A little commentary from Jane...

 

So now on to Day Two results of the Women's World's Golf Croquet Championships.

I had two more matches, again best of three games. Up first was Laura Whittaker, a 17 year old phenom from New Zealand, who happens to live near two of the top players in the world, so she has the advantage of two great coaches. The first game she won 7 to 2....I had some good shots, often placing my ball right in front of the hoop, but when she shoots from 20 yards away and smacks my ball out of position, there's not much one can do!

Second game I played better and she had some uncharacteristic misses, so I found myself in the lead by a few points. She battled back until we were tied at 6 all. We both had good approach shots to the last hoop and we ended up with one ball each in front of the hoop with a fairly easy shot to win. Her other ball was close and was placed to clear my well positioned ball to the other end of the court leaving me a very difficult return shot to clear her ball. The good news was that the ball I now was to play was on the South boundary, with a 6 yard shot to get rid of that dangerous ball. A bit of a "knee-knocker", but I took my time, and hit centre ball sending up near the peg. Whew. Now all I could do was hope she was far enough away...she shot and just missed clearing me away. So, another knee-knocker! I lined up...(it was almost dead straight in front, about three feet away)....remembered to breath, shot, held my breath, and it swished through. One game for me! First thing I heard was Laura behind me saying "well done!"
Last game went to form...so Laura took the overall match.

Then I played Kath Burt from England...and she won in straight games, 7 to 5 and 7 to 4. Not a rout... so I was still pleased with my play over all. I have to head out to the courts now from my a.m. game.....more later.

Cheers Jane