The Top AC Invitation, played at the Morrinsville Municipal Croquet Club, saw seven players competing in a double round robin, following a late withdrawal.
Last year’s winner, Logan McCorkindale (Canterbury), was off to a strong start with five wins in the first six rounds which included a bye.
Morrinsville local, Paddy Chapman (Thames Valley), started the tournament with a loss to Aaron Westerby (Auckland) but bounced back strongly to win the next nine games. His second loss came in his game against Felix Webby (Central Districts). Webby had a slow start losing his first two games against McCorkindale and Chapman, he did however not drop another game in the double round robin to finish on ten wins .
After completion of the double round robin Webby and Chapman finished both on ten wins from twelve, with McCorkindale scoring eight wins from twelve.
With time available it was decided and the players agreed to play a final rather than deciding the winner by net hoops. Paddy Chapman took control of the final winning 26:0 and thereby winning the CA Silver Tray for the fourth time in the last five years.
Winner Paddy Chapman being presented the CA Silver Tray by Tournament Manager John Christie
Full results can be found here.
CNZ would like to thank the Thames Valley Croquet Association, the Morrinsville Croquet Club, tournament manager John Christie and all volunteers who have made this event a success.
