2014 Best of Croquet Network

As we roll in the New Year, let's take a look back at 2014 with the most popular lists for Croquet Network. All four of the lists below, rank the most viewed pages on both the Croquet Network news site and the community/forum site. It is no surprise the 2014 Mallet Poll topped the list for 2014 posts. That poll officially closed on December 31 and I will be going to work on a follow-up post with links and info for all of the top finishers.
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U.S. AC Championship for Soo

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA -- Jeff Soo beat Ben Rothman 26tp-9, 26tpo-14 to claim his first U.S. AC National Singles title yesterday at the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Jeff Soo advanced over Paul Bennett 26-11, 26-21, to earn his place in the final. Rothman had a 9-26, 26tp-1, 26-20otp win over Brian Cumming to make the final. That match ended a streak of 24 straight triples that broke a 2007 record of 20.
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USCA Croquet News Magazine 2013 Volume 3

The USCA's Croquet News Magazine Volume 3 for 2013 mailed out in December and has reached most members by now. You can also now enjoy the PDF version which is available in the member's section of the USCA website along with back issues all the way back to 2007.

One advantage of the PDF is that all website and e-mail links are live, so if you see an interesting reference you can reach out right away. The PDF version is best viewed as "two-up" and "show cover page" if you want to see the full spreads (on your Adobe Reader top menu: View/Page Display).
 
This issue features articles on both the GC National Championship and the US Rules National Championship. You will also find an interview with Western North Carolina District President Michael Albert on the keys to the recent success with golf croquet in his district. And, there is coverage of the Solomon Trophy Test from August and an interview with Stuart Lawrence that sheds light on his experiences at the 2013 WCF Association World Singles Championship. Cheryl Bromley is our player profile and the usual line-up of columns and departments are on deck for your enjoyment.

 

Please continue to send your letters or questions to uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com so we can keep the "Inbox" page active and informative. Also note that due to the limited page space, brevity is greatly appreciated.

Hope your New Year is filled with plenty of croquet!

Best Regards,

Dylan Goodwin, Croquet News Publisher
uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com

Morning Coffee: MacRobertson Thoughts Day 3

It's a bit of a challenge to offer insight on an event half a world away, but it's still a good time to scratch out a few thoughts on the event:

KUDOS FOR CNZ VIDEO
Daily video interview's from Croquet New Zealand. This is so long overdue for croquet. It's easy and it really gives everyone following a much better insight on the event. Well done for New Zealand. These videos have been shared in the Croquet Network video section. And yes, I do want this area to become the official collection site for web video on croquet.
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2014 MacRobertson Shield: Team USA Preview

Doug Grimsley submitted a Team USA preview on the upcoming MacRobertson Shield World Team Championship. Also, check the Croquet Network Association Forum for updates and dialogue on the event.

The US team goes into the 2014 MacRobertson Shield tournament with three-and-a-half more years of experience, and a realistic chance to win their first Mac title -- or finish dead last -- that's how much the competition has tightened over the last few years.  England has gone into the last six or seven Macs as

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Jenny Clarke is Women's AC World Champ

CAIRNLEA, VICTORIA -- Jenny Clarke took down Alison Sharp 3-0 (+9 +25 +26) in a best of five final to claim the first ever WCF Women's Association Croquet World Championsip. The event was held at the Victorian Croquet Centre in Cairnlea, Victoria October 21-28.

Winners:
Gold Medallist and Winner of The Charles Jones Memorial Trophy - Jenny Clark (NZ)
Silver Medallist - Alison Sharpe (AUS)
Bronze Medallists - Rosemary Graham (AUS) and Chloe Aberley (AUS)
Bowl - Anna Miller (AUS) with Runner Up, Marion McInnes (NZ)
Plate - Elaine Coverdale (AUS) with Runner Up, Anne Quinn (AUS)
Shield - Alison Robinson (NZ) with Runner Up, Jane Magill (NZ)

Commentary of the final from the Croquet Association:
https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=/news/newsdb.asp&NewsID=4384

Short New Zealand website article:
http://www.voxy.co.nz/sport/uc-researcher-wins-inaugural-womens-world-croquet-title/5/139031

Short article with photo:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Kiwi-wins-world-womens-croquet-title/tabid/415/articleID/274692/Default.aspx

Full playoff bracket:
http://www.croquetscores.com/tournaments/49/knockouts/256/grid