CROQUET

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 98, 5 February 1947, Page 3

CROQUET

LA ROCHE WINS FINAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP COMPLETED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 4. Croquet of a high standard was seen by a large crowd when C. la Roche beat Miss Claughton in the final of the open championship at the nation-

al tournament to-day. La Roche was first to get into play, but misjudging the (Strength of the lawn, missed roquet. Miss Claughton overran the first hoop and parked. In an out play followed until Miss Claughton baulked at the second hoop, letting in her opponent. La Roche then Avent to three back, where he missed the shot, when Miss Claughton made to four hack. La Roche, hitting in with a lift shot, carried his clip to the penultimate. Miss Claughton, hitting in, went from the second hoop to the peg. In the later turn she made the last tAvo lioops and pegged out to win by eight points. In the second game La Roche, getting the play, made a few points, after

which Miss Claughton, getting the play, carried her clip to four back. In the next turn she did not get position for the third hoop and retired. La Roche hit in and made round to four hack in tAvo turns. In and out play followed until La Roche reached four hack Avith his backward ball. Miss Clougliton then got the play and made four hack, penultimate and rover, but missed the return roquet, letting in her opponent. La Roche then made his points and pegged out his opponent’s ball. Miss Claughton Avas able to make one point before La Roche finished the winner by three points. In the last game La Roclie played perfect croquet, making round breaks, his opponent having the opportunity to score only one point. Other results Avere:

Women’s championship: Mrs Gilbert heat Mrs. Tingey 17-2, 26-16; Mrs Watkins beat Mrs Collins 26-12, 22-26, 26-25; Mrs McClellan beat Mrs Kirk 26-11, 23-26, 26-10. Handicap singles: Final —Saalfeld beat C. La Roche 26-17.