9-Wicket Nationals Blend Tradition and Tenacity

HELD IN THE OUTFIELD OF A FLORIDA BALLPARK, THE EVENT REMINDED PLAYERS OF CROQUET’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS WHILE SHOWCASING TOP-TIER PLAY AND COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

By Tom Cooper

Some of us got our start in the world of croquet playing in an annual backyard affair. All of us played at one time or another in the backyard with family and friends. A 9-Wicket tournament is an event that links that backyard childhood fun to greensward seriousness. Such was the case in Palm Coast, Fla., where the 9-Wicket Nationals were held in late May.

Situated in the outfield of the Palm Coast Little League Park, 16 intrepid players faced off. After sorting out the rules (which are always in contention), the biggest complaint was that the grass was too short, with not enough hills, thus being too fast. Imagine that!

Grand Haven member Nancy Crouch and her able assistant Macey White were our hosts for the tournament and did a wonderful job providing equipment and setup each day. One thing about 9-wicket events, you must carry all the equipment to the venue each day, set it up and then take it down. Ron Eccles was the Tournament Manager and kept things running smoothly. During the tournament, the players were treated to a lovely evening at the Grand Haven Club for dinner and more croquet.

In Championship Flight doubles, first-timer Tom Cooper and partner Doug Moore got past Bill Trower and Jeff Morrison for the finals victory. And in First Flight, Brett Fullerton and Gail Warlick beat George Claffey and Todd Marshall for the victory. By the time singles started, players were getting used to the pace and tilt of the courts. This resulted in several 32-point games that pegged out.

First Flight singles saw Brett Fullerton against Dean Rowland. Fullerton was a newcomer to tournament play and Rowland is a wily, long-time player using a historic 24-inch roque mallet to get the job done. In the end, it was Fullerton’s time to shine.

In Championship Flight, the winner was Brian “Steamroller” Hovis in a seesaw battle with Macey White. You’d think the game was played on a manicured pool table the way these boys were making their shots.

This is a unique event and well worth the effort to participate. It’s a journey back to the roots of the game and that’s something worthy of rediscovery!

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

01. Brian Hovis

02. Macey White

03. Doug Moore

03. Bill Trower

05. Tom Cooper

05. John Warlick

05. Jeff Morrison

05. George Claffey

09. Ron Eccles

09. Nancy Crouch

FIRST FLIGHT

01. Brett Fullerton

02. Dean Rowland

03. Todd Marshall

03. Mike Debitetto

05. Gail Warlick

05. Dorothy Silliman

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT DOUBLES

01. Tom Cooper/Doug Moore

02. Bill Trower /Jeff Morrison

03. Macey White / Nancy Crouch

03. Brian Hovis / Dean Rowland

05. Ron Eccles /John Warlick

First Flight Doubles

01. Brett Fullerton/Gail Warlick

02. George Claffey / Todd Marshall

03. Mike Debitetto / Dorothy Silliman