Wilkinson Sword 2024
3 August 2023, Knightswood
There were teams from Aberdeen and Crathes (ACCC), Auchincruive, Balgreen and Glasgow for this annual handicap doubles tournament, held at Knightswood in Glasgow. The weather was generally fine, with just a few refreshing showers. The lawns were generally in good condition, though some repairs were needed at hoop 6 on one lawn due to damage by birds.
Defending champions Aberdeen were playing against Auchincruive first up, and it was agreed to play Alternate Stroke Doubles (all other matches used traditional doubles). The game was quite cautious, and more than once the damaged hoop 6 caused a break to end in grief. Auchincruive were making reasonable progress with their bisques, but unfortunately had to use another one when Steve Rivett failed to move a ball in a croquet shot (he is a good golf croquet player but is relatively new to AC). Eventually, the bisques ran out and Aberdeen won 18-12 with just a minute left on the clock. On the other lawn, Glasgow’s father and son team of Stephen and Reuben Barnett had a tough time against Balgreen, losing 4-18, but it was Reuben’s first AC game for around three years.