The CNZ GC 3+ Championship was held at the Brooklyn Croquet Club in Blenheim from 31 January to 2 February.
The twelve entrants played a single round robin one the first two days to determine the four players qualifying for the knockout. The players qualifying were Mei Williams (Auckland), Melba Scott (Auckland), Dave McMillan (Canterbury) and Sally Cole (Auckland).
The remaining eight players were divided into two blocks of four for further single round robin with the block winners playing in the Plate Final. Peter Burt (Marlborough) faced Geoff Tuck (Nelson) in the single game final and he prevailed 7:3 to win the Plate Event.
In the knockout knockout semifinals Mei Williams played Sally Cole and Melba Scott faced Dave McMillan. Semifinal 1 of Williams and Cole went to three games with Williams taking game 1 before Cole bounced back to win game 2. In the deciding third game Williams played with composure to secure a 7:3 win and progress to the final.
Semifinal 2 between Melba Scott and Dave McMillan was a much quicker match with Dave coming out the winner after 2 games (7:4 &7:3) and just over an hours play.
Melba Scott played Sally Cole for third place and won the match in two games 7:5 & 7:3.
In the final Williams took an early lead winning the game 7:4. Game 2 was much closer with both players playing well and taking their opportunities, however Mei Williams prevailed winning 7:5 and securing her first national title.
Congratulations to the winners!
CNZ would like to thank the Marlborough Association, the Brooklyn Croquet Club, all the volunteers, including the manager Brian Goodwin and referee Ron Ereckson with the support of others, caterers, supporters and the players for making this event a success.
