CROQUET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23435, 25 February 1938, Page 7

CROQUET

OTAGO TOURNAMENT There was a large gallery of spectators at Logan Park yesterday when the Otago croquet tournament’s Level [Singles were finalised, and also B Grade Champion Doubles. Several Singles were played. Section winners in both B Grade Singles have been found in Mrs Jelly (Cromwell, championship) and Mrs Henry (St. Clair, handicap). These players are waiting for the winner of the second section of each event. Mrs Harris plays Mrs F. Murray in the final of section 11, championship, and the winner plays Mrs Jelly, the best of three games for the Briggs Cup. Chief interest yesterday centred in the final of the Level Singles, the winner of which holds the MacDonald Cup for a year. The contest is the best of three games, and this final went to three games. Mrs Murray won the first, Mrs Rankin the second and third. The players were evenly matched. Mrs F. Murray is bisqued '8 in Gore, and Mrs Rankin 5 in Dunedin. The spectators were treated to a pleasing exhibition of fearless, open croquet. Both players have a good lawn stance, are excellent shots, and play clean shots. Mrs Murray showed rather the better understanding of tactics, and by this advantage won the first game by 2 points after being 5 points behind. The second game was also close, first one and then the other being in the lead, and eventually Mrs Rankin won by 5 points. In the third game points were even until each had one clip on third return, Mrs Murray one on second, and Mrs Rankin one on third when Mrs Rankin hit in, and, playing with confidence, made a perfect round of nine hoops, taking black from second to cover, and next turn took blue to peg. The game looked as if Mrs Rankin would finish up next turn, but with true croquet luck Mrs Murray hit in with yellow, made five hoops, and pegged Mrs Rankin’s blue an the peg. leaving her one hoop and peg to make. Excitement was now intense. Mrs Murray hit in again, laid a clean break, made two with red. but in making third return failed to get far enough through to have a shot at any ball. Mrs Rankin, with a crisp shot, hit in. and completed the game, winning by 5 points. Both players received a well-deserved ovation from the onlookers FINAL B GRADE CHAMPION DOUBLES The final of this event was between Mesdames Stockdale (Christchurch) and Harris (Waimate), and Mesdames Macdonald and Haig (Punga)_ The nlav was somewhat disappointing. The Punga pair, who had played well in other matches, were not playing up to standard, and the northern pair had an easy win, 26—11. It is hoped to get all events finalised soon after lunch and the prizes will be presented in the early afternoon Results of yesterday’s play:— Final—Level Singles (best of three games 4J to 6J bisques): Mrs Rankin (Logan Park) beat Mrs F Murrav (Gore) 22—26, 26—21. 26—20 B Grade.—Champion Doubles: Mesdames Stockdale and Harris beat Mesdames A W Macdonald and Haie -o —ll. Champion Singles.—Section 11. semifinal: Mrs F. Murray beat Mrs Stockdale 26—21; Mrs Harris beat Mrs Campbell 26 —15. Handicap Singles.—Section, third round; Mrs Clark beat Mrs James 26—5. Semi-final: Mrs Stockdale beat Mrs Clark 26—17. Mrs Little and Mrs Harris were pegged in at dark, each having one clip on penultimate and one on rover. Draw for this morning at Logan Park at B.3o.—Mrs Little v. Mrs Harris (handicap singles) to be completed. Mrs Harris then plays Mrs F. Murray in final of Section 11. Champion Singles. Mrs Stockdale will also be required to report at 9 o’clock.