The 11th 2011 Women's Golf Croquet World Championship
Reports by Chris Clarke and others
Day 1 (Saturday 19 November)
The event began with a bright and breezy day at the splendid new 6 lawn complex at the Mount where blocks F G and H were playing. Three of the other blocks are the Katikati which has 5 lawns and the other two blocks are at Tauranga which has three lawns. All players will play at all 3 venues over the block phase. The Mount is a fantastic new multi-sport venue with a large clubhouse with restaurant and bar facilities, along with pool tables and TAB (the NZ equivalent of a betting shop).
There is a large balcony which provides a great view of the 4 lawns nearest the clubhouse and can accommodate up to 50 spectators.
Three time finalist Iman El Faransawi played Ros Johnstone and as usual got off to a very slow start, with many missed hoops. However, Iman gradually improved and won 7-5, 7-4.
A new feature of this years event is a place being awarded to a schoolage qualifier – Jasmine Rule from South Canterbury. Jasmine’s first match was against Rachel Rowe (Eng) and Jasmine played some good strokes to take Rachel to the 12th hoop in the first game. Rachel won the second 7-2, but it was a very respectable start for the young player.
The first match to go against seeding was Ashley Cooke v Bernie Pfitzner. Bernie steamrollered the match the 7-3 7-2. This match, along with all the other blocks pitted the number 4 seed against the number 5 seed in the first round which can’t be optimal in the first round with 4 qualifiers from each block.
Another match between 4 and 5 seeds was Sandra Bathgate (NZ) v Wendy Dickson (Aus). Wendy has a lovely technique and is one of the best ball strikers in the event. After two and half hours of valiant battle, Sandra lost 5-7 5-7.
Another good match saw the first two games shared between Pixie Jones (NZ) and Freda Vitty (Eng). Freda took the first hoop in the decider and then won hoop 2 with a well controlled in-off, before a series of excellent positional strokes at 3 gave her a 3-0 lead. She was able maintain this advantage and take the decider 7-1.
Other results from the Mount
Christine Pont beat Alwen Bowker 7-5, 3-7, 7-4
No results from elsewhere yet.
Chris
Afternoon matches
The afternoon provided a dynamic ding-dong duel between Ros Johnstone and Jenny Clarke. I hadn’t expected this to be close after Ros had failed to take so many opportunities in her morning game. Game 1 included a 5 foot jump through 5 by Ros followed by a 7 foot jump through 6 from Jenny. It went to the 13th where Ros had first play, but with her second ball blocked her first from clearing Jenny’s ball 4ft in front of the hoop. Jenny then accidentally moved her ball to be open again with her next shot to leave an easy clearance and missed her subsequent 15 yarder at 25% of a ball. She described my body language when she hit her ball to an open position as “not very positive”
Game 2 had Jenny take a 2-0 lead but Ros made 3 and then made a 4 yard double jump through 4. The game once again went to the 13th, but Jenny had first play and took 2 foot straight position which was good enough.
Game 3 had another great jump through hoop 4 from Ros to go 3-1, but Jenny equalised on the middle hoops. Hoop 7 was the turning point as Jenny turned down an easy clearance to take on what I thought was a crazy 5 yard hoop with an oppo ball in the way. However, a great jump not only made the hoop, but went all the way down to 8 and she was soon 6-3 up. Ros fought back but after a battle for 11, Jenny took the decider 7-4.
Jasmine Rule had another good performance to only lose the first game 5-7 to Marwa who took the second 7-2.
Other results
Results from Tauranga
Judy Wembridge beat Elizabeth Allen 7-3 7-4
Erica Stephens beat Pam Mead 7-3 7-4
Jane Morrison beat Ann Sharp 6-7 7-6 7-5
Results from Katikati
Mavis Brogden beat Jane Beharriell 7-6 3-7 7-6
Laura Whittaker beat Wilma Bonnar 7-2 7-6
Kath Burt beat Rosemary Newsham 6-7 7-4 7-2
Sam Thompson beat Jola Jurasinska 7-1 7-3
Tricia Devlin beat Sue Roberts 7-4 7-4
Sue Beattie beat Pat Anderton 7-6 1-7 7-6
Pam Gentle beat Noeline Posselt 7-2 7-2
Phyllis Young beat Helena Fensome 7-3 7-5
Other results from the Mount
Kathleen Colclough beat Colleen Reynolds 7-6 7-5
Sue Lightbody beat Dallas Cooke 7-4 7-5 7-4
Gaye Pitman beat Anne Quinn 7-4 7-3
Chris
Remainder of day 1 report
Shadin (4th place last time) looked in big trouble against one of the higher handicap NZ players – Colleen Reynolds. Colleen took the first 7-5 and with Shadin continuing to look uncomfortable with hoops, Collene went 6-5 up in the second. She had attempts at both 12 and 13, but both failed to allow Shadin to equalise.
They swapped hoops in the decider until Colleen took a 5-3 lead. Shadin won 9, but Colleen once again found the jaws from distance and it was 6-4. Multiple 9 yard clearances from Colleen at 11 and a missed 6 yarder from Shadin gave Colleen a 3 foot hoop for the match, but she clanged. Shadin made in 5-6, but after some play for 12, blocked herself from clearing Colleen, leaving Colleen a 4 foot hoop for the match. This time, the ball sailed through cleanly to cheers from the locals.
