S.I. CROQUET

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30642, 7 January 1965, Page 9

S.I. CROQUET

Men Players Superior (N.Z. Press Association) TIMARU, January 6. Some thrilling finishes were seen when matches continued today in the South Island croquet tournament at Timaru. One fact emerging is that the men players are proving superior to the women.

F. W. Gurnsey, a minus 2 player from Christchurch, is a warm favourite for the open title. He is in fine form and made two good breaks in his game against Mrs H. Dempsey (Waimate) to win 26-5, 26-11. Results were:

Open Championship.—First Round: F. W. Gurnsey (Christchurch) beat Mrs H. Dempsey (Waimate), 26-5, 26-11; A. Bonisch (Gore) beat Mrs W. Walker (Timaru), 26-22, 26-9; J. J. Campbell lAuckland) beat Mrs W. Ellis (Christchurch), 26-15, 26-10.

Women's Championship.—First Lifers: Mrs H. Whitehead (Dunedin) beat Mrs C. J. Pomeroy (Christchurch), 26-23; Mrs L. M. Hight (Morrinsville) beat Mrs R. Stewart (Christchurch), 26-11; Mrs W. Walker (Timaru) beat Mrs H. Alabaster (Dunedin). 26-12; Mrs W. Salton (Oamarui beat Mrs L. M. Restall (Oamaru), 26-23; Mrs L. H. Hight (Morrinsville) beat Mrs A. Kirk (Christchurch), 26-21. Men’s Championship.—First Life: G. Broadhead (Timaru) beat D. J. Miskimmin (Christchurch). 26-24: F. W. Gurnsey (Christchurch) beat H. R. Abbott (Christchurch), 26-16. Second Life: C. J. Pomeroy (Christchurch) beat Miskimmin, 26-22. Chamnionship Doubles.—First Life: H. P. Abbott and W. J. Mitchell (Christchurch) beat M. Porter and Mrs Porter (Oamaru), 26-11. Second Life: Mesdames H. Alabaster and J. H. Whitehead (Dunedin) beat Mesdames W. Salton and L. M. Restall (Oamaru), 26-17; C. J. Pomeroy and Mrs Pomerov (Christchurch), lost to J. J. Campbell (Auckland) and Mrs F. Irwin. Singles.—First Round: Mrs E .Loach (Timaru) beat Mrs E. Ferguson (Timaru). 26-25 Second Round: Mrs J. Moir (Timaru) beat Mrs Loach, 26-11.