Rain Mars Croquet Tourney Opening

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30897, 2 November 1965, Page 21

Rain Mars Croquet Tourney Opening

Heavy rain which set in late in the morning and continued throughout the day marred the New Zealand presidents’ croquet tournament which opened in Ashburton yesterday.

Several matches were postfpcned, amd only the first round of four matches was completed. Eight New Zealand-class players are taking part in the tournament, which is expected to continue until Friday. The programme provides for each competitor to play two matches against the other seven players during the week, making a total of 14 games each. At stake in the tournament will be the president’s silver plate, a trophy donated by the British Croquet Council. A play-off will be held to decide the winner ifotwo or more players tie with most wins.

The tournament was opened yesterday morning by the Mayor of Ashburton (Mr J. Davidson). Brief speeches were also made by Mrs I. Dempsey, representing the South Canterbury Croquet Association, and by Mr T. Searell on behalf of the New Zealand Croquet Council. The first round of play resulted:—

G. Rowling (Motueka) 26, K. Woollett (Wanganui) 16; Mrs E. Todd (Auckland) 26, J. Campbell (Auckland) 11: H. C. Ford (Wellington) 26, Mrs C. T. Wadsworth (Auckland) 22; C. T. Wadsworth (Auckland) 26, Mrs 1.. Hight (Thames Valley) 14.