CROQUET GAZETTE Issue 422| August 2026
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 1
Dipping your toe in the world of investments
doesn’t mean leaving your comfort zone.
If your long-term savings are in cash the outlook is not all as warm and comfortable as you might think. The chill wind of inflation threatens them. Alliance Witan aims to give you inflation-beating returns throughout all the ripples in the market. And, amazingly, we’ve increased our dividend every year for 59 years. Meaning you can bask in the sun, confident in the knowledge that your investment is positioned to grow for years to come.
To find out more visit: alliancewitan.com
Past performance does not predict future returns. When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investment may rise or fall as a result of market fluctuations and you might get back less than you invested. Dividend increases not guaranteed. Towers Watson Investment Management (TWIM) is the authorised Alternative Investment Fund Manager of Alliance Witan PLC. TWIM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 446740). Alliance Witan PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is registered in Scotland No SC1731. Registered office: River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee DD1 3JT. Alliance Witan PLC is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and gives no financial or investment advice.
WELCOME
Croquet Gazette Issue 422 | August 2026
CROQUET GAZETTE Issue 422| August 2026
Never in a million years did I think that I would be sat in a deck chair outside the front of Roehampton Club, watching Croquet on the big screen. But here I am, and there it is. Although you will need to wait until the October issue of the Gazette to read all about the Association Croquet World Team Championships, I am lucky enough to be writing this here, at Roehampton, from the Tier 1 event itself, where England are battling in the top tier for the MacRobertson Shield, along with Australia, New Zealand and America. Tiers 2 and 3 are being played at Nottingham Croquet Club where nine other countries are taking part, namely Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Wales, Czechia, Germany, Sweden, Latvia and Switzerland. Many of you know that I believe Croquet is not just a passion, it’s a little piece of heaven on earth. Having been to both Nottingham Croquet Club and Roehampton Club in the same week to see all the teams in this prestigious event, I was reminded that I’m just not the only one. The plethora of smart blue polo shirts of the Nottingham volunteers, highlights the determination and support delivered by the croquet community to ensure these events don’t just survive, they thrive. At Roehampton Club, there was a different kind of amazing support on show. The entire staff network could not have been more supportive of our event. From the grounds team who worked so hard to make the lawns perfect, through to the events team who have helped us prepare for our special occasion, we are lucky to have these people who are passionate about their sports club and those who visit them. The bar team didn’t just listen to stories and facts about our sport, they displayed the livestream on the big screen and then went on to share their newfound knowledge with the other members of the club. Tennis players and golfers ventured to the croquet courts for the first time, having learned about the event whilst ordering their post-match drinks. I have been reminded that we are part of something much bigger. We are a part of Sport. Sport brings community, friendship and passion. Sport brings us together, and together we are powerful, and proud. Alison Alison Maugham Editor editor@croquetengland.org.uk
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 1
Front Cover: Levi Franks wins the Golf Croquet Open
Championship (Page 25) Image credit: Brian Carroll
CONTENTS 4 Tunnel of Time
5 The Chair’s Perspective 6 Volunteers at Southwell 7 Letters to the Editor 9 Psychological obstacles to croquet 11 Swindon’s Fourth Lawn 13 The MacRobertson Shield in prospect 14 Short Croquet Focus 16 Association Croquet News 20 Golf Croquet News 30 Rethinking the AC Handicap Game 31 Sunset to Sunrise 32 Coaching Pages 35 Sunny days ... from DB Mallets 36 Obituaries
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 3
TUNNEL OF TIME Past Gazettes can be found on the Croquet England website at https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=ca/gazette&Action=Issues. Currently there are searchable scans of the Gazette back to 1953.