Other results
The Mount
Wendy Dickson bt Freda Vitty 7-5, 2-7, 7-4
Alwen Bowker bt Ashley Cooke 7-3, 4-7, 7-1
Pixie Jones bt Sandra Bathgate 7-3, 7-5
Christine Pont bt Bernie Pfitzner 5-7, 7-5, 7-6
Dallas Cooke bt Gaye Pitman 7-4, 7-3
Katikati
Abir bt Jane Beharriell 7-2, 7-2
Laura Whittaker bt Rosemary Newsham 7-5, 7-6
Rosie Graham bt Cheryl Bromley 7-6, 7-6
Sorry about the lack of results from some blocks – this is all I’ve been given.
Chris
Thoughts from day 1;
1. The Australians have improved
2. The Egyptians have not improved and are still struggling with hoop running and jump shots.
3. The overall standard is higher.
4. This is a good event for the sport.
The controversial bits so far are;
1. There has been an appeal over the seeding method which is completely different from any previous worlds and had not been advertised in advance.
2. Some of the Aussies think the balls being used at The Mount (and maybe other venues) are the wrong series of Dawsons.
3. Practice regs are unpopular with some.
4. Hoops already have rabbit runs.
As always, I think most of the above issues could be resolved by better guidelines in advance from the WCF. The players should be told months before the event what the practice regs are, what the seeding method is and the clubs should receive guidance on how often the hoops should be moved.
As mentioned in my reports, I think the Mount is an excellent venue. The lawns are very flat and evenly paced. The speed is around 10 plummers. They could easily be made into 12 second lawns with more cutting, but the grass is fairly young and I can understand not wanting to overstress it. The referees are tapping the hoops in after they have been made, so they aren't too loose when next competed for. Lots of good stuff. We just need to stop reinventing the wheel for some of the basics that happen each event.
Chris
Day 2 (Sunday 20 November)
WWGC – Day 2, The Mount
Soha played Gwen Falconer first match this morning and it provided the strongest performance of the event so far. Despite failing three hoops, there was enough positive aggressive play from Soha to suggest that she will be a leading contender for the title. She won 7-2, 7-2 taking on some high difficulty shots.
Azza was also on first thing against Sue Roberts. This was a completely different style of match with positioning and controlled clearances. Sue played pretty reasonably, but Azza was always in control and took the match 7-2, 7-3.
Samantha Thompson was favourite to beat Sue Beattie and soon had a 4-1 lead in the first. However, Sue battled back to take the game 7-6 and then the second was a more comfortable 7-4 to provide a good victory for the Aussie.
In a second round match just started, Rosie Graham (Aus) was a very strong favourite to beat Helena Fensome (Fin), but soon found herself 3-0 down in the first. Rosie has changed her technique substantially since I last saw her and now has a much more upright style which looks a like a clear improvement. Rosie mounted a strong fightback and won 7-5, 7-3.
Hemat played some very good clearances in her match against Noeline Posselt, but also missed several shots before winning 7-1, 7-3.
In their second matches today, Soha and Azza both played less impressively than this morning. Soha maintained her high tariff attempted standard of play. It will be interesting to see whether she can maintain a high enough average standard to justify these tactics. This morning, she took an 8 yard clearance at 6 half ball to get 7 yards in front of 7. She then ran a 2 yard 6 and a 7 yard 7. This afternoon, she cleared a 7 yarder at 2 to get 6 yards in front of 3 and then jumped through 2 and ran 3 from 6 yards. In between these displays of brilliance though, there have been the occasional missed clearance and hoop.
Away from the Mount, Freda Vitty pulled off a big upset by beating three time finalist Iman El Faransawi – well done Freda!
Another upset came in the form of a straight games win for Noeline Posselt over Rosie Graham 7-6, 7-4. Rosie clearly hadn’t recovered from a 50 minute wait for a toasted sandwich at lunchtime!!
It was good to see Ros Johnstone back in action after being rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. Any reduction in players competing would make a complete mockery of the announced seeding system. Apparently when Ros arrived at hospital, all she said was “please make me better, so I can play croquet tomorrow”
And the last good news was that after taking the wrong toll road yesterday and having to make a big diversion, Don Reyland (bus driver) managed to make it on time today.
Day 3 (Monday 21 November)
WWGC – Day 3 The Mount - lunchtime
The mornings play saw some really interesting games. First to finish was Abir who beat Kath Burt 7-3, 7-0. The score didn’t reflect how competeitive Kath, who played many good strokes, was. It was one of the strongest performances so far from Abir.
Canada secured their first match win when Jane Beharriell beat Wilma Bonnar who is a member of the South Australian State Team 3-7, 7-1, 7-6
Mavis Brogden and Laura Whittaker had an excellent match. Mavis was completely dominant in the first, winning 7-1, but the Canterbury teenager found her form to level 7-4. The decider was a close game with Mavis having the lead throughout. She reached 5-4 up before running an 18 yard hoop 10. Laura played some excellent tactical stuff to get to 5-6 with partner 1 foot in front of 12 and a 4 yard northwards clearance which she needed to hit half ball to get up to 13. Unfortunately after doing all the hard work, she missed this allowing Mavis to run 12 for a 7-5 win. This was a good quality match and both players have chances of progressing into the later KO rounds.
Number 1 seed Manal played Jane Shorten on the show court. Jane played some good tactical options and Manal missed several hoops to allow Jane to take the first 7-5. The second was also tight, but Manal took her first chance at 13 to level the match. Manal kept the pressure on in the decider and emerged a 7-4 winner.
