LA ROCHE NOW OPEN CROQUET CHAMPION OF THE DOMINION

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1947, Page 6

LA ROCHE NOW OPEN CROQUET CHAMPION OF THE DOMINION

BRILLIANT FINAL PLAYED (P.A.) Wellington. Feb. 4. Croquet of a very high standard was witnessed by a large crowd of onlookers when C. La Roche (Wanganui) beat Miss Claughton in the final of the open championship at the national tournament to-day. La Roche was the first to get into play, but misjudging the strength of the lawn, missed a requet. Miss Claughton overran the first hoop and parked. In and out play followed, until Miss Claughton baulked at the second hoop, letting in her opponent. La Roche then went to three back, where he missed a shot. When Mies Claughton made to four back. La Roche, hitting in with a lift shot, carried his clip to the penultimate. Miss Claughton, hitting in, went from the second hoop to the peg. In the later turn she made the last two hoops and pegged out to win by eight points. In the second game, La Roche, getting play, made a few points, after which Miss Claughton, getting play, carried her clip to four back. In the next turn she did not get position for the third hoop, and retired. La Roche hit in and made the round to four back in two turns. In and out play followed, until La Roche reached four back with his backward ball. Mjss Claughton then got play and made four back to penultimate and rover, but missed the return requet, letting in her opponent. La Roche then made his points and pegged out his opponent’s ball. Miss Claughton was able to make one point before La Roche finished the winner by three points. In the last game La Roche played perfect croquet, making round breaks, his opponent having opportunity to score only one point. Additional results were.— Women’s Championship ■ Mrs. Gilbert beat Mrs. Tingey, 1726 26-16; Mrs. Watkins beat Mrs. Collins, 26-12, 22-26. 26-15; Mrs. McLennan beat Mrs. Kirk, 26-11, 23-26, 26-10. Handicap Singles Final: Lt .-Col. Saalfield beat C. La Roche, 26-17.