CNZ AC Open Championship
Bryant v Shilling Game 3 by Felix
Good evening from Hawera croquet club.
After a good campaign we join the quarter final between Greg Bryant and Chris Shilling at 1-1.
16 Feb 2022 4:35PM (Tournament); 1 Readers
Greg UK
Chris RY
16 Feb 2022 4:35PM (Tournament); 1 Readers
1. Chris to 9y N of C4
16 Feb 2022 4:35PM (Tournament); 1 Readers
2. Greg to 1ft N of C4
16 Feb 2022 4:36PM (Tournament); 1 Readers
3. Chris heads to near C3 with Y and misses to 1ft W of C4
16 Feb 2022 4:37PM (Tournament); 1 Readers
4. Greg shooting at the ball (R) 9y N of C4. Misses on left
16 Feb 2022 4:40PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Aggressive choice there from Greg, shilling has first chance at a break
16 Feb 2022 4:41PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
Lawns are running at approximately 8 seconds. Hoops are as firm as can be expected given the amount of rain earlier in the week, but in old hoop holes.
16 Feb 2022 4:42PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
Chris has loaded 2 and rushes partner to 2y SW of 1
16 Feb 2022 4:43PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
Turn 5 of course
16 Feb 2022 4:43PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
5. Good approach and runs 1ft 10 degree hoop
16 Feb 2022 4:44PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
A little short on croquet stroke after h1 but copes well and should be away. Will update if anything interesting happens
16 Feb 2022 4:46PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
Bryant is dressed immaculately in $7.99 sportsdirect black golf trousers and CNZ representative shirt, tucked in, and white CNZ representative polar fleece vest. Chris is sporting black sport shorts and a grey jumper, surprising as I did not think the ice man felt the cold.
16 Feb 2022 4:57PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Chris removes jumper before running h6, break under control
16 Feb 2022 4:58PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Likely will be seeing a spread here from Shilling
16 Feb 2022 4:58PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
After a longer than expected 3b, his croquet stroke going to peg ball cannons into partner
16 Feb 2022 5:06PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
Now looking at some kind of reverse OSL
16 Feb 2022 5:06PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
More specifically. K middle of EB, 2y in lawn. U at the midpoint between 1 and 2. R 3y SSE of C2, Y 1y S of C2
16 Feb 2022 5:08PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Clip on 4b though, and you know what the say about the best leaves…
16 Feb 2022 5:09PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
6. Greg looking at the shooting gallery from A baulk
16 Feb 2022 5:09PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Quickly dismisses it in favour of much more defensive shot at partner from B baulk through to C4
16 Feb 2022 5:10PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Stalking…
16 Feb 2022 5:10PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Hits!
16 Feb 2022 5:11PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
My expect co-commentator, who prefers to remain anonymous, predicts TPO
16 Feb 2022 5:11PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
In fact he predicted a TPO before the game had started
16 Feb 2022 5:12PM (Tournament); 2 Readers
It’s worth mentioning at this point that they used 7 hrs over first two games meaning a 3 hr time limit for this game
16 Feb 2022 5:13PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Greg rushing to h1 from oppo near C2
16 Feb 2022 5:13PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Approaching from 3y E…
16 Feb 2022 5:14PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Leaves it shortish… 30 degrees at a guess… eyeing it up. Worth mentioning that he is making this off chris’ h1 ball (R)
16 Feb 2022 5:16PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Retreats to partner near C4… I’m surprised to see a hoop turned down based on conditions but was giving away everything with a miss
16 Feb 2022 5:17PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
7. Chris shoots with R, near h1, at balls by C4… misses by a coat of paint
16 Feb 2022 5:18PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
That would’ve set up a potential match winning turn for the campaigner.
16 Feb 2022 5:19PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Option of a standard tpo still very much available for Greg now
16 Feb 2022 5:20PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
8. With a good h2 pioneer, Greg underrushes partner to h1. Approaching from 4y SE
16 Feb 2022 5:21PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
3ft straight hoop
16 Feb 2022 5:21PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Restalks…
16 Feb 2022 5:21PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Runs with no sides to the spot equidistant from h2 and reception ball… takes on 9y return
16 Feb 2022 5:23PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Hits to an awkward spot 1ft to SW of h1… takes off to R (near h4)… little short and rush is pointing at C3
16 Feb 2022 5:24PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Cuts it nicely to near h3. Tpo not really on now
16 Feb 2022 5:25PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
This will now be a ball to 4b in all likelihood. Greg playing U btw
16 Feb 2022 5:26PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Also runs h2 with no sides
16 Feb 2022 5:27PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Greg will no doubt be looking forward to a chocolate soft serve superthick shake from the Normanby dairy on the way home… remains to be seen if it will be celebratory or commiseratory
16 Feb 2022 5:29PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Expert co-commentator is calling for one pop on red and a Bryant leave with Y (4b) on the back of 1 unrushable to 2
16 Feb 2022 5:30PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Runs h3 with no sides also, a pattern does seem to be emerging
16 Feb 2022 5:31PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Break has become slightly untidy while being manageable. Any pop-ing or other dastardly plans will have to be put on hold
16 Feb 2022 5:36PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Has a forward rush out of 5 which would help get things a bit tidy if h5 wasn’t hampering stance
16 Feb 2022 5:38PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Plays it hard and misses!!! Was probably 1.5y with h5 right where his right foot would normally be… still could be a costly error
16 Feb 2022 5:40PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Clip update:
Greg U on 6, K on 1. Shilling R on 1, Y on 4b
16 Feb 2022 5:40PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Shilling hits 7yarder with R at U on NB in front of h3. K is near h5 and Y near h6
16 Feb 2022 5:42PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Potential standard tp for the match here. A good chance if he makes h1
16 Feb 2022 5:42PM (Tournament); 3 Readers
Chris runs long h1 (1.5y?) and has 4y return… didn’t see where he approached 1 from
16 Feb 2022 5:45PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Hits 4yarder and has all the balls
16 Feb 2022 5:45PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
I have been informed he approached 1 from 7y NW
16 Feb 2022 5:46PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Not ideal placement of Y before approaching 3… fails 3 trying to run gently!!!