Other results:
Elizabeth Allen bt Pam Mead 7-6, 7-3
Judy Wembridge leads Erica Stephens 7-5, 5-6
Chris
More results
Jenny Clarke bt Wendy Dickson 7-3, 7-4
Iman bt Pixie Jones 2-0 (no scores)
Anna Miller bt Alison Wall 2-1 (no scores)
Gwen Falconer bt Gwen Salisbury 7-6, 5-7, 7-6
Judy Wembridge bt Erica Stephens 7-5, 7-6
That might be all from me today since I'm off to hopefully watch the NY Giants beat the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chris
Day 4 (Tuesday 22 November)
Today we have the final round of block play. Only block C has the 4 qualifiers decided so far, so there is a lot to play for. The schedule says that the Knockout is meant to start at 3p.m., but I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't start until day 5.
On lawn 2, Erica Stephens is in a must win match against Jane Morrison. They have shared the first 2 hoops.
I'm not sure how the knockout is going to be seeded. The three best players in the block stage, in my opinion, have been (in alphabetical order) Abir, Jenny and Soha.
I'm looking forward to seeing whether Iman and Manal can up their game for the knockout stage. There are still a dozen players who could easily win the event.
I'll try and send a lunchtime update.
Chris
Azza played Sam Thompson and took the first 7-4. The second was much closer and the players reached hoop 9 at 4-4. Sam was in full control of the hoop and got into the jaws. With Azza having an onside ball by the side of 10, Sam opted to stay in the jaws of 9 rather than running it. Azza hit her 20 yarder at the ball in 9 and subsequently won 9, 10 and 11 to take the match.
The match between Kathleen Colclough and Anne Quinn was pegged down overnight at 6-6 in the third. Kathleen emerged victorious this morning after 12 strokes. Manal played Judy Wembridge and was playing more defensively today as good players should do when they are struggling to find form. The match took over 2 hours but resulted in a fairly comfortable win for Manal.
Erica Stephens took the first against Jane Morrison, but Jane fought back with a comfortable win in the second. The third game reached 5-5 before Jane ran an angled 11 to take a 6-5 lead. Erica equalised with 2 yard 12 and then Jane hit 13 and finished to the side with her first approach. Erica played to 5foot 20 degree position and the side ball nudged in front of the hoop. Should Erica clear or go for the jump? She decided on the jump and an excellent stroke kept her Championship hopes alive.
Sue Roberts had a must win match against Sue Beattie. It all looked good for the new CNZ President when she won the first 7-0, but lost the second 5-7. Roberts was down 4-6 in the decider, but pulled back to take the match to the 13th hoop. Beatties approach looked like it was going to hit the hoop, but fortunately ran through to nice position, subsequently giving the match to the Aussie.
The good news for Sue Roberts was that Pat Anderton beat Tricia Devlin in a 3 hour straight games marathon. This means that Sue Roberts, Pat Anderton and Tricia Devlin are all on 2 wins and will play off for 1 spot.
In a repeat of the last two events semi-final, Iman played Jenny. Iman looked to be in much better form than a few days ago and the match is still in progress.
Chris
Pam Gentle bt Phyllis Young 7-6, 7-5
Helena Fensome bt Noeline Posselt 7-5, 7-4
Hemmat bt Rosie 7-5, 7-5
Block A
3 players for 2 places
Jane Morrison(+1 net game) plays Elizabeth Allen (0 net games). Winner qualifies
Loser of above game plays Erica Stephens (-1 net game). Winner qualifies, loser eliminated
Block D
3 players for 1 place
Tricia Devlin (-4 net games) plays Sue Roberts (-3 net games). Loser eliminated
Winner of above plays Pat Anderton (-1 net game). Winner qualifies, loser eliminated.
Chris
Iman v Jenny was by far the best quality match of the event so far. Iman was back to her world championship finals form. Given that their two previous best of 5’s have gone to 5, it was unsurprising to see these fine two players share the first two games 7-4 to Jenny and 7-3 to Iman. Iman looked very strong with her clearances in the decider and took a 6-3 lead, but Jenny clawed her way back to take the match to the last hoop. After 3 failed 7 yard hoops from Jenny, Iman maintained her excellent record against Jenny to take the match. I gave you my top 3 players earlier, I’ll add Iman to that list and take those 4 players against the other 28.
Rachel Rowe played Marwa, but the standard in this match was much lower. The first two games were 7-3 3-7 to Rachel and she leads 4-2 in the decider.
The first play-off game to finish saw Tricia Devlin beat Sue Roberts 7-5 to stay alive and get a game against Pat Anderton.
Meanwhile, back in block matches, there was the critical winner takes all contest between Bernie Pfitzner and Alwen Bowker. Bernie took the first 7-4, but the second saw a comfortable 7-3 win for the Welsh Rep. The crucial deciding game looked like going to Bernie before she rushed Alwen through hoop 12 to make it 6-6. Alwen ended up with both her balls very close together at 13 and was unable to block Bernie’s shot. Bernie got into the jaws and despite a valiant effort at a jump from Alwen, the Aussie won the match to reach the knockout.
It has been announced that the draw will be at 5pm and there will be no knockout play today.
Other results
Laura Whittaker bt Kath Burt 7-5, 7-5
Wilma Bonnar bt Rosie Newsham 7-3, 7-3
Abir bt Mavis 7-2, 7-3
Ashley bt Christine 7-6, 7-5
Chris
For those of you eagerly awaiting the knockout draw, I wouldn't hold your breath. I think 7pm will be a closer estimate than 5pm.
Meanwhile Rachel Rowe beat Marwa to win her block. I think it was 7-5 in the third.
