Practice makes perfect they say and this adage must certainly apply to Henry Williams.

While other Canterbury Croquet Club players enjoy a cuppa between games at club sessions, Williams practises hoop shots.

Last week, at Polo Farm, he defeated one of the two top-seeded players in the semi-finals of the club’s annual internal level play singles tournament. Then he beat the other top-seeded player, Dave Buckman, in the final.

Buckman, who has been mentoring Williams, said: “His win was no fluke. He has beaten me before lately.”

Tournament organiser and referee Judy Sturrock said there was now little doubt as to who would win the club’s cup for the most improved player of the season.

Results: Round one, Jeremy St John 7 Jim Godden 2, Henry Bryant 6 Lois Sales 5 (time), Barry Sales 7 Henry Williams 3, Stephen Barber 5 Eve Pearson 4, Dave Buckman 7 Hugh Pearson 3.

Round two, St John 7 Hugh Pearson 4, Barry Sales 7 Bryant 3, Williams 7 Lois Sales 4, Eve Pearson 6 Godden 5, Buckman 7 Barber 4.

Round three, Barry Sales 7 St John 3, Godden 7 Lois Sales 5, Williams 7 Bryant 1, Barber 7 Hugh Pearson 4, Buckman 7 Eve Pearson 4.

Semi-finals, top four hoop scorers, 19-point games, Buckman 10 St John 4, Williams 10 Barry Sales 5.

Final, best of three games, Williams beat Buckman 7-4, 7-5.

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