CROQUET TOURNEY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1938, Page 11

CROQUET TOURNEY

NEARING CONCLUSION

The "Wellington croquet championships have now concluded, with the exception of the Champion of Champions event, the finals of which are being played today.

Yesterday Mrs. Henderson defeated Mrs. Cadwallader in the finals of the first life of the ladies' championship, and as Mrs. Henderson had already won the second, life, Mrs. Mouat had to play Mrs. Cadwallader for runnerup in the event.

Mrs: Henderson and Mrs. Cadwallader were- both" shooting well, and at one stage Mrs. Cadwallader had a •slight-lead,, 'but Mrs. Henderson, by steady play,- gradually drew ahead, and won by four points. In the play-off between Mrs. Cadwallader and Mrs. Mouat, the latter player was failing at the hoops and could not-get going, while Mrs. Cadwallader was not only shooting well, but her judgment of- the strength of the- lawn was good. The game did not last long, Mrs, Mouat being only able to score 5 points. In the A grade champion of champions event, Mrs. Henderson met Mrs. Bryan in the semi-finals, and won both games of the rubber. In the first game Mrs. Bryan was . playing steadily, but on account of the brilliant shooting

by her opponent could not make much progress, Mrs. Henderson eventually winning 26-19. In the second game of the rubber Mrs. Henderson played to her usual form, and- got many excellent cut rushes. The weather was boisterous and rain was falling intermittently, but despite these adverse conditions Mrs. Henderson played many powerful strokes, which enabled her to get the balls into advantageous positions. She made two fairly substantial breaks, giving, her opponent few opportunities to score, and finished the game 26-5. Mrs. Henderson plays the finals with Mrs. Bradley (Mount Victoria).

In the .intermediate champion of champions event Mrs. Donovan met Mrs. Francis (Island Bay) in the finals. Mrs. Francis won the first game of the rubber by.a small margin. Both players were fairly evenly matched, and the clips at any stage of the game were not far apart. It was only at the conclusion of the match that Mrs. Francis gained a lead, and she won by 5 points. The second game is being played today. . . ~ "

The final of .the club pairs, was played yesterday. Mesdames Walker and Mclntosh (Woburn) defeated Mesdames Allan and Robertson (Seatoun) by's points. This match was watched by' a large number of spectators and was a most interesting one. The Seatoun players' 'had a lead at one stage of the game, until Mrs. Mclntosh; playing very'steadily at the finish, brought the clips"'all'square. After making four back Mrs. Mclntosh had the difficult task of getting a ball off each baulk, and this she accomplished in first-class style. With one clip on the peg and the other on rover Mrs. Mclntosh set for a rush when Mrs. Robertson hit in, only to miss the short shot on her opponent's balls. Mrs. Walker then made rover, leaving a good double near the peg. Mrs. Robertson, however, missed the shot, and the Seatoun pair finished the game, winning the event.

In the B grade Mrs. Brown (Wellington) plays off for the title against Mrs. Congreve (Lyall Bay). Both these players have been playing to form during the. tourney and a good match should result.