Important games in progress
Dallas Cooke beats Anne Quinn
Erica Stephens beat Jane Morrison
Pat Anderton beat Tricia Devlin
Alison Wall beat Clare Stableford
Chris
Day 5 (Wednesday 23 November)
Biggest upset ever in Womens GC history
Elizabeth Allen has just won the second game 7-4 against Soha to complete the biggest upset in Womens GC history. Elizabeth was a block number 7 and Soha was the number 1 seed.
Soha failed virtually everything she took on and Elizabeth played some good positional strokes. Congratulations to the Aussie on her win.
Chris
WWGC Day 5 10.50
The last qualification game to finish last night saw Anne Quinn beat Gaye Pitman.
The knockout started this morning and has seen some very weak Egyptian play. More of that later, but the first match to finish was Rachel Rowe who beat Kath Burt comfortably in straight games.
Iman was playing Phyllis Young in a rematch of the first block game in Ireland where Phyllis won. The first game went to Phyllis, but Iman took at 6-4 lead in the second. Phyllis gained control at 11 and Iman played her balls to the peg. Phyllis made it 5-6 and Iman missed her shot from the peg. Phyllis ran a 4 yard 12 to take the second game to the deciding hoop. Iman played her approach and it was soon clear it was on a dodgy line. The ball went through 10 and finished 1 foot straight in front of 13. Phyllis valiantly hit the hoop with her clearing attempt, but the 3 time finalist was able to square the match to stay in the Championship.
Rosie Graham and Wendy Dickson reached 5-5 in the first before Wendy, with first play at 11, approached hoop 7 instead. Rosie was able to take advantage of this error to come from 4-5 to win 7-5. The second game is in progress.
Kathleen Colclough is game up against Deidre Hardy
Mavis won the first against Freda 7-4
On show court we have number 1 seed Soha against Elizabeth Allen. The 40 minutes of this that I watched could best be described as a slow-motion train wreck for the young Egyptian. Having taken a 3-1 lead in the first, she then failed virtually every hoop and mid-range clearance to lose the first 6-7 and go 3-4 in the second which is where the match currently stands. Elizabeth has played some nice positional strokes, but Soha has failed every hoop on the lawn at least once.
Chris
More surprises
The second game between Wendy Dickson and Rosie Graham was also close. It went to the 13th hoop and Wendy had a 5 foot for the game. She failed this and Rosie ran a good 8 footer to clinch her place in the last 16.
Freda Vitty has won the second game 7-5 to take Mavis to a decider, which currently stands at 5-2 to Freda.
The third game of Iman v Phyllis saw Phyllis take a 6-3 lead. Iman played some good strokes to win 10, 11 and get into a good position at 12. She then failed a 3 yard hoop, but stayed in front, blocking Phyllis. Seeing her chance for glory, Phyllis played a lovely jump shot to eliminate the 3 time finalist. This was a good all round performance from Phyllis who played some good positional shots, clearances and hoops.
I should comment that the weather is good today – slightly warmer with less wind, so no excuses for the poor Egyptian performaces.
Kathleen Colclough has beaten Deidre Hardy 7-4, 7-4
In the other matches in progress, Laura Whittaker leads Sue Beattie 5-2 and Sam Thompson is 4-4 against Marwa. Azza leads Anne Quinn 2-1
Chris
Day 5 - Lunchtime update
Laura Whittaker beat Sue Beattie 7-4, 7-5 to reach the last 16.
Azza is 7-4, 2-1 up against Anne Quinn
Abir leads Bernie 4-2
Marwa has won the second 7-4 against Sam and they are just starting the decider
Shadin leads Anna Miller 5-1
Hemat leads Pat Anderton 4-3
Day 5 - update 2.30
Update 2.30
Kathleen bt Deidre 7-4, 7-4
Freda bt Mavis 4-7, 7-5, 7-3
Aza bt Anne Quinn 7-4, 7-4
Abir bt Bernie 7-3, 7-5
Marwa bt Sam 5-7, 7-4, 7-4
Shadin bt Anna Miller 7-3, 7-3
Hemat bt Pat 7-4, 7-4
Jenny bt Christine 7-3, 7-3
Currently in-play (last 32)
Dallas leads Judy 3-2
Erica leads Manal 2-0
Alison 2 Pam 1
Last 16 matches in play
Rosie 6 Elizabeth 3
Freda 0 Phyllis 0
Chris
Update:
Round 1:
Dallas won the first 7-5 and it's 4-4 in the second
Pam v Alison 7-5 5-7
Manal bt Erica 7-6 in the first, currently leading second 3-0
Round 2:
Rosie beat Elizabeth 7-4 7-3
Freda v Phyllis 7-2 5-1
Rachel lead Kathleen 4-2
Jenny
Ive just arrived for the conclusion of Freda Vitty (eng) vs Phyllis Young (NZ).
G1 Freda 7-2
G2 Phyllis 7-1
Currently 6-6...
Ok approach by freda, good approach by phyllis...
Freda had a go at a difficult hoop... Phyllis with a 10 footer for a qf place...and it's through! Another kiwi in the quarters.
It's a family affair with Dallas Cooke (Phyllis's daughter) winning her first round match vs high-flying Aussie Judy Wembridge in 2 well-contested games.
Meanwhile in another round 1 match Manal Ali Mohsen, the second-seeded Egyptian has beaten Erice Stevens in 2
Jenny
Day 5 - final report
I’ve just enjoyed watching an excellent match between Azza and Laura Whittaker. Azza looked like the stronger player in the first which she won 7-4 with some very impressive positional play. She is a much more tactical player than the likes of Iman and Soha and so each hoop was a contest. Laura noticeably upped her game and made several good jump shots to level the match with a 7-4 win in the second. Azza always held the upper hand in the decider, but Laura fought back to level at 5-5. The last two hoops were shared and Azza played her ball to 6 foot position in front of 13 from the south boundary – an excellent shot. Laura had done well to get her partner near the peg and hit the 14 yarder to make it anyone’s match. However a couple of further excellent position strokes including a block were enough to give Azza a place in the quarters. Congrats to both players.
