Morning Coffee: Mallets on Display

Visit the storeInteresting new stuff on the Morning Coffee beat this week -- a mallet showcase and a slew of new stories from the USCA Nine-wicket site highlight the action. Hopefully, you also caught the new Croquet Poll on the wearing of whites. Pour a cup and enjoy this week's rundown of the world croquet news--

MALLET SHOW SET FOR NATIONALS: Mallet makers are invited to show off their gear during the upcoming United States Croquet Association (USCA) American Rules National tournament held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, November 6-12, 2011. The Mallet Showcase will take place on Thursday, November 10. Exact time to be announced.

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Morning Coffee: Buzz for Women's GC Worlds

Visit the storeWell the MC isn't quite back on track yet, but we'll press on. Pour a cup and enjoy this week's rundown of the world croquet news--

WOMEN'S GC WORLDS: New Zealand's Daily Post has an early preview on next month's WCF Women's World Golf Croquet Championship. Full of quotes from Jenny Clarke--
http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/quake-residents-chance-to-play-in-worlds/1129326/

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Morning Coffee: Overdrive + 2012 Solomon

Visit the storeAfter a hard-working weekend at the USCA's Nine-wicket Nationals in September, I had to take a little time off. We're back on the croquet beat now though and here are some recent news highlights:

CROQUET NETWORK OVERDRIVE: Readers and users of the forum may have noticed a recent upgrade. The link at the top of the page is now driving you to the Croquet Network Overdrive website. Huh? Why the second website? CNM Overdrive has a much more dynamic forum

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2011 USCA Nine-Wicket Nationals-Day Three Report

PHOTO GALLERY

SHAWNEE, KS -- The final day of playoff action at the Nine Wicket Nationals in Kansas City saw steady rain, but the players battled through. In championship singles, Matt Smith knocked of Billy Bob Breeden to make the final, while Matt Baird took out George Cochran to advance.

In the final match, Baird got the first break but stuffed number five. That let Smith set up his break which he ran all the way out to the penultimate wicket. He then turned it over to his partner and finished with a double peel to claim the 2011 singles national championship.

In doubles championship play, Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell battled Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith in the final. Baird and Caldwell took a tight match 32-25 to claim the doubles title.

In the first flight singles playoff, #4 seed Jason Cole knocked off #1 Greg Adams in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, #2 Barry Dupuy beat #4 Ron Millican to advance. Cole won the final over Dupuy to claim the first flight national championship.

Video report will be available later today.

2011 USCA Nine-Wicket Nationals-Day Two Report

DAY TWO PHOTO GALLERY

The rain hit Nine-Wicket Nationals on Saturday, but play continued on with both championship and first flight doubles action. First flight wrapped up their segment with Greg Adams and Troy White taking first place in the round-robin format. Ron and Debbie Millican took second place in the flight.

This morning is playoff and championship action, but there is steady rain falling, likely making for miserable condition's at the courts in Shawnee, Kansas. Championship singles semi-finals were scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. with Matt Smith set to face Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Baird slated to take on reigning champ George Cochran.

Four teams of eight advanced to the knockout in championship doubles on day two. The semi-finals were played mid-afternoon and Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith knocked off Matt Smith and Nick Zink 31-23 to advance to today's final against Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell. Baird and Caldwell advanced by defeating Bill Martin and John Warlick 29-26.

The first flight singles playoff is also scheduled for the morning with Greg Adams taking on Jason Cole and Barry Dupuy facing off against Ron Millican.

2011 USCA Nine-Wicket Nationals-Day One Report

Day One Photo Gallery

Day one was played under gray skies and cool conditions, but for the most part rain was avoided. Championship singles block play concluded and round one of the playoffs was held at the end of the day (results below). Saturday starts doubles play.

Quarterfinals
Matt Smith 32-17 over Don Brooks
Billy Bob Breeden 28-25 over Jeff Caldwell

Matt Baird 27-26 over Greg Clouse
George Cochran 32-26 over Matt Griffith

Semi-Final Matchups
Matt Smith vs Billy Bob Breeden
Matt Baird vs George Cochran