Ealing Croquet Club

The Trophy of Trophies up for grabs

Seven Ealing members and one spouse gathered at the club on Sunday 2^nd May for our heat of the annual national Charity One-Ball competition.

Once Securicor had delivered the magnificent 4-inch high Butlin Cup, play got under way, mostly in sunshine. Early front-runners were Carole McLoughlin, David Graham and Simon Tuke.

The key moment in the day turned out to be the conclusion of David’s game against Simon. David was for the peg, and only a few feet away from it, with Simon 17 yards away on the South boundary, with four hoops still to make. However, Simon contrived to hit in, pick up a precarious break, and sneak home.

Particular mention in dispatches should be made of Lindy Jordan and Martin Blackmore, who braved the event despite their lack of experience of the format. Although Lindy came away winless she learnt a great deal, and had some very close matches. Martin’s gentle, controlled hoop-running from any range was a joy to behold.

Thanks also to everyone for entering into the spirit of the event and giving guidance to their opponents, occasionally allowing them to retake shots, and pointing out if they were heading for the wrong hoop.

Ed and Celeste Gee take the laurels for making the longest journey to take part.

Veronica Tuke took the prize for the reddest outfit, reflecting the house colours of this year’s designated charity, the British Heart Foundation, for whom we raised just shy of £100. Nationally this year the event has raised over £6,000 for the BHF, with more to come in, and 450 people competing in heats.

Simon emerged the victor with five wins out of five, avoiding the need for any tricky tie-break calculations. He will be joined by fellow Ealing member Tony Elliot (who own the Surbiton heat) in the national final at Surbiton on May 9^th. Runner-up was Carole with four out of five, followed by Veronica with three out of four.

Here’s looking forward to next year. If you haven’t yet taken part, give it a go!

Watch a short video of the day here

Veronica stalks

Ed and Simon survey the scene

Martin aims

Simon gets the blue dead in his sights

Lindy gets ready to run a hoop

Past chairman David presents the trophy to current chairman Simon