Ealing Croquet Club

Ealing Croquet Club hosted the CqSE Short Croquet Teams Handicap Tournament on Sunday 29 June. The Tournament Manager was Tony Elliott.

The competition comprised four teams of four players each: Ealing; High Wycombe; Guildford & Godalming; Reigate Priory.

Short Croquet is played on half lawns and the winner is the first to run six hoops and peg-out with both balls. However, a time limit of 1¼ hours per game meant that the winner simply had to have run the most hoops on time. The rules are otherwise the same as for Association Croquet (with the exception that wiring your opponents from each other concedes a lift).

The format comprised a total of three rubbers in which each team played one doubles and two singles games against each of the other teams. This resulted in each team being positioned in order of their number of games won overall. The final order was then determined by a 3rd/4th play-off and a 1st/2nd final.

The games were played in very hot conditions, but at least competitors could find a shady spot to sit out when their opponent was on the lawn; a mixed blessing. There was a welcome break for an excellent lunch, organised by Margaret Page.

The teams were generally well matched, with High Wycombe having the lowest overall team handicap, although not necessarily an advantage when up against higher handicaps with more bisques, due to only having to run six hoops.

Reigate Priory were in the strongest position after three rubbers, followed by Ealing and High Wycombe on an equal number of points, so it was on the basis of who beat who that Ealing and Reigate Priory played each other in the final, which Ealing won 3-0. The full results can be seen here.

However, regardless of the heat, everyone seems to have had a very enjoyable day and we look forward to inviting them back next year.

Report: David Graham

Photograph: Roger Mayhew, John Hutchison, Margaret Page and David Graham holding the trophy under the new weathervane.