Tom Cooper at AC Nationals Tournament, and Camping!

The Association Laws Nationals recently took place in Hartfield, VA for 7 long days of croquet. Most days we played at least 3 matches of 2.5 to 3 hours each. Some days were longer.

Tom on a Roll

Tom and Zack Watson

Camp Cooper with the GGCC Flag

There were 26 contestants in four blocks to start. I had Matthew Essick, #2 in the World in my block, plus Danny Huneycutt who many of you know as a professional instructor and tournament director. Needless to say, it was tough going. I was very fortunate to get two wins which made me #16 out of the 16 players to make the play-offs where I met Zack Watson of North Carolina (pictured with me here). Zack ended up winning the doubles, came in 3rd in singles and sent me packing to go play in the plate, which is a competition for those knocked out before the semi-finals. I can honestly say, probably due to the many Saturdays at Green Gables playing with the very tough G-Men, that I was very much in each match. While it’s not at all unusual to lose 26-0, I was able to have a chance to win in each match and only lost to Matthew 26-22 with a chance to win late in the game.

A word about Covid. Although the USCA, our national organization, has cancelled several major events for the Fall, Club tournaments are still being scheduled. In the case of last week’s Nationals, everyone was masked unless they were playing on the lawn. Masks were strictly enforced, and people sat apart during lunch. I think everyone did a very good job holding to the rules. There were no dinners or large gatherings so things were not quite as elegant as in the past but there was plenty of comradery around the club.

I was proud to fly the Green Gables flag outside the tent through rain and shine, having a great time with a terrific group of players from all over the country. I highly recommend traveling to compete at any level. You meet wonderful people and gain new insights into playing the great game of croquet.

 

Tom Cooper

Members Round Robin Aug 22 - 23

The Green Gables Round Robin held August 21st -  23rd was blessed by good weather, keen competition and an atmosphere of conviviality and graciousness.

 

Second Flight Doubles

The second flight doubles featured a variety of players, including Jim Daniels, Eric Daniels and Jon Bonny, who had never played in a tournament before.  

All reported a new understanding of the rules, and the challenges of cooperation.

Several matches came down to multiple last turns and all teams won at least one game.

Jim and Eric came out on the top of the block, followed by the Grete Scott Entourage.

 

Participating teams were:

• Jim & Eric Daniels

• Chuck Reynolds & Jon Bonny

• Pat Richmond & Nancy Paris

• Grete Scott & Diane Fitzsimons (& Jo-Anne Nappi & Geri Venino)

 

First Flight Singles 

First Flight Singles was a showdown of familiar friends and foes.

Sam Collins appeared to be unstoppable, with his bold and daring play and giant swing, until he ran into the Green Gables Giant Killer, Karen Leoncavallo, who posted the only victory against Sam.

Players experienced both jubilation and heartbreak.

Jubilation as a ball mercifully runs a hoop.

Heartbreak as a ball clears the wicket and then rolls back into the wicket, not clearing it.

Disbelief as a carefully set up break opportunity is destroyed by a cross-court roquet.

Although it may be hard for non-croquet players to believe, but these 75 minute games were filled with laser focus, tension and excitement, for players and spectators.

 

Sam Collins did come out on top of the block, followed by Scott Kennedy & Dennis Leddy.

Participants were:

• Sam Collins

• Scott Kennedy

• Dennis Leddy

• Karen Leoncavallo

• Scott McMurray

• Richard Ricciardi

• Ric Venino

 

Special thanks for our generous board-keepers, especially Jo-Anne Nappi and Ann Leddy, 

Special thanks to our organizers and referees Loretta and Tom Cooper, Karen Leoncavallo and others.

 

Ann Leddy Controlling the Board

 

Pat Richmond & Nancy Paris. The Croquet Shot from Black for the Setup

Lining Up for the Wicket

The Swing...............

Never in Doubt, and Off to the Next!

Is Richard Playing Red and Yellow? Hope so...

Grete, Always Smiling

"Giant Killer" Karen Lining Up for the Attack

   Relaxed Karen with Richard

Dennis, of Course You Know What to Do....

Score, Pick Up Your Clip, Off to the Next Wicket...

Loretta Wins the Best Dressed with Her Hat and Bright Blue Scarf

Loretta Ref Extraordinaire Watching a Shot, Keeping the Peace

Future Players of the Daniels Clan, Hanging Out and Watching

Jim & Eric Daniels ,On a Roll at Their First Tournament Event

Awesome Chuck Reynolds Playing with Jon Bonny

Local Spring Lake Visitor Watching the Action, a.k.a. Potential Member.

Scott Shooting for 1 Back with Blue in Perfect Position 

It's All About the Wicket Count!!

Sad News, Ann Ix

Please see link to eulogy (link)

Wildly Wicked Wednesday

Thank you Karen for organizing Wildly Wicked Wednesday and the pizza dinner.

Coast Star Article - National Croquet Day

 Link to “National Croquet Day” page

 Direct Link to published article in PDF

Tuesday Morning Lessons Started!!

First things first. Our Tuesday morning lessons will resume this coming Tuesday, June 2, at 9:00 am. We worried that with Murray and Brenda Pollock remaining in Florida for the time being we might have to put off the beginning of lessons. However, Tom and Loretta Cooper, United States Croquet Association-certified instructors, have volunteered to step in. Players of all skill levels are welcome. If you haven’t had the pleasure of playing with Tom or Loretta, you are in for a treat.

In the spirit of getting the kinks out of your game, Loretta tells me that the first Tuesday lesson will be a swing clinic. “We will focus on the swing as the starting point for croquet.”

Official Start of the Season

No better to way to open the new season than to hammer in the first wicket with your brand new mallet! Photo credit Tom Cooper.