Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving! 11/24/11

Hello,

It was another great day of croquet but started out cold, rainy and windy.  Even so, we all had to play in the rain.  It has been incredibly windy almost every single day, such that your mallet sways as you are trying to set up for your shot.  This morning was probably the toughest conditions of the entire tournament.  Thankfully, the sun came out this afternoon.

I played at Tauranga for the first time which was just about 10 minutes from Mt. Maunganui.  I have to say that at every location I've played at, the volunteers and officials are absolutely wonderful.  They make homemade food for the players, always have tea and coffee ready along with cookies and fruit.  It was especially nice to arrive this morning and have a nice cup of tea before hitting the croquet lawn.

Also, the spirit of cooperativeness among everyone involved in hosting the tournament has been unbelievable.  It's a finely tuned machine and in that it is the first time they've hosted a tournament of this calibre, I am so impressed.  They are absolutely, amazing and wonderful people and put in long, long days.

(Unfortunately, my card reader for my camera is not working, so I have no photos to post today).

Each of us played 5 matches today in the Plate and I was fortunate to win 2 of those 7-6.  In fact, in my last match of the tournament, my opponent and I were tied 6-6 and I was lined up perfectly for a jump shot.  The thought that came to my mind was, "Go Big or Go Home!  It's your last shot in New Zealand," so I went for it and made the jump shot and won the match!  What an exciting moment - and it was captured on video by one of the officials who said it will be posted on the tournament website.

Needless to say, I came back to the headquarters at Mt. Maunganui and had a beer to celebrate.  In total, I've played 17 matches, won 4, and played some of the best croquet I've ever played.

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day of semi-finals.  The first match is Rosie Graham (Australia) vs. Rachel Rowe (England) and Marwa Moustafa (Egypt) vs. Jenny Clarke (New Zealand).  Everyone is buzzing because only one Egyptian got through to the semis.  (Of note, I played Rosie in the Block play at the start of the tournament and lost to her 7-6, 7-6).  Needless to say, she has picked up her game tremendously to reach the semis.  She's a terrific gal too.  I hope she does well.  Also, the semis will be the best of 5 games which, if the games are close, a match could last 5-6 hours.

Tonight I've been invited by the Aussies for dinner - should be a lot of fun!

I am so thankful and grateful to be here!  Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Cheryl

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