Morning Coffee: U.S. Nationals Start and Selection 8's Results

Visit the storeNovember is kicking off strong with the USCA American Rules Nationals and Australian Open both now in progress. Details below point to how you can follow the U.S. event. So far, I haven't found much on updates for the event down under. Here's your latest news from the croquet scene--

USCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: The USCA National Championship is under way at Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Finals are scheduled for Saturday and your can catch updates on the event in the Americas Forum on Croquet World Online or on the USCA's Twitter page--
http://twitter.com/#!/USCroquet

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CFA's Serious Croquet Book Now Available

We all know croquet is no longer just a fun backyard game. Tournament croquet is a different game, a serious game, and a serious sport. But have you ever tried to explain the game to someone outside of the sport; why you love it, why you are obsessed with this elusive game, or why you are about to travel hundreds of miles to compete in a tournament?  It isn’t easy.
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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.