A North Wales croquet club has reached the final of a national golf croquet tournament after hosting the event for the first time on Saturday (July 31).
The first team of Llanfairfechan Croquet Club, the Seagulls, came top of the northern section of the Welsh CA team competition, and will face the winners of the southern heats, Glamorgan Reds, in the national final at Llanidloes Croquet Club on Saturday, September 11.
The Seagulls saw off the Llanfairfechan second team, the Puffins, as well as two sides each from Craig-y-Don and Llanidloes, to take top spot.
Club founder Georgina Hollas said: “It has been a great honour for the Llanfairfechan Club to host such a prestigious competition and it is the first time that the Club has hosted a national competition.
“It will also be the very first time that this entire tournament has been held in Wales.”
It was an exciting event which, at one stage, looked as though the Puffins (Tom and Sandy Grieveson, Rod Bowden and club president Anwen Lloyd Williams) would take first place from the Seagulls (James Thomas, Martin Tovey and Martyn ‘Sam’ Seal).
Also in attendance were Robin Millar, MP for Aberconwy, as well as Llanfairfechan Mayor, Penny Andow, and Consort, Jo Pugh.
Giles Pepperell, who joined Llanfairfechan earlier this year and helped photograph the event, added: “The main point of the day was how friendly it all is – a great park, and you meet wonderful people.
“You’re always welcomed at other places, and we certainly do our best to welcome other players and clubs to Llanfairfechan, and that’s what happened on Saturday.
“There was a lot of preparation last week starting on Monday – I was looking for a casual day and got there, and discovered there was raking and mowing and discussions, so a few of us were there nearly every day tidying, talking to the council, getting the hedge cut.
“We had the local MP visit, our lawns were looking fantastic, the rain held off – it was a fantastic day and fun was had by all.”
Golf croquet differs from association croquet in that, unlike association croquet, there are no additional turns for hitting other balls.
Each player takes a stroke in turn, each trying to hit a ball through the same hoop.
“Golf croquet is basically easier, less complicated and more social, because with association croquet, you could be sitting at the side-line watching the other player, if they’re really good, essentially going all the way around the court in one turn,” Giles added.
“Whereas, in golf croquet, you’re walking around with other people, having a bit of a chat and a laugh.
“Both can become a bit obsessive. I love it and go to the clubhouse even when not planning to play or practise just for the social side and to support teams in matches – there are a good few every season.
“They’re a very friendly and welcoming lot, as I imagine 99 per cent of clubs and players are.
“Anyone is welcome to come and try the game before joining. It suits any age and ability level, with existing players keen to teach.”
Before September’s final, the Llanfairfechan club will be attending the North West Federation Festival of Croquet, to be held in Southport during the weekend of August 14-15.
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