Ealing Croquet Club

On Friday in the penultimate game of the season, Ealing took on Cheam at home in the R league. The team got off to a strong start, with Lindy and Martin B storming through the doubles match, and Tim H winning both his games at the golden hoop. Colin H, playing his first Croquet South East League match for the club, won his first game at the golden hoop with a legendary long range jump shot, but unfortunately lost the next 2, so by lunchtime Ealing were ahead by 2 to 1.

After lunch the luck began to run out with Lindy and Martin both posting a loss. So it was down to Tim H and Colin H both on one win and one loss each to win their final games to secure the overall win. The suspense was palpable as the clock ticked on and both final games stayed neck and neck, the spectators ducking from one side of the pavilion to the other to keep up with the games on both lawns. Colin H eventually got the edge and emerged victorious at 7-5 while Tim H was robbed at the golden hoop, in a game that could easily have gone the other way. And so we lost 3-4 but to a very low handicap team, in a match that could not have been closer.

Special thanks also to Mark V for coming and washing up in what was a long day for the team, and to Steve for coming down to support and take the photos!

Report: Lindy Jordan

Photographs: Steve Haskett