Ealing Croquet Club

The AC All-England National Final was held at Blewbury Croquet Club in Oxfordshire on 28-29 September, in which Ealing was represented by Sean Doherty and David Graham (see News dated 18 August). There were eight contestants, each playing five games to a handicap base of six, with player handicaps ranging from 2.5 to 22 (see here for results). The club is in a delightful rural setting, with two lawns that were in excellent condition. The play was made more enjoyable when the forecast heavy rain was not as bad as predicted.

Sean Doherty, who was one of three players with four wins out of five, was eventually declared the overall winner after lengthy deliberation based on who beat who and ‘quality’ wins*. Sean can be seen in the photographs looking very pleased with himself, as well he might. He not only won an impressive trophy, but also a plate for the winning club.

Report: David Graham

*Quality Wins: The three players on four wins had all beaten each other, so the criteria went to ‘quality’ wins; a system where you aggregate points based on how many wins your defeated opponents had (eg. Sean beat Peter who had beaten two other players so gets two points. Tallied up Sean and Margaret were still equal but Sean had beaten her so became Champion – Sean Doherty).

Photographs: Carol Jamieson

Trophy & Plate