Sun drenched lawns afforded competitors ideal conditions on Day 3 of the 2019 Irish Croquet Championships. The morning saw the knock-out stages of the Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles with Carrickmines member Sylvia Briggs overcoming the USA's Vicky Johnston by a score of 10 hoops to 7 in the 2nd round of the aforementioned singles. Elsewhere, Hampworth's Richard Stevens enjoyed a comprehensive win over Tony Allwright (26-8) and Andrew Johnston pipped Jodie Rugart in a tight affair by 26 hoops to 23.The Plate Event - the Steel Cup, continues to be keenly contested. Wins for Dave McGrath, Andrew Dutton, Tony Kemp, Robert Miller and Anne Marie McGowan saw out the morning. After a hearty lunch courtesy of Helena and her team, further plate victories resulted for Richard Assaf, Yvonne Marrinan, Beverley Cardo and Geraldine O'Rourke.
In the quarter-finals of the Handicap Singles (The Founders Cup), David Boyd was victorious over Sylvia Briggs by 26 hoops to 9.
Nigel Werner and Martin Gilmartin beat Vicky Johnstone and Tony Kemp in their Stonebrook Cup clash (handicap doubles )before succumbing to the duo of Andrew Johnston and Daniel Herlihy in the next round.
Meanwhile on the other side of the draw, victory for Randy Cardo and Tony Allwright vs Sandy Greig and Richard Whelan resulted in a late afternoon doubles final of Cardo & Allwright vs Johnston & Herlihy. The tactical acumen of the low handicappers in each couplet came to the fore. Allied to some fearless shot-making from Mssrs Allwright and Herlihy, the watching spectators were treated to a delightful display of croquet. Johnston and Herlihy ultimately prevailed despite spirited resistance from Cardo and Allwright.
Late Steel Cup games saw Anne Marie McGowan locked in battle with Val Terry. Conor O'Sullivan was still out on the lawns versus Dawn Jupin with a convoy enroute to Newcastle.
Max Miller met Beverley Cardo in in the final match out on the lawn. Sandy Knuth lost 23-16 to the indefatigable Gerard Osborne Burke whilst Rich Schiller overcame the challenge of Andrew Dutton.
Sandy Greig met Richard Stevens in an early evening handicap singles semi-final with Sandy ultimately victorious by 26 hoops to 18.
All in all, a great day 3 as we look ahead to more fabulous croquet this week on the baize-like lawns. Day 4 sees the Alternate Shot doubles get underway with the commencement of the Green Cup, USCA Salver and Newell Candlestick also.
Dave McGrath