Other results included a fantastic day for the Young/Cooke family. Dallas had a good win 7-5, 7-5 against Judy to reach the last 16 and then her mother Phyllis followed up on her victory against Iman with a hard fought win against Freda in a match that went down to the final hoop.
Marwa beat Hemat in 3 and Shadin beat Abir 7-6, 7-6 in the all Egyptian matches.
Rachel Rowe needed to dig deep in the second to ensure a straight games win against Kathleen Colclough.
The QFs are now as follows
Rosie Graham v Phyllis Young
Rachel Rowe v Azza
Shaden v Marwa
Jenny or Dallas v Alison or Manal
Chris
Day 6 (Thursday 24 November)
The good news is that it has stopped raining. The bad news is that I've just seen a plastic chair blown from one end of the lawn to another in under 3 seconds.
What does this mean in terms of the play? Well, I think it favours the positional players. I always try to reduce my clearing and hoop attempts in such weather and increase my positional play. Basic shots such as clearing 3 yarders in the middle become very tricky in gale force winds. There will also be a "wind gradient" that the players will need to take into account. The wind is currently blowing East west in croquet terms.
Chris
There are just 10 players remaining in the battle for the 2011 Womens World Golf Croquet. Surprisingly, only 4 of these are Egyptian. Even worse news for the Egyptians is that we have rain today. At the moment it is only light, but the strong winds are making it feel heavier. On the positive side, it is still fairly mild.
This morning will see the completion of the last 16 with Jenny v Dallas on lawn 3 and Alison v Manal on lawn 4. The front lawns will have QFs Rosie Graham v Phyllis Young and Rachel v Azza. Disappointingly, the match between Shadin and Marwa is being relegated to a rear lawn when it would ideally be played at the same time as the other QF in that half.
I'm looking forward to the Rachel v Azza match which is very evenly matched. I fancy Azza to win if her positional play is as strong as yesterday, otherwise I think Rachel's better hoop running may be enough.
Chris
Meanwhile in the all important plate block at Katikati play has been suspended as the lawns are unplayable. Highlight of the plate so far is the minibus driver being pulled over by the NZ police for driving too slowly.
Campbell Morrison
Day 6 - 10.15
Rachel Rowe played good solid croquet to comfortably take the first against Azza 7-3. Azza developed several good opportunities for herself, but her hoop running and clearing were poor. To give some examples, Azza managed to get 5 feet angled position at 1 and tried to jaws the ball, but missed the hoop. She then had an easy 3 yard clearance at 2 to take control, but rush-peeled Rachel through the hoop.
Jenny v Dallas was a bit of a thriller in the first. Jenny had the lead, but it went to the 13th hoop and Jenny had furniture in the way of taking good position and played off the North boundary. Dallas played a couple of decent positional shots and Jenny was in trouble. She went gently at the from the boundary and found the front of the jaws. Dallas then managed to clear this, blocking Jenny's other ball black from clearing yellow which was 5 feet in front of the hoop. All Jenny could do was nudge black in front of the hoop and leave Dallas the jump. The jump shot hit the black and removed both balls from position making it anyones hoop again. After more play, Dallas needed a 7 yard clearance with Jenny 2 feet in front of the hoop. This missed and the number 7 seed took the first game.
Rosie won the first 7-5 against Phyllis and the scorers have moved the boards so you can't see them from the clubhouse on the other lawns.
Chris
Day 6 - 10.45
Number 2 seed Manal, took the first comfortably 7-3 against Alison Wall, but the Kiwi has just struck back to equalise with her own 7-3 win.
Jenny leads 5-2 in the second v Dallas
Azza has equalised by taking the second 7-4 against Rachel
Amir tells me that he thinks Marwa is game up against Shadin
Phyllis leads 3-1 in the second against Rosie who is game up. Gordon Smith reports that after hoop 4, Rosie played to hoop 1 and then played the same ball next turn. He thinks the ref has given an incorrect ruling when this was discovered.
Chris
Day 6 11.15
Marwa bt Shadin 7-3, 7-3
Jenny bt Dallas 7-6, 7-3
Marwa leads Alison 3-1 in the third
Phyllis leads Rosie 6-2 in the second, but is game down.
Rachel leads Azza 1-0 in the third
Chris
Pitch inspection at Katikati scheduled for 1.00 pm. Meanwhile it's needlepoint in the pavilion.
Campbell
WGC - Day 6 lunchtime
Rachel Rowe has beaten Azza 7-2 in the decider to give England their first medal in this event - congratulations to Rachel. This means that the top half of the draw is Egyptian-less.
Manal won the third 7-3 against Alison and will play Jenny this afternoon in the last QF.
Rosie is 4-2 up against Phyllis in the decider.
Chris
Good news from Katikati - lunch is ready. Also the sun is out. And we have our first result: the gorilla jigsaw has been completed. All raffle tickets for the quilt have been sold.
Campbell
Day 6 Update 12.30
Rosie took a 6-2 lead in the decider against Phyllis, but Phyllis made it 4-6 to keep her hopes alive. Then, after hoop 10, Rosie played to hoop 7. This is about the 8th time that Rosie has played to the wrong hoop. Misses from Phyllis allowed Rosie back into the hoop which she ran to take her place in the semi-final.
