by Vilhelm Von Kruppenhauser, contributing writer How does this season’s competition compare with a year ago? Stat boy says the numbers demonstrate that play has improved, tightening the field. Comparisons suggest that, though Kent Lorence is still the man to beat, his point production is down by 17 points in the same amount of games he played last year. His average has fallen from 3.20 to 2.88. But he’s not the only one. Other veteran players have dropped an average of .30 points.Bob Gannon has dropped from 2.53 to 2.19; Rob Price slipped from 2.43 to 2.23; Rob G. has stumbled from 1.47 to 1.15 And who are the players taking these points off their plates; the most improved from a year ago? Tom Sullivan pushes up 1.28 to 1.51 Nelson Montgomery continues to gather steam, up from 2.16 to 2.48, But it is Bill Cleary who has mounted the strongest surge, improving all the way from 1.67 to 2.14. Its no mystery why these are the players burning the brightest this year. Cleary led the trio in an experimental off season of the 6 wicket game featuring narrower wickets and more strategy. The more each participated, the better their 9 wicket game has improved from a year ago. The 6 wicket game developed into a “second season” after the conclusion of the BCDC playoffs last Fall and provided some great autumn days and crisp nights. Croquet and sweaters are a pleasent match and lasted into December before the snow fell. Look for the 6 wicket train to pull out of the station again this September with a stronger contingency and an eye towards tournament play. This is most likely the embryonic stage of the future Buffalo chapter of the United States Croquet Association, poised to bring internationally ranked croquet players to town. Get in on the ground floor this fall, if only for one night.

2002 Championship Official Photos

Old RULES here

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