In a year of U.S. Croquet Association-sanctioned tournament cancellations due to the pandemic, this year’s Rochester Invitational segued to a one-day, singles only tournament to draw in more regional players at a lesser entry fee. With Tyler Hathaway flying in by gyroplane from Clermont, NY, south of Albany, there was a field of 11 players vying for the limited edition watercolor prints this year.
Paul Neubecker, of Buffalo, swept block play undefeated in Championship Flight. While handily winning against Rich Laging, of Rochester, 22-12 in block play, with permission of Tournament Director Rich Curtis, the two elected to skip their second game of block play and go directly to finals play. Lighting up the courts in finals, Rich Laging won 26-15.
In 1st Flight, Bob Gannon, of Buffalo, went undefeated in block play and maintained his perfect record, winning finals 18-16 against Peter Sherer, of Rochester.
The real surprise of the day was in 2nd Flight. A newcomer to the sport and never having played in a USCA tournament, Beth Nash, of Spencerport, lost 16-26 and 11-26 to Bill Vrooman, of Lewiston, in block play, only to take first in finals against him with a 23-22 defeat.
The tournament was hosted at the Rochester Croquet Club, a sports ministry of First Bible Baptist Church, and played at the Grace & Truth SportsPark in Hilton. To play or for information, visit RocCroquet.org or call 474-3753.
Final Results
Championship Flight:
1. Rich Laging
2. Paul Neubecker
3. Tyler Hathaway
1st Flight:
1. Bob Gannon
2. Peter Sherer
3. Peter Bowers
4. Sue Sherer
5. Linda Bowers
2nd Flight:
1. Beth Nash
2. Bill Vrooman
3. Denise Ireland
Provided information