Well done to Rosie on keeping the dream of back to back Aussie world titles alive and congrats once again to Phyllis on a fine event.
Current KO Draw:
Rosie Graham v Rachel Rowe
Marwa v Jenny or Manal
The last QF will start in half an hour.
Chris
WGC Semi-Finalists decided
In gale force winds, Jenny Clarke put in a fine performance to beat the number 2 seed Manal. The first game went to Jenny 7-2, but Manal took at 4-2 lead in the second with an excellent jump through hoop 6. Jenny then proceeded to win the next 4 hoops to go 6-4 up and after several long clearances at 12, secured her place in the semis 7-5.
The semi-finalists are from 4 different countries which can only be positive for the sport. The semis will be played as best of 5. Congratulations to all 4 medallists
Chris
Results from Katikati:
Judy M won the quilt raffle.
Gaye Pitman and Ashley Cooke qualified for the plate semis from Katikati.
Sandra Bathgate and Alwen Bowker qualified from Tauranga.
Campbell
Day 7 (Friday 25 November)
The gale force winds have subsided and we have a wind just strong enough to make the flags stand proud. The temperature feels slightly cooler today. A couple of people have commented about the problems in Cairo and whilst I am sure that this isn't ideal for the Egyptians, I believe that the weather is a more significant factor - certainly, that is what they are complaining about! The other fact to note is that (if you ignore Soha and Iman), the others have played at the same standard to Cairnlea 2 years ago
.The semis are about to start. Rosie plays Rachel on court 1 and Marwa plays Jenny on court 2. The matches will be best of 5. I don't think the players have been told whether they are allowed a lunch break if the matches are long.
Chris
Semi update 9.55
Jenny v Marwa
Game 1
Jenny won the toss and soon had complete control of hoop 1 with a ball 1 foot in front and another one blocking Marwa who was 5 yards back. Marwa hit the top of Jenny’s ball with her attempted jump, span forward, hit Jenny’s other ball out of the way and finished in the jaws which was enough to take a 1-0 lead. This was increased to 2-0 with an in-off at 2.
Jenny failed a 2 yard hoop 3 and Marwa ran her 4 yarder to go 3-0 up. Jenny then took 1 foot position at 4 which gave the Kiwi her first point. Both players hit to position at 5 and Jenny took on an 11 yard clearance which she hit, but cannoned into her partner ball giving Marwa a 4-1 lead.
Jenny made 6 to go 2-4 and then cleared at 7, but Marwa hit her own 7 yard clearance. Jenny hit her 7 yarder and it was anyone’s hoop. With partner 1 foot and slightly to one side of 7, Jenny opted to allow Marwa a 14 foot straight hoop. Marwa failed and Jenny ran 7 to 3 yards West of 8, but then overhit her approach with her other ball – a big mistake.
Marwa had an opportunity to put in a block, but just missed and Jenny cleared to force Marwa to hit another 7 yarder. She missed this and it was 4-4
After many clearances, blue and red were on the boundary and Jenny opted to have a 7 yard gentle hoop attempt which missed completely. Marwa took position and Jenny missed a 5 yard clearance. Marwa now had a 2 yard clearance towards the north boundary with partner in front of the hoop. Marwa only snicked it moving Jennys ball in front of Marwa’s ball in front of the hoop,. Jenny now had a hampered attempt at the hoop, but only jawsed it, leaving Marwa a straightforward jump shot. She made the hoop, but just dragged Jenny’s ball through by an inch to give the Kiwi a 5-4 lead.
Jenny has a 6 yard clearance at Marwa 3 feet in front of 10 and rush peeled it to go 5-5.
Jenny missed her clearance at 11 and then played back to position blocking her partner ball from the southern half of the lawn. Marwa ran 11 to take a massive advantage.
Jenny managed to get a ball in the jaws of 12 from the wrong side, but MArwa made her jump to take the first 7-5.
In the other semi final, Rachel has taken the first 7-3
Chris
Game 2
Jenny took good position at 1 and Marwa missed with her second ball. Jenny ran 1 and then after some play at 2 failed a 2 yard straight hoop, but finished blocking Marwa who played a good jump to make it 1-1. Jenny ran an eight foot slightly angled 3 down to the side of 4 to go 2-1.
With black and yellow in an impasses just north of 3, Jenny took a 3-1 lead with blue.
Having taken position at 5 with red, Marwa opted to break the impassed when yellow played.
Jenny had a good central clearance from 4 to 5 and Marwa missed her 14 yarder. Jenny ran 5 to 5 yards in front of 6 to go 4-1 up.
Marwa put in a block and after playing to position with her other ball, Jenny cleared. Marwa hit her 12 yard clearance. Jenny tried a gentle hoop from 10 yards and hit the hoop. Marwa then ran a good angled hoop to make it 2-4. Marwa hit her first 7 yard clearance at 7, but missed the subsequent one and Jenny rushed into the jaws of the hoop. Marwa, in corner 2, gave up on 7 and played halfway. Jenny went 5-2.
With Jenny in complete control of 8, Marwa had a 7 yard in-off to go 3-5. Jenny played a good approach to 3 feet straight in front of 9 and Marwa missed with her first ball and then hit with her second. Jenny put in a block and Marwa failed her own block leaving Jenny a 7 foot hoop which she ran by 11 yards to go 6-3 up.
Jenny missed a short clearance at 10 and Marwa was able to play an in-off which sent partner 3 yards in front of 11 and go 4-6. Jenny cleared. Marwa then made her own clearance but cannoned her partner ball out of position. As I have said many times before, this is one of the most random I know. At least today we are playing best of 5 rather than best of 3.