16 Feb 2022 5:51PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Greg’s h1 ball was the intended escape ball, U was the h4 pioneer and is just rushable to h1.
16 Feb 2022 5:52PM (Tournament); 4 Readers
Greg hits the ball in the jaws of 3 (R).At risk of sounding like a broken record, tpo could happen here
16 Feb 2022 5:53PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Greg playing his h1 ball
16 Feb 2022 5:54PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Underhits rush to 1 badly, approaching from 3.5y E
16 Feb 2022 5:55PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Underapproaches, not runnable (off partner though)
16 Feb 2022 5:56PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Leaves black sort of guarding any shot from Chris at UK
16 Feb 2022 5:57PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Chris shooting R from near h2 at Y near h4
16 Feb 2022 5:58PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
A shake of the head as it sails past.
16 Feb 2022 5:58PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Interesting to see what ball Greg plays here
16 Feb 2022 5:58PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Chooses to play U (h6)
16 Feb 2022 5:59PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Leaves K near C1 for now taking off to R near C4
16 Feb 2022 5:59PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Has 1y rush to 6 from near h4
16 Feb 2022 6:01PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Probably needs a bit of cut too
16 Feb 2022 6:02PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Plays it really well to 3ft straight. Needed that one
16 Feb 2022 6:03PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Greg taking a stroll around the lawn to mentally prepare for this turn
16 Feb 2022 6:04PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Has made 6 with 3bb
16 Feb 2022 6:06PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Greg approaching 1b, slight delay as the balls fell apart, safely through
16 Feb 2022 6:08PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Opts for a rather large roll after 1b, loading 3b going to ball in C1… hits 5 yarder
16 Feb 2022 6:11PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Bryant leave coming!
16 Feb 2022 6:13PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Y (4b) is put in the jaws of h1! Not ideal.
16 Feb 2022 6:15PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
No idea what leave will be now so will just wait and see
16 Feb 2022 6:16PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Rushes R to C1 after 3b
16 Feb 2022 6:19PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Croquets it up WB (3y in lawn) going to Y in h1
16 Feb 2022 6:20PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Takes off back to black getting Y in ideal Bryant leave position, 2” 5 degrees in front of 2b
16 Feb 2022 6:22PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
R is only 15y from Y but will be highly inclined to lift Y
16 Feb 2022 6:22PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Clip update:
Greg U 4b, K 1
Chris R 3, Y 4b
16 Feb 2022 6:23PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Chris lifts Y to C3
16 Feb 2022 6:25PM (Tournament); 10 Readers
Bit of a hill down this EB, Chris actually shooting from 3y W of C3
16 Feb 2022 6:26PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Misses
16 Feb 2022 6:26PM (Tournament); 10 Readers
Bryant rushes to a familiar spot 2.5y E of h1
16 Feb 2022 6:28PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Approaches slightly short. 25 degree hoop. Runs it by 2ft.
