Sport

Queen was patron of Croquet Association

by David Morley

Everyone’s focus throughout much of September has been on the sad news about the Queen.

Sad because, inevitable as it was some day, it was somehow surprising, and almost ‘shocking’ in its enormity, when it happened.

This great lady was suddenly no longer there to guide our aff airs of state, so soon after her pivotal role in formalising the appointment of her 15th Prime Minister.

That said, mourning gave a wonderful opportunity for peaceful refl ection of all the ways her presence aff ected our everyday lives. It also allowed time for the carefully structured mechanism of succession of the monarchy to happen, and for ‘her people’ to become comfortable with life as subjects of King Charles III.

Queen Elizabeth II had been the patron of the Croquet Association, a role that perhaps Golfers in the winning frame

Wincanton Golf Club results. Category championships – 4 September: Division 1 winner – John Atkins, nett 74; Division 2 winner – Mike Taylor, nett 70; Division 3 winner – Trevor Mills, nett 66; Division 4 winner – Ray Hirst, nett 73. 2022 Pairs knockout fi nal – 11September: winners – Pete Williams/Ian Chandler; runners-up – John Burns / Geoff Lye.

took her back to when, 80 years ago at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, she fi rst met – and played croquet with – the man she would one day marry.

Bowls players will typically gravitate to ‘indoor bowls’ at this time of year. By contrast, croquet will continue to be played throughout much of the winter, subject only to the conditions of the green, which in turn will be most aff ected by the weather.

Tisbury Bowls and Croquet Club (TBCC) offi cially opened in June, since when membership has increased to more than 40, with three-quarters of members being interested in playing croquet – and many of these have a genuine interest to give bowls a try. The aim for 2023 is to grow that number by 20-30 new members.

Among the current members are a number of experienced croquet players, several of whom enjoy the prospect of

Princess Elizabeth plays croquet with the future Duke of Edinburgh when he was a student at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. teaching those new to the sport or who want to improve their standard of play. The next few months are the ideal time to see what the growing interest in croquet is about. An introductory game, with good quality instruction available, will soon show just how interesting the sport is while at the same time bringing people together, often in mixed groups drawn from a variety of age groups. TBCC’s WhatsApp facility helps to keep members in touch with what games are going on and who is looking for partners – or opponents. If players like what they have experienced, the membership list for the 2023 season will soon be open and a year’s subscription to the club, as a Christmas present, could make a brilliant start for many to the New Year. Contact us at info@ tisburybowlsandcroquet.com and get the ball rolling.

Novices up and running

by Paul Russell

The Couch to 5K (C25K) programme organised by the Dorset Doddlers running club ended successfully once again.

The runners completed their 5K run at Henstridge park run, supported along the route by many members of the Doddlers.

All participants crossed the fi nish line and received their fi nisher’s medals, and best of all, they all had a smile on their face.

In the space of ten weeks, the runners went from zero to hero.

The course is designed for those completely new to, or returning, to running. Supported each week by an England Athletics coach, and four friendly volunteers, the runners are taught how to build up their weekly running slowly and safely ready for the fi nal 5k challenge. Over the weeks they are shown techniques to improve running technique, improving form and effi ciency.

The Doddlers hold their C25K programme twice a year and it is proving popular with some great feedback from participants.

One of the runners who completed the course at Henstridge said: “I am so pleased I did it – I wouldn’t have done it without your help!”. Another said: “You guys are so positive and kept us all going each week – even when we thought we couldn’t.”

The next C25K is scheduled for January 2023 and places are already reserved.

For information on the Dorset Doddlers C25K programme, including how to register for the next free course, see www.dorsetdoddlers.co.uk

Sport

Flyers land league title

Blandford Flyers Swimming Club battled for another win in the fourth and fi nal round of the Jurassic League at Bridport Leisure Centre.

This third victory gave the Flyers a four-point lead in the table to secure the Jurassic League title for the fi rst time in the club’s history.

The competition was fi erce and Frome led from the start very closely followed by Blandford, Bridport and Weymouth.

The Flyers’ persistence and resolve paid off in the last fi ve races where they took the lead and fi nished fi ve points in front on the night.

It was an outstanding performance from everyone in the squad, many having to swim up an age group or two or swim events outside of their comfort zone . The team spirit throughout the competition was commendable with the encouragement and support provided to other swimmers playing a major part in this success.

Head coach Jon Creffi eld said: “The club is very proud of every one of our swimmers and hope they are also proud of their achievements – they deserve all the praise they are getting.”

The club gave thanks to Bridport Barracudas, Frome, Heron, Weymouth and Wincanton for making it such a great competition, Mark Hoskins for organising the event and all the offi cials, coaches and volunteers for their time and expertise.

Anyone who has a child or children interested in getting involved in the club should head to Blandford Flyers’ website, www.blandfordfl yers. co.uk It is a friendly club which welcomes all standards of youth swimmer from Learn-to-Swim Level 7 upwards.

Rugby club looking for new recruits

Blandford RFC’s Minis & Juniors are looking for new players from U6s to U13s for the upcoming season.

They play from 10-11.30am every Sunday at the Larksmead Pitches, Blandford, and any young players looking for a team will receive a warm welcome from a club which has family at its heart.

Trever Bristow, head of Mini and Junior rugby at Blandford, said: “If you turn up to a rugby game for youngsters you’ll see that there’s a game at every age level adapted exactly to the abilities and maturity of the children playing.

“From non-contact tag rugby for U7s and U8s through a carefully supervised safe transition to contact rugby at u9s and U10s right up to the full 15-a-side game.

“At this level it is not about winning and losing – it’s about getting time on the pitch with your pals, playing your very best, learning and having the best fun you can have on a Sunday morning.”

The under 8s, 9s and 10s in particular are seeking new team-mates to join their ranks and rucks.

All the club’s coaches are RFU qualifi ed, DBS checked and passionate about sharing the game with new enthusiastic players.

For more information contact Trevor Bristow, head of Mini and Junior Rugby, on 07368 344230 or club chairman Tom Davis-Richings on 07594 953947.