High Wycombe are Southern Federation AC Champions

The SCF AC Handicap Final  on 26th October was an epic encounter to decide the SCF AC-Handicap Federation Champions. HWCC had come out top of the Northern Division (just!), whilst Ryde (on the Isle of Wight) had won the Southern Division.  We therefore had a playoff final to decide the overall SCF Champions

Luckily for us, HWCC were playing at home.

Our team comprised Richard Peperell (2 ½), Geoff Johnson (3) and Richard Coward (11) facing a Ryde team comprising players with handicaps of -1/2, 4 and 6. 

Richard P stormed off to gain a seemingly unassailable lead of Peg and Rover versus 1 and 1. Richard C also took an early lead getting his first ball to Rover versus 1 and 1.  Geoff started a bit more slowly and some early skirmishes resulted in both players being on 3 and 1. Geoff hit in a desperate 31 yard shot at his partner ball and proceeded to Rover. He then managed another tricky hit-in and took his backward ball right round to Peg. Five minutes later it was all over with Geoff winning +22, so first blood to HW.

Meanwhile, Richard C was making good progress with his second ball but running out of bisques, coming to a halt on Penult and Rover. With time called, Ryde stole the game by one hoop.  Match score 1-1.

Richard P was up against a -1/2 Ryde player who hit in and took his first ball round to peg. Richard missed the leave and now Ryde were in their stride and confidently taking their second ball round. Time was called and Ryde looked unstoppable and a dead cert for the win but of course, this is croquet and nothing is certain.  Ryde inexplicably missed a 2 yard rush to hand the game to Richard P by +7.

So, the final result was HW won 2-1 and are SCF AC Handicap Champions!

We all then had a splendid lunch, generously produced by Alan Clark, before Ryde set off on their long trip home.
In summary a great day’s croquet, with pretty good weather considering it was the end of October. The match was played in great spirit and it was a shame that one side had to lose but we are understandably pleased it was “the other side". 

HWCC now progress to the Secretary's Shield, a national trophy fought over by all the individual Federation champions.

Geoff Johnson – Match Captain

Richard P, Geoff, Richard C