East v West v North of Scotland 2019

1-2 June 2019, Meadows

The 17th annual match between the East and West, which had included North of Scotland from 2014, attracted a disappointingly low number of players.  North, having won the event in 2015 and 2016, had not been able to find a team after 2017.  Thus only 10 players over two days were split between East and West, to play 27 games, a combination of 18-point AC (13 games), Short Croquet (6) and 13-point GC (8) and resulting in a close contest.   Management was shared between Brian Cosford as Captain for West and Roger Binks for East.

The first day enjoyed good weather, despite a hint of rain.  The traditional sounds and effects of the Meadows Festival added variety.  Starting with five players for East and four for West, it was pleasing to see GC preference players opting for Short Croquet and using bisques sensibly.  To keep play going, it was decided that AC games having equal hoops at time would count as a draw, rather than take time for a golden hoop. That evening there was one win only separating the teams.  Day two had forecast heavy rain (which did not materialise). That and a conflict with the French Tennis Open and other prior commitments depleted the numbers by four, but enhanced by one to leave teams of three for the second session.  A leisurely day ensured ending when all had played each other sufficient times, and had enjoyed the tea.  During the weekend, a few spectators called in, including a couple of enquires about croquet in Edinburgh.

The result was a marginal win (17 to 16½) for West, using a point system of 1½ for AC and 1 for SC and GC, with hoop totals of 266 against 264.  Those remaining throughout had enjoyed their games and each other's company.  Hopefully the next fixture will be better supported.

Roger Binks

Results (East names first)


SATURDAY

18 point AC
Jola Jurasinska drew with Kevin Wright, 12-12
Lyn Gilpin drew with Jamieson Walker, 12-12
Lyn Gilpin lost to Kevin Wright, 9-13
Roger Binks lost to Jamieson Walker, 12-18
Vivien Wightman beat Brian Cosford, 12-11
Roger Binks beat Kevin Wright, 12-7
Roger Binks lost to Brian Cosford, 11-18

13 point GC
Vivien Wightman beat Michele Wright, 7-2
Roger Binks beat Michele Wright, 7-4
Vivien Wightman lost to Brian Cosford, 4-7
Bruce Bennet lost to Michele Wright, 4-7
Jola Jurasinska beat Brian Cosford, 7-2
Jola Jurasinska lost to Jamieson Walker, 3-7


SUNDAY

Short Croquet
Bruce Bennet beat Brian Cosford, 14-9
Bruce Bennet beat Michele Wright, 14-6
Bruce Bennet lost to Jamieson Walker, 11-14
Vivien Wightman beat Michele Wright, 14-3

18 point AC
Roger Binks lost to Kevin Wright, 7-14
Allan Hawke beat Brian Cosford, 18-15
Lyn Gilpin lost to Brian Cosford, 8-13
Allan Hawke lost to Kevin Wright, 3-18
Lyn Gilpin lost to Kevin Wright, 11-13
Roger Binks beat Brian Cosford, 14-12

13 point GC
Allan Hawke beat Michele Wright, 7-5
Allan Hawke lost to Michele Wright, 3-7

Short Croquet
Lyn Gilpin beat Michele Wright, 14-9
Roger Binks beat Michele Wright, 14-8