Ealing Croquet Club

Ealing hosted the inaugural South-East Croquet Federation Short Croquet Tournament on Sunday 8th October, in weather that was extraordinary for this time of year. Temperatures were more appropriate to July, and the sun being lower in the sky at least meant there was some welcome shade.

Teams from Guildford & Godalming, Merton, High Wycombe, Reigate Priory and two teams from Ealing, the Eagles and Falcons, competed in a four-round format, with each rubber consisting of one doubles and two singles.

Five of the six teams ended up with between five and eight game wins. Just out ahead were Ealing Falcons and Merton, both on eight wins. Although the Falcons had beaten Merton in the first round, it was decided to break the tie by a shoot-out at the peg, to avoid any suggestion of local advantage.

Merton’s minus player Jordan Waters was first up and missed by a whisker, whereupon Simon Tuke used his local knowledge of the lawns to clip the peg, clinching the title for Ealing Falcons. Congratulations to the winning team of Simon, Carole, Roger and Fred. Fred demonstrated an impressive aptitude for AC – once he could be persuaded not to hit every ball at 100 mph.

The Falcons were presented with ‘gold’ winner’s medals, and the Niagara Cup. This splendid trophy had been unearthed in the upstairs cupboard, and given that this was an autumn tournament – or Fall, as our transatlantic cousins would say – the Niagara nomenclature seemed fitting.

Many thanks to Tony for managing the event so efficiently, and to all the members who helped with the arrangements. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and we hope to repeat the tournament next year.

Article: Simon Tuke  Photographs: Simon Turner . David Graham . Christine Mason

Short Croquet Scoresheet