Florida 9W Regional
October 14-16, 2022
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, FL
The USCA 2022 Florida Regional Nine Wicket Tournament was held October 14, 15 and 16 on the “Palm Courts” with longer grass in the back of the National Croquet Center. The event was hosted again this year by the National Croquet Club with both championship and first flights. The turnout was larger than last year but still light. However, all games in the two flights were competitive with a challenging atmosphere in both the singles and doubles competitions.
Thursday afternoon was practice with a cocktail reception/meeting for players and guest in the NCC Clubhouse Bar. A great shout-out to Michael Gibbons for sponsoring the reception.
The tournament was delighted to have 9 wicket representation from the Harleysville Croquet Club. Participants Gary Volpe and Brad Smith came down from Pennsylvania with their wives Janet and Sandy.
Friday was doubles play all day ending at the early evening participants dinner with cocktails on the outside terrace at the Raindancer Steakhouse in West Palm Beach. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day.
Saturday was all singles play with competitive battles on the four “Palm Courts”. A heavy mid-morning rain caused a three hour delay in both flights of the round robin. The Florida sun came back out and the tournament got back on schedule to establish the playoffs for Sunday.
The Sunday morning semi finals were exciting - as were the finals. First flight doubles was extremely tight with Brad and Gary outlasting Nancy and Gail. Championship doubles was a fight - but a long roquet from Bill Trower settled things down and allowed Bill and John to shut down Jim and Tom for the win. In singles, Gary Volpe won first flight with a payback win over Gail while Jim and Nancy sorted out third place. Bill Trower put a serious stop to John’s undefeated round robin play by soundly beating him in the championship final.
As always, the steadfast support from USCA representatives Ursula Peck and Johnny Mitchell was greatly appreciated.
Friday and Saturday lunches at the NCC were provided by the superb SandyJames catering team. Usable trophies from Tervis Tumbler were well received by all players. Congrats to all participants and guests! The 2022 USCA Nine Wicket Nationals will be held November 11-13 at the National Croquet Center --- please join us.
Championship Singles
1. William Trower
2. John Warlick
3. Jeff Morrison
4. Thomas Tribby
5. Brad Smith
First Flight Singles
1. Gary Volpe
2. Gail Warlick
3. Jim Sansalone
4. Nancy Sansalone
5. Bob Broadway
Championship Doubles
1. William Trower & John Warlick
2. Jeff Morrison & Thomas Tribby
First Flight Doubles
1. Brad Smith & Gary Volpe
2. Nancy Sansalone & Gail Warlick
3. Bob Broadway & Jim Sansalone
“Best Sport” awarded to Bob Broadway
“Ball Buster” awarded to Jim Sansalone for breaking two balls
-- John Warlick, TD