MANAMATU CROQUET TOURNAMENT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6551, 7 March 1928, Page 8

MANAMATU CROQUET TOURNAMENT

Showery Weather tor Opening Ceremony GREENS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION Although weather conditions were anything but pleasant for play,' tho Manawatu croquet greens were well attended yesterday morning, when the Associated Croquet Tournament (Manawatu) was formally opened by the Ven. Archdeacon Croed-Mederith, of Wanganui, president of the New Zealand Croquet Association. The Archdeacon expresed satisfaction at having the honour of opening the tournament conferred upon him. As president of the association ho regretted that he was not often able to visit the Palmerston North clubs, but he was glad to have this opportunity With regard to play, the first poim the speaker stressed was that of the referees. .He. advised his hearers that when any doubt arose it was just as well to have a referee on the spot. This gave confidence to the players. He expressed the opinion that the tournament would proceed much more happily and satisfactorily if all decisions were left to referees, and players made no discussions. Conditions for play wore obviously very good—though Palmerston North courts were always good—tho rain would make the hoops 20 per cent easier. As a last point the Archdeacon S said that if all losers could achieve the happy art of looking as though they had beaten their opponents by 20—6, then happier conditions would prevail throughout. Manawatu President Speaks. Mr J. G. Radford, Manawatu president, welcomed the players and expressed the hope that this tournament would be the best yet played in the Manawatu centre. “I hope you arc all going to be champions,” ho said. ‘‘May you all win-” Play commenced straight away, results of the games being as follows: — Handicap Doubles. First round: Mrs. Boyne (oh) and Mr?. Tapp (6) beat Mrs. Sigley (8) and Mrs. Gibson (S) 26 —18; Mrs. Robertson (4) and Mrs. Gambrill (2) beat Mrs. Langford (7J) and Miss MoFarlano (5)) 26—21. Second round: Mrs. Kirk (34) and Mrs. Nicholson (51) beat Mrs, Davidson (8) and Mrs. Patterson (5) 26 12; Mrs. Turner (4)) and Mrs. Sutton (7) beat Mrs, Gilott (SI) and Mrs. Barker (81) 26—19; Mrs. Simpson (9) and Mrs. Dickcl (11) beat Mrs. Oliver (9) and Mrs. Glendinning (9) 26—14. Handicap Singles. Second round: Mrs. Spinley (5) boat Mrs. Sinclair (61) 26 —21,