Jenny took advantage to take the second 7-4.
In the other semi, Rachel is game and 5-4 up with control at 10.
Chris
Update 11.50
Rachel Rowe beat Rosie Graham 7-3, 7-4, 7-6 to become the first English player to reach a world final in the last 7 "proper" WCF events - many congratulations!
In the other semi final, Jenny leads Marwa 5-7, 7-4, 7-3
Chris
WGC Update 12.30
Jenny took at 2-0 lead in the fourth game against Marwa, but good hoop strokes at 3 and 4 levelled the game at 2-2. Marwa is currently 4-3 ahead.
Chris
Update 12.55
With Marwa 4-3 up in the fourth, the players contested hoop 8 for over 15 minutes before Jenny ran it from 4 yards. Another 10 minutes at hoop 9 eventually saw Marwa in the jaws with Jenny having a 5 foot jump slightly angled. Jenny has been exceptionally good at jumps so far this event, but came across this one badly and hit the outside of the wire.
Two very good long range positional blocks got Jenny back into hoop 10 and it is now 5-5.
Update - lunchtime day 7
Jenny missed her clearance from 10 to 11 and Marwa ran 11 off the south boundary to go 6-5 up. Jenny then played a great shot to 1 foot in front of 12 with blue and Marwa failed to get red onside. Black and yellow both played towards halfway and blue ran 12 to equalise.
Marwa now played a great approach to 7 feet straight in front of 13 from the penalty spot. Jenny played to 12 feet angled and then missed a 22 yarder at red with blue.
Marwa now had a 7 foot hoop to make to it 2-2, but failed. Jenny then took on her 12 foot angled shot and ran it smoothly to make her first Women’s final.
The final is scheduled to start at 1pm tomorrow best of 5.
Chris
Day 8 (Saturday 26 November)
The plate semi-finals were played yesterday afternoon and matched Ashley Young v Sandra Bathgate and Gaye Pitman v Alwen Bowker. Sandra won 7-1 and Gaye won 7-3.
In the consolation event for those eliminated in the first and second round of the knockout, the semi-finals saw Judy Wembridge beat Soha 7-4 and Laura Whiitaker beat Christine Pont 7-3
The plate and consolation event finals are in play now, as is the 3rd place play-off between Rosie and Marwa.
The wind has dropped today and it is currently overcast and mild.
Chris
WGC - Day 8 - update 11.10
In the 3rd place play-off, the first two games have been shared 7-4 to Marwa and 7-5 to Rosie. It is 3-2 to Marwa in the decider.
In the Consolation final for 9 to 32, Laura Whiitaker won the first 7-2, Judy Wembridge won the second 7-4 and it is 2-2 in the decider.
In the plate final, Sandra Bathgate leads Gaye Pitman 7-4, 5-7, 2-0.
ChrisWGC Day 8 - lunchtime update
Marwa took the decider 7-3 to secure third place against Rosie.
Judy took the decider 7-5 against Laura.
Gaye took the decider 7-4 against Sandra.
Congrats to everyone who made it through to day 8, particularly the winners.
Chris
The final 13.10
Jenny has won the toss. The players are practising. Rachel is wearing all white with ankle length trousers and a short sleeve short. Jenny is wearing all black with a full tracksuit on. Regrettably, she is wearing an Australian cap!!
The wind is moving the ball about 4 inches West on a 20 yard stroke. The lawns are running at around 10 seconds, as they have done all event. They are sand based and are getting 5 hours of water each night, not that you would know that when you arrive in the morning. The hoops have stood up pretty well, given the sand base.
At 12.57, the players shake hands and Jenny takes off her tracksuit top and has a sleeveless hoodie on.
12.58 Blue to 7 foot straight in front of 1 - a great start
Red to 1 in south of blue - another good shot
K to 2 feet NW of U
Y shoots and misses
U nudges up to R, but finishes in contact.
R plays a roll clearing both U and K
K fails to get position
Y to 5 foot position slightly angled
U to 2ft 45 degrees
R hits 5 yard clearance at K to near hoop 2
K shoots at Y.........hits
Y misses U..........I preferred a gentle go at the hoop
U nudges almost into jaws.
R shoots at U from hoop 4............hits
K to 3 foot straight
Y to 5y angled
U tries to block R at K
R looks like iot can see a bit of K..........misses hitting U
K runs 1 to 5 feet W of 2
Jenny 1-0
Y to 1 y NE of 2
U to 6 foot slightly angled position
R to 3 yard angled
K clears Y, but only 9 yards.
Y misses U
U hits right wire and bounces to 2 feet W of 2
R ends up on/nearly on the left hand wire - it may be runnable though
K fails to take position
Y gets angled position on opposite side to K
U clears R, but it also hits K
R to 7 foot straight
K clears Y, but only quarter ball, leaving it a 5 yarder at U
Y clears U by 12 yards.
U plays to 4 foot angled position
R fails 7 foot hoop, finishing 1 foot W
K to 5 foot
Y fails to block
U fails hoop to 2 inch straight
R clears K to S boundary
K to 8 foot straight
Y clears U finishing 2 inches in front of 2
U has a 7 yarder at Y..........hits hoop and misses
R clears K to end of B-Baulk.
K misses
Y runs 2
Score 1-1
That's all I'm going to do blow for blow, but the shot choices/sequences are typical of thise seen here this week.
Chris
Final - preview
The 4th Womens World Golf Croquet Final is minutes away and the crowds are getting into favourable positions.
Rachel Rowe, England, will play Jenny Clarke, New Zealand.
Rachel is the number 5 seed and brings a record of won 21, lost 2 into the final.
