The first tournament for croquet's Neil Morrison Memorial Trophy has been contested by Swindon Croquet Club.
Lynette Morison presents the Trophy to Andy Evason
Neil was a keen Association Croquet player and excellent coach, and Swindon Croquet Club says it is fitting that the Trophy in his name is for players of handicaps 7 and above – a group for whom Neil ’s coaching helped most.
A spokesperson said: "This first tournament involved six players with five rounds so that all played all.
"It is gratifying that this first playing of the Trophy attracted players from Bath, Blewbury, Bristol/Nailsea, Kenilworth and High Wycombe as well as from Swindon."
The weekend tournament opened on the Saturday in a torrential downpour. Fortunately, the second day was dry albeit with a very strong wind – another challenge for the players.
The spokesperson said: "It soon became evident that Andy Evason from Blewbury was the favourite as he played some excellent croquet. The early prediction of his success was borne out as he remained undefeated throughout the tournament often winning by significant margins.
"So not only did Andy win all his games but he ended up with a hoop difference of plus 50 – a really impressive achievement.
"There was a close fight for second place with Mervyn Harvey and Phil de Glanville tied on 3 wins each with Mervyn having a good positive hoop difference to become runner-up.
"Lynette, Neil’s daughter, came on the afternoon of the second day to present the cup to the winner.
"Despite the conditions on the first day, we saw some excellent play and close finishes over the two days, which is a reflection of the standard achieved by all participants.
"We are all, now, looking forward to 2025 for this to become a well established feature of the Croquet England calendar."
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