The 2021 Desert Classic has concluded with three unbelievably close final matches. The Waterford Doubles final culminated in a match between 4 players who have in the last couple weeks, shown consistent dedication, and improvement in their overall understanding of Association Croquet. It has been a real pleasure to see our club’s AC group grow and I hope it continues to do so. CONGRATULATIONS to Bill Sullivan and Susan Stiff, our Desert Classic Waterford Doubles Champions, and to Runner-ups Welles Farago and Neil Burton.

First Flight Singles provided some very exciting croquet throughout block play and into the playoffs. The top two seeds earned their spot straight into the semi-finals, including club President Nick Gray with a 5-0 record. We welcomed a familiar face to the MH lawns. Dave Collins, founding member of Beverly Hills and Pasadena Croquet Club, needed the first five games to find his groove, which allowed him the chance to squeeze into a semi-final match against the eventual champion. The 2.5 hour final match went down to the wire and could have gone either way. Outstanding display of patience and determination from both finalists. CONGRATULATIONS to First Flight Champion Mary Rodeberg and 2nd Place finisher Patrick Dugan, you represented Mission Hills very well.

The Championship Flight top seeds displayed consistent and comprehensive break play throughout the three day tournament. The top players going into the knockout rounds included an exciting run from MH member Cam Evans. Inspiring croquet led him to a semi-final showdown against the flight favorite, Paul Bennett. An extremely close and exciting match offered a fortuitous last minute chance for the top seed, who was able to close the match under pressure and earn his spot in the final. The second ticket to the final was contested between Patrick Sweeney and Peter Bach. Two very solid croquet players who on any good day, could put anybody away and make it look very easy. Peter took advantage of his opportunities and earned his rematch with Paul Bennett in the final. Surely one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, both players displayed a very high level of association croquet. A lesson to all of us spectators to watch them both progress through the hoops and comprehensively set difficult leaves for their opponents. A final match of a few key winning shots, Paul Bennett successfully closes the match with a clean triple peel to become the 2021 Desert Classic Champion. VERY WELL DONE Paul!

Congratulations and thank you to all players for your outstanding croquet, for assisting in the setting up and picking up of the courts, and for your respect and sportsmanship on and off the lawns. I wish the visiting players a safe trip back home and we hope to see you back on our lawns very soon.

Thank you all, and see you out there for Sunday Wine & Wickets!