Ealing Croquet Club

Ealing played Cheam at Surbiton on Thursday 8 June in the Golf Croquet SECF R (Restricted) League, which again resulted in a marathon that finished at 7.15pm with the final game deciding the outcome. This is becoming somewhat of a habit, following our recent marathon in the Murphy Shield at Enfield. Our stoic team comprised; David Graham (Captain), Emma Bowen-Doherty, Tony Elliott and Martin (Jaws) Blackmore (pictured left to right). Team Manager: Christine Mason.

Ealing went into lunch after playing one doubles and two singles best of three games resulting in a 2 to 1 deficit, Martin being the only winner. Cheam, who have one lawn and play their home games at Surbiton, provided an excellent lunch, which undoubtedly energised the Ealing Team, who fought back to a three all draw, courtesy of wins by Emma and David, leaving Martin to play his final game while the rest of us settled down to a beer in the shade.

Martin excelled at getting his ball into the jaws of the hoop on numerous occasions, including a spectacular shot from the jaws of hoop three into the jaws of hoop four (hence his new nickname), so just when his opponent thought it was safe to go onto the lawn, Martin produced his best performance of a long day to win 7-3 and clinch the match 4 -3 overall, when he then celebrated by racing across the lawn and sliding into the corner flag in front of the away supporters to be mobbed by his teammates.

Article: David Graham (Fact Checker: 90%)