.

Jim Dryden in action during the morning’s blocks competition

Joining Billy and Jeff was Jim Dryden who was drafted in as a reserve player, late on Tuesday.

During the day, Billy revealed that Wednesday was the first anniversary of his membership of Broadwas Croquet Club.

In the final, Billy beat Jeff – his coach and mentor – 7-3.

Billy Cooke during Wednesday’s final

Jim took 6th position by beating Steve Baldwin 7-5 in the Shield competition.

On his way to victory in the competition, Billy beat Steve Fisher 7-4, Klim Sebright 7-4 and Alastair Broom 7-3 in  Block D. He then beat Steve Baldwin 7-6 in the quarter-final and John Duplock in the semi-final, 7-5.

In Block C, Jeff beat Stephanie White 7-4, Steve Baldwin 7-6 and Edwin Bone, 7-3.  Jeff beat Alastair Broom 7-6 in the quarter-final and Trevor J Smith 5-3 in the semi-final.

Jeff Faulkner hoops during the final with Billy Cooke

Victories for Jim Dryden included a 7-1 win over Nigel Balchin and a 7-3 win over Gill Hindshaw in Block A, before beating Steve Baldwin 7-5 in the semi-final of the Shield competition.  

Billy has already won two GC C-level titles this season – at Bury in May and Woking in June.  The latest win in the Broadwas B-level tournament now entitles him to enter both the C and B-Level finals.

Billy Cooke clinches victory by running the last hoop, on Wednesday

The Broadwas heat was enjoyed by all competitors and was ably managed by Jon Carrington. John Guy was the referee for the tournament and refreshments were provided by Jean Faulkner, Gill Richardson and Jackie Guy. Many thanks for all your hard work and an extremely enjoyable day.

Paul Felton

(More pictures below)

John Guy’s refereeing skills were constantly in demand during the B-level tournament on Wednesday
Jim Dryden hoops during his blocks game with Moreton-in Marsh’s Gill Hindshaw
One of Jeff’s techniques for solving hampering by the hoops
After this visit to the lawns by Gwen, Billy’s play improved noticably
It was imperative that players kept themselves hydrated during the heat of the day. Jeff is seen during his game against Stephanie White
Billy launches the red during a firm clearance
Jeff’s jump shot was a little more vigorous than was required
Billy catches some rays while waiting for a double-banking bottleneck to clear
Despair after a shot didn’t quite work for Billy