CROQUET TITLE.

Waikato Times, Volume 115, Issue 19229, 13 April 1934, Page 5

CROQUET TITLE.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS. TOURNAMENT IN HAMILTON. MRS E. BARTLETT THE WINNER. Five of the leading croquet players in the local clubs participated in the Hamilton champion of champions tournament for the liowden Cup, on the Claudelands lawns this week. The title was won by Mrs E. Bartlett, the Frankton club champion, that club thus gaining this important event for the second time since its inception. After being presented for competition by Mr H. H. Howden seven years ago, the cup was first won by Claudelands, and then by Frankton, after which the Whitiora club held .it for four years. The five club champions who took part in this week’s tournament were Mesdames E. Bartlett (Frankton), Kibblewhite (Whitiora), Brocklesby (Hamilton), Lorimer (Hamilton East) and Miss A. Jones (Claudelands). The games were all keenly contested, and some very close finishes were provided. Mrs Bartlett and Mrs Kibblewhite are well-known throughout both islands as championship players, and the other three contestants faced two very strong opponents. A Sound Player. In Miss A. Jones the Claudelands club had a strong player. She played excellent croquet in all her games, and is> to be congratulated on the stand she made against Mrs Bartlett, especially in her concluding match. Mrs Lorimer, of Hamilton East, who is a young player in the game, made a good showing, anil had every reason to be proud of her performance. _ Mrs Brocklesby also played a _ creditable game. The lawns were in perfect condition, and were highly praised by the large number of visitors, as also were the picturesque borders of zinnias and dahlias. Morning and afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of the Claudelands club and was much appreciated. Mrs L. Totman (Hamilton) and Mrs B. Bagley (Claudelands) were the umpires In the match play. In the absence of Mr Howden, the cup was presented to Mrs Bartlett by Mrs Totman. Results of the matches are as follows: — ... ■ Mrs Kibblewhite won from Miss Jones, 26—15, 26—24; Mrs Bartlett won from Mrs Lorimer, 26—25, 26 — 15; Miss Jones won from Mrs Brocklesby, 26—16, 23 —26, 26 —24; Mrs Kibblewhite won from Mrs Lorimer, 26—12, 26—24; Mrs Bartlett won from Mrs Kibblewhite, 18 —26, 26 —15, 26—6; Miss Jones won from Mrs Lorimer by default; Mrs Kibblewhite won from Mrs Brocklesby, 26 —21, 26 —11; Mrs Brocklesby won from Mrs Lorimer, 26—12, 26—11; Mrs Bartlett won from Miss .Tones, 26—20, 12—26, 26—24 : Mrs Bartlett won from Mrs Brocklesby, 26—18, 26—12.