16 Feb 2022 6:29PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
H1 hampering stance (deja vu all over again)
16 Feb 2022 6:30PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
This is a decent 3.5y hampered roquet
16 Feb 2022 6:30PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Not trivial by any means
16 Feb 2022 6:31PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Hits in the middle
16 Feb 2022 6:31PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Delayed tp for the match for Greg who has been playing from behind all day
16 Feb 2022 6:32PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Harps Tahurangi, who has just made his first NZ Open semi final after a victory over Dennis Bulloch today, has joined the commentary booth
16 Feb 2022 6:34PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Greg playing take off from h3 to C4, plays it really well to 1y from Y
16 Feb 2022 6:35PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Has a poor h5 pioneer and peelee positioned suboptimally NE of 4b so a lot of work to be done
16 Feb 2022 6:42PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Has to rush escape ball to SB and croquet it back to get rush on h5 pioneer. Escape ball is short. 5y SW of 4b
16 Feb 2022 6:44PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Gets eastward rush out of 5, not sure how easy it is to get peel going to R here
16 Feb 2022 6:45PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Expert commentator says this game has +1 on time written all over it
16 Feb 2022 6:46PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Rushes peelee to 6y. Free go at peel. Has Y as ideal ball to peel going to 1b
16 Feb 2022 6:47PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
As long as this peel attempt hits hoop
16 Feb 2022 6:47PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Peel attempt does not hit the hoop. 4y past
16 Feb 2022 6:48PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Gets rush out of 6
16 Feb 2022 6:49PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Tp attempt has officially been bailed on. Will be a ball to the peg
16 Feb 2022 6:50PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Although expert commentator feels that the optimal line would be to try to get 1 straight peel, to avoid the scenario where Chris hits lift, goes round and pegs one off to win on time
16 Feb 2022 6:51PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Quote from Shilling “so is the doubles going on after this”
16 Feb 2022 6:52PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Greg and Paddy are 1-0 vs John Christie and Nelson Morrow in the final of the doubles
16 Feb 2022 6:52PM (Tournament); 6 Readers
Has somehow got hampered again. This time by h6 on pivot
16 Feb 2022 6:53PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Copes
16 Feb 2022 6:53PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Lawns appear to really be slowing up now with the sun slowing going down
16 Feb 2022 6:57PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Partner is at 4b so peel is on
16 Feb 2022 6:57PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Thinking about Straight triple… puts R in bombarding position
16 Feb 2022 6:58PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Scratch that changes mind last second
16 Feb 2022 6:58PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Could be a posthumous peel
16 Feb 2022 6:59PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Runs 4b with no wire so might be no peel after all
16 Feb 2022 6:59PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Scratching chin deep in thought
16 Feb 2022 7:00PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Attire update: Chris now sporting extra layers and beanie
16 Feb 2022 7:00PM (Tournament); 10 Readers
No peel just ball to peg
16 Feb 2022 7:00PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Currently 30 minutes left
16 Feb 2022 7:03PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Looking like it will be a reverse spread with 4b ball at peg
16 Feb 2022 7:04PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Rather large lift shot coming up from Chris
16 Feb 2022 7:04PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Clip update: Greg U 4b, K peg
Chris R 3, Y 4b
16 Feb 2022 7:05PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
More of a reverse horizontal spread than diagonal
16 Feb 2022 7:06PM (Tournament); 10 Readers
Chris will be lifting R to C1 no doubt
16 Feb 2022 7:07PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Here we go sports fans
16 Feb 2022 7:08PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
It is THE lift
16 Feb 2022 7:08PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Chris stalks…
16 Feb 2022 7:09PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
In the middle!
16 Feb 2022 7:10PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
I don’t know how much more of this my heart can take
16 Feb 2022 7:10PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Lawn is noticeably slower than last time Chris was out there.
16 Feb 2022 7:11PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Cut rush to 3…
16 Feb 2022 7:12PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Approaching from 2yWNW
16 Feb 2022 7:13PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Excellent approach, grovels through… should be fine if he can get mallet head to it
16 Feb 2022 7:14PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Uh oh. Must be in worse spot possible. Considering not even attemptinf
16 Feb 2022 7:14PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Goes 1y E of reception ball. K (peg) is a h4 and U is near mid EB
16 Feb 2022 7:16PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Greg shooting with peg ball at Chris’ in lawn join
16 Feb 2022 7:16PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Misses
16 Feb 2022 7:16PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Chris attempts to rush behind U but comes up short. Plays cut rush to h4 that was perfect line but pulls up 2y E of 5
16 Feb 2022 7:18PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Conservative approach. 1.5y straight hoop
16 Feb 2022 7:19PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Fails
16 Feb 2022 7:19PM (Tournament); 5 Readers
Failed that to 2y straight position. Greg has 8 yarder with 4b at R with a ball 3 yards in lawn near WB and partner on NB near C3
16 Feb 2022 7:20PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Greg hits 8 yarder to 2y S of C3. Awesome shot. Needs a good take croquet stroke here to get rush to 4b
16 Feb 2022 7:21PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Plays it well. Approaching 4b from 3ft straight
16 Feb 2022 7:22PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Rushing to penult from mid NB no real rover pioneer
16 Feb 2022 7:27PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Beautiful rush to 2ft straight
16 Feb 2022 7:27PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Runs penult with control getting rush back to Y on NB. Will be making rover off partner which is 5y NW of 1
16 Feb 2022 7:29PM (Tournament); 7 Readers
Has dolly rush on it but no other useful balls so will need rush back to peg
16 Feb 2022 7:30PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Underrushes. Approaching from 1.5y WNW
16 Feb 2022 7:31PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
Eyeing up ideal spot for partner to land
16 Feb 2022 7:31PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
2ft slightly angled hoop
16 Feb 2022 7:32PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Runs well. 3.5y return rush to peg pointing at h3
16 Feb 2022 7:32PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Wow! Cuts to 2ft peg out
16 Feb 2022 7:32PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Bryant wins game 3 26-12
16 Feb 2022 7:33PM (Tournament); 8 Readers
Clock goes off 20seconds post peg out. Plenty of time
16 Feb 2022 7:34PM (Tournament); 9 Readers
At 31 Oct 2025 10:34AM (Tournament) there is 1 person reading commentaries.