CROQUET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 4 March 1927, Page 9

CROQUET.

CONCLUSION OF TOURNEY. Fine weather marked the conclusion of the croquet tourney at New Plymouth yesterday. _ x , , r The champion singles went to- ivn Stranger, of Australia, who won .from Mrs Bennett, of Hawera, in the third round, and from Mrs Stranger in the semi-finals. He then met Mrs McKav, of Manaia., in the finals, and won two matches straight. In the second (Mrs McKay looked a very likely winner, playing a fine hold game, h-ut the champion, then put in a spell or brilliant play and got ahead, winning 26 —22. Both games were well oonsecond round, Mrs Bennett beat Mr Gibbs, of Patea, after a dose game, and gave a fine exhibition m her match with Mr Stranger. The latter’s long shots were excellent. The match between the two minus players was a great contest, and. the champion won by .a narrow majority. Final results were as below ; CHAMPION SINGLES. Second draw. —Third round: Mr Stranger 26 beat Mrs Bennett 18. Final: Mr Stranger 26 beat Mrs Stranger 22. Final. (Best two out of three games.) First game.—Mr Stranger (Melbourne) beat Mrs McKay (Manaia) 19. Second game.—Mr Stranger 26 heat Mrs McKay 22. HANDICAP SINGLES. In the handicap singles final, Mrs Masters (SJ), of Patea, defeated Mrs Bennett (3s), of Hawera, by 26—22, after a keen, closely contested game. PRIZES PRESENTED. The prizes were presented by Dr. G, Home, president. The trophy for the teams match, won by Patea —Mesdames Horner and Masters and Messrs Horner and Gibbs —is a handsome rose bowl. A fine trophy also went to the singles championship winner. Mr Gibbs won the handicap singles.