Jenny is the number 7 seed and her record is 20, lost 4.
The wind started to pick up at about 10.00 this morning and it is once again strong. It is expected to reduce later in the afternoon. The final will be played on lawn 2 which is slightly more sheltered than lawn 1 and will be best of 5. The sun is out and it is about 20 degrees.
A ripple of applause greets the players as they walk towards corner 4. There are about 60 people sitting around the lawn, 40 on the balcony and more inside the clubhouse.
Chris
Final 1.40
After much clearing at 3, Rachel failed a 4 foot hoop, then Jenny failed an 8 foot hoop, then Rachel took control and Jenny missed a 20 yarder. Rachel then failed the hoop from 3 feet, but the jaws was good enough to make it 2-1 to Rachel
Jenny failed to get position at 4, finishing 6 inches ENE K also failed to get position from the penalty spot. Rachel played both her balls down so that U couldn't hit them
Looks like Rachel may have tried ro clear U with R, but left it near the hoop going to 5 herself. This should give Jenny the advantage at 4
K tries to rush U to wired position from Y which is south of 4, but underhits and Y clears U to the N boundary with R is position. U shoots, hits the hoop, but bounces out. R fails an easy hoop. Are the hoops tighter for the final, or is this just early nerves? Jenny once again has the advantage at 4. No, she's missed a short clearance and Rachel is all over the hoop.
At this rate the 6.30 tournament dinner will be late!!
Jenny runs hoop 9 to try and clear Rachel from in front of 4, but gets too much wire and flicks off, missing Y and finishing on the N boundary.
Rachel runs hoop 4 to go 3-1 up after 41 minutes
Chris
Final 13.49
At last Jenny plays a good positional shot at 5, but Rachel hits her 8 yard clearance in the middle
Rachel runs a good angled 7 foot 5 to go 4-1 ahead.
Jenny has a choice between a 5 foot hoop 6 or a 1 foot clearance. She takes on the hoop and makes it 2-4.
Rachel runs a 5 foot angled 7 to go 5-2.
Jenny plays a couple of good positional shots to take control fo 8 and make it 3-5
Chris
Final 13.55
Rachel fails 9 with Y from 7 feet angled but finishes in front of the hoop.
U clears R which plays back in and K clears Y. Jenny has developed a slight advantage at 9 which is always so important.
Jenny overhist a short positional block - has she given away an in-off opportunity? Rachel hits the other side of the ball, so maybe not. With partner 2 feet in front of 9, Jenny misses a trickier block and Rachel clears her 7 yarder to hoop 1
Jenny refuses to shoot with Rachel 8 foot in front of the hoop. Rachel turns down the hoop, clearing Jenny and finishes in the jaws. Jenny fails to clear and that should be enough to win 9 and 10 for Rachel.
Chris
13.56
Rachel takes the first 7-3. I'm off to courtside, will report after game 2
Final 15.20
Rachel won six consecutive hoops to take a 4-0 lead in the second. This was soon 5-1, but Jenny fought back to 4-5. Rachel ran a good hoop 10 to take a 6-4 lead, but failed a ten foot 11 to go 2-0 up in the match. Jenny ran 11 and Rachel started to half-ball her clearances at 12 allowing Jenny to make it 6-6. A good positional shot to 8 foot straight from Rachel was countered when Jenny, hitting with enough pace to go off the lawn, ran hoop 10 and finished 4 inches in front. Rachel tried to hit it, but missed and Jenny from 25 yards, almost succeeded in blocking Rachel, finishing about 3mm too far. Rachel took on her jump, but hit the ball, keaving Jenny in control. With both Jennys balls in front of the hoop, Rachel put in a good block and Jenny tried her own 5 foot jump shot. This time, the ball sailed through the hoop make it one game each to much applause from the crowd now numbering about 170. The second game took 1hr 20 mins.
Chris
Final 16.10
Jenny took a 2-0 lead to make it 8 out of the last 9, and this was soon 4-2. However, Rachel did well to get control at 7 and it was soon 4-4. A poor positional at 9 allowed Rachel to take the lead at 5-4, but Jenny played some good strokes to not only make 10, but get partner 3 yards from 11. She was able to convert this into a 6-5 lead and ran a 3 yard 12 to take the game 7-5 and make it 2-1 in games.
Chris
Update 17.15
Rachel won the fourth 7-6Update 18.20
Rachel won hoop 1 in the decider, but Jenny hit back to take 2 and 3. Then, with Jenny's other ball in the jaws of 4 and Rachel in jumping position, Jenny missed an 8 yarder and Rachel completed the jump to go 2-2.
Hoop 5 had lots of interplay before Rachel finished in the jaws having cleared Jenny. This was enough for a 3-2 lead. Rachel again cleared Jenny at 6 and finished in the jaws, but after Rachel only flicked a short clearance, Jenny was able to get back into the hoop and subsequently make it 3-3.
Both players had attempts at 7 before Rachel took a 4-3 lead. Jenny had full control of 8 but failed a couple of blocks, leaving Rachel at target at 15 yards. Rachel flicked off the ball in front of the hoop and ran it to go 5-3 up.
Jenny made 9, but only by a few feet and Rachel made it 6-4.
Rachel had a great clearance at 11 and although Jenny managed to get back in the hoop, Rachel was able to easily jump over to become World Champion. Many congratulations to Rachel who had the best win percentage of all the players in the event.
As with many of the matches this week, the result could have gone either way which is one of the features of golf croquet.
Many thanks to all the officials who have helped run this event. I believe that the next Womens will be in Cairo.
Chris