The first play-off was between Mike Crashley and Kiwi legend Bob Jackson. Unfortunately, it was played at 1.45 on lawn 6, the furthest lawn away from the clubhouse, so didn't have the full crowd. It's difficult to think that Bob aged about 82 has many more World appearances left in him, so he was definitely the sentimental favourite.
Mike took a 5-3 lead, but rush-peeled Bob through 9 to make it 5-4. Despite Bob having first play to 10, Mike made it 6-4 before Bob ran 11 to 2 feet in front of 12. Mike missed twice and Bob took the play-off to the deciding hoop.

Mike's approach to 13 from near C4 finished 2 feet in front of 13. Bob shot at his 15 yarder and hit. Mike failed to take position then Bob failed to take position. Mike played to 3inches 30 degrees in front of 13 and Bob tried a 5 yard clearance that rushed Mike into the front of the jaws. Bob put his mallet down in frustration and went for a wander. Mike cleared Bob's ball and it hit Bob's mallet, meaning that Bob forfeited his next stroke and Mike ran 13 from the jaws. Well done to Mike, but fantastic to see Jacko still playing good croquet. I don't think anyone else has ever played at his level at his age.