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

This ‘friendly’ match, organised to give newer members a chance to visit another club and experience playing in a match, turned out to be a closely fought contest.

Following the Croquet South East H League format, the team of Tom H, Colin H, Steve H and Jane Pepe were neck and neck with Surbiton with 3 wins each after the first 2 rounds. So we stopped for a very convivial and delicious lunch provided by our hosts, with all to play for in the afternoon.

Then back to battle! With 1 win each after the first 2 games of the 3rd round we held our breath as it went down to the last 2 hoops in the final game. It could have gone either way, but in the end Surbiton pipped us to the post. But the welcome and hospitability were superb, the lawns, although having clearly also suffered in the dry weather, had fared better than at Ealing and had plenty of lush green on them, while the weather was sunny and bright all day. We left vowing revenge for the return match at Ealing!

Report Lindy Jordan

The Avenue Club in Kew is the starting point for walks that set off once a month in all directions for day long walks. On Thursday 20 August the group arrived at the club for its annual croquet session, having walked via Gunnersbury Park and a lunch stop at The Rose & Crown. The session was again hosted by Lindy, aided by Tim Herlihy, with extra help from David who is also a member of the walking group. There were several regulars from the group who have attended the club session over the past four years,  some of whom seem suitably attired for this year’s desert like conditions on the lawn. There was a brief demonstration by Lindy on how to play, followed by doubles games on two half lawns. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely as usual.

Report: David Graham

There was a good turnout for the Beer & Croquet event from 5.00 to 8.00pm on Thursday 28th, including a mini tournament in which contestants were awarded a hoop target according to their handicap, which gave the newer and higher handicap members a sporting chance. Everyone enjoyed themselves, especially in the warm sunshine during the latter part of the heatwave.

Photographs: Tom Hartwell

Ealing played in an exciting match at Reigate on 27th May in the AC B League with honours even at the end of the day.

See here for a detailed match report. The photo shows the Ealing Team of John Hutchinson, Bridget Goodman and Fred White-Overton under the rose arbour at Reigate.

The annual Lloyd Pratt Trophy was contested at High Wycombe on 8 April, where an unseasonably warm and sunny day greeted us. The match is played each year at alternating venues in recognition of when High Wycombe were without lawns for a year and played at Ealing.  The matches feature both AC and GC games, all played as doubles.  Ealing were defending a 4 year unbeaten run, so High Wycombe were particularly keen to redress the balance.

The morning provided Ealing with mixed fortunes and at lunch we were trailing a game behind. Fortified by a generous lunch in the sunshine, provided by our hospitable hosts, Ealing went into battle, getting into their stride. The final game was played out before a full set of competitors. Little did Fred and Bridget realise all they had to do was win the final game and the trophy would be retained. Battling it out at 6 all, High Wycombe came through to win and make it a draw overall, so time for the penalty shoot out – once again. This comprises attempting to hit the centre peg from the boundary, no mean task at the end of a long day.

It began with eight shots from each side with the score ending 1-1 after David scored for Ealing. Then it was four shots from each side, which resulted in High Wycombe pipping us to the post, literally.

Congratulations to our hosts ……until next time!

Report: Bridget Goodman

Members and passers by will have noticed that major renovation is being undertaken on Lawn 3 comprising the following works:

First the grass and weeds were killed off using glyphosate weedkiller. Then the lawn was heavily scarified to clear all vegetation, leaving it clear to grass seed. Then overseeded using high end grass seed, followed by applying 3 tonnes of top dressing. Then a wetting agent is applied that will last for 6 months. Once the new seed is established, the grass will be cut and high nitrogen fertiliser will finally be applied.

The works are programmed to make the lawn playable in June. In the meantime Lawns 1 and 2 are looking much better after their winter break, but Lawn 3 should be superior once all of the works have been completed.

Work in Progress

Ealing members began the New Year with a fun 5 hoop event that allowed maximum use of the one lawn currently in use and provided some much needed refreshment in the cold weather. The format helped keep things moving and allowed players to swap round between doubles groups. It was a crisp, but cool morning with clear skies. The condition of the lawn had to be checked due to the overnight frost, but although the ground was hard, it was thankfully playable, even if a little bumpy, resulting in a number of unintentional jump shots, but everyone soon adapted to the challenge.

There were 16 players, all suitably wrapped up, plus warm mulled wine, while a selection of mince pies were also on hand to keep everyone warm. There was a mid-day break for more mulled wine and other refreshments.  Further quick games were played in the afternoon and the sun even shone a little.  There was even prize giving, when Helen won the ‘Hoop of the Day’ prize with a fantastic shot !  David picked up the ‘Most Unsual Shot of the Day’ prize for attempting to clear a ball in his own game, but actually clearing one in a nearby game, resulting in an in-off through the player’s legs.  Many thanks for everyone who came along. It was a fantastic turnout in the cold weather!  Also special thanks to Wendy for organising the food and drink, while also keeping it running smoothly.

Happy New Year to all our Ealing Croquet Club members.

Report and photographs by Tom Hartwell