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The first weekend in August found 26 tournament players from near and far descending upon Delaware Park in Buffalo for the 8th annual invitational 6 wicket tournament. An earlier start to the festivities than history would dictate due to a needed schedule change driven by an expected family addition coming at the end of August for the Tournament Director and defending champion - Paul Neubecker. But, wait - there was controversy over who was the defending champion, as Dr C J Patmore was also holding himself out as the defending champion having won the tournament in 2022 and not competing in 2023 due to a shoulder injury. Well, any given tournament only has room for one defending champion and at the conclusion of the weekend, Buffalo would once again only have one defending champion.

A very hot and humid practice day on Thursday gave way to a lighter schedule than usual for the Tournament matches kicking off Thursday evening under the lights. The heat would not last however, as Friday's doubles play and Saturdays singles action was primarily highlighted by a steady, unrelenting drizzle which the competitors endured with high spirits and nary a complaint. 

Doubles action was high/low assigned doubles across two flights, each featuring six teams. Four of six teams in each flight advanced out the block to play semifinals and finals matches on Sunday morning. The debut of club president Bob Gannon in Championship flight was highlighted by him winning doubles with partner and CFA Hall of Fame member Rich Curtis. Meanwhile, in First Flight Doubles, John Joseph and Bill Sullivan held off another local Buffalo member Paul Strada and partner Jane Beharriell from claiming that doubles title. 

While the rain wasn't cooperative during doubles play on Friday, it mercifully let up for the Toasts and Tallies gathering held at Buffalo Club President Bob Gannon's house Friday evening. A taste of local flavor featuring 'Beef and Weck' and 'Buffalo Wings' were among the options on offer while competitors imbibed on various beverages to quench their thirst after a long day of play while finding some liquid courage to bid during the annual calcutta of championship flight players. 

Saturday's singles action was forecast to be dry, but the weather gods did not oblige as players continued to endure saturated lawns and clothes. That coupled with a back up at the Canadian Border causing two participants to be late for the first matches of the day saw the TD start the matches after a brief grace period and running the 45 seconds off for each turn while the competitors were absent. One player arrived to find they had lost 26-0, while the other was able to jump in their game and finish with 9 hoops scored. Despite the bumpy start and unfortunate weather, spirits were high at the tournament dinner Saturday night at the Terrace overlooking the park and Art and History Museums.  The top two players from each block that were advancing to the semifinals action Sunday morning across the three flights were announced before some participants wisely called it an early evening, while others ventured out for some live music and further debauchery at Sportsmen's Tavern as has become custom, if not tradition, for the tournament. 

Despite the two "defending" champions falling into the later category, and perhaps appearing to be a bit worse for the wear Sunday morning, they still managed to survive the thankfully dry, but punishingly hot, semifinals match in the morning and meet in the finals to settle who would get to rightfully call themselves the defending champion for the ensuing year. In the end, Paul Neubecker claimed victory, knocking off his fellow New York Croquet Club member and getting the right to have his name etched for a second consecutive year on the Bronze Buffalo. 

In the first flight, Ron Millican took down John Joseph to claim the First Flight title while on the adjacent court, Jennifer Joseph edged out Gary Anderson in match that featured a shot clock as requested by one of the competitors. It was a learning experience for all involved, including the time keeper! 

Championship Singles
1. Paul Neubecker
2. Chris Patmore
3. Brian Zindel
4. Doug Moore
5. Norris Settlemyre
6. Patrick Little
7. Rich Curtis
8. Rich Laging
9. Donna Dixon
10. Bob Gannon


Championship winner Paul Neubecker & Finalist Chris Patmore

First Flight Singles
1. Ron Millican
2. John Joseph
3. Ralph Curtis
4. Courtney Green
5. Jane Beharriell
6. Kathleen Green
7. Deborah Millican
8. Russ Brown

Second Flight Singles
1. Jennifer Jospeh
2. Gary Anderson
3. Lee Anderson
4. Ryan Boniface
5. Bill Sullivan
6. Bill Vrooman
7. James Peasley
8. Paul Strada

Championship Doubles
1. Bob Gannon & Rich Curtis
2. Patrick Little & Brian Zindel
3. Donna Dixon & Rich Laging
4. Chris Patmore & Ron Millican
5. Norris Settlemyre & Courtney Green
6. Doug Moore & Russ Brown


Championship Doubles Winners Rich Curtis and
Bob Gannon

First Flight Doubles
1. John Joseph & Bill Sullivan
2. Jane Beharriell & Paul Strada
3. Deborah Millican & James Peasley
4. Lee Anderson & Gary Anderson
5. Kathleen Green & Jennifer Joseph
6. Ralph Curtis & Bill Vrooman