Vintners has signed a three-year agreement with the Croquet Association for Bombay Gin to sponsor the President’s Cup. The sponsorship deal forms part of a £100,000 annual promotional package for Bombay Gin which was launched onto the UK market at the end of 1984. Richard Ambler, brand manager for Bombay Gin, says that Bombay Gin’s upmarket and individual style is especially appropriate for sponsorship of croquet. Bombay Gin are looking forward to developing their links with the game and the Croquet Association, and we for our part are looking forward to working with them. 70 YEARS AGO In the August 1956 Gazette (#20) Notes by Rover Well played! Since 1950, when Miss Margaret Claughton won the Women's Championship, we have become so accustomed to seeing any visiting New Zealander who may be around appropriating one of our ‘titles’, that it was with almost a feeling of surprise that we found finals day at Roehampton to be the concern only of British players. Congratulations to all five of those thus engaged, and first of all to John Solomon who, with a New Zealand title to his credit, added a second victory in our Open Championship to his impressive list of successes. The Open Doubles brought members of our test team to the final, and a game full of excellent play, amid otherwise depressing surroundings, produced a new pair of champions. Neither G. F. Stone nor L. Kirk-Greene had won a national title before, and the very high standard of play shown by both throughout the week revealed that the honour was certainly not overdue. We have good reason to be proud of our “Big Six’’, who are giving of their very best in this uniquely
interesting season. How sad that in a summer in which we want our visitors to see everything in Britain at its best, our weather should be behaving in so ungracious a manner. 90 YEARS AGO In the August 22nd, 1936 Gazette (No. 817, Vol. XXXIII. (No 19). Editorial Notes Elsewhere in this issue is the copy of a cablegram received last week from Mr. Cyril J. Miller of the Victorian Association. It will be remembered that the English challenge for the MacRobertson International Trophy had been accepted on behalf of Australia in a previous cable from Mr. Miller, as announced at our Annual General Meeting last May. Mr Miller had named the members of the team he would bring to this country to play three Test Matches for the trophy during the summer of 1937. This was excellent news; and our Council, having net to consider the matter of venues and dates, dispatched a further cable to Australia proposing five tests instead of three. Our friends have now agreed to this, and we learn from Mr. Miller that the Australian team he is to captain will sail from Melbourne in the s.s. Mongolia on the 18th May next. Their arrival in England will be somewhat later than anticipated and unfortunately they will not be including the Coronation as part of their prospective programme, the difficulty of earlier advance bookings having, we imagine, been found insuperable. But, happily, our visitors will remain with us until the close of the season in October, so that arrangements for five Test Matches can now definitely be put in hand, and those will in due course be announced as fixtures for 1937!
CHRIS WILLIAMS Croquet England Archivist
AKA 'Statto' Keeper of Croquet Statistics, visit croquetrecords.com
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 4 adds: A big thank you for the web cam during the Open Final. The quality was awful, only a knowledgeable croquet player could have worked out what was going on but it was a step in the right direction and better than nothing at all. 40 YEARS AGO ~In the September 1986 Gazette (#187) Bombay Gin to sponsor the President's Cup International Distillers and For the camera at the quality setting used, bright sun was needed to see the balls, Picture quality was quite poor. Frame rate delivered about 3 frames per second – which was OK for following a break but nothing like "live action”. In conclusion, the up-link from the camera to the internet was not adequate bandwidth for the service, a future test should probably use the main server with repeater software taking a single feed from the camera. Tim Murphy in Canberra, Australia 20 YEARS AGO In the August 2006 Gazette (#304) Live video feed of the Open final - how was it for you? By Dave Kibble Twelve people tried to connect to the camera streaming live video of the Open final, six succeeded in connecting, some at different times, though I think four were all connected at about 11AM. Viewers were in Australia, USA (in the Saturday test) and the UK.
THE CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE
By Carol Driver Chair of the Trustees, Croquet England
CROQUET IS FOR EVERYONE I have been reflecting on how croquet is such a brilliant game for getting people together to have fun and build friendships. On a wet evening in June we welcomed, to my club Purley Bury, a men’s group from a local church. I know many clubs hold similar events for community groups and it is encouraging and heartening to see that after 30 mins or so of coaching the men were playing some really competitive games of golf croquet. There was much laughter and fun. Several of the men are planning to come to some club sessions in the future. At the Trustee meeting in July we had a presentation from Ian Longstaff, from Pendle and Craven Croquet Club, about their croquet for Wellbeing initiative. They were able to secure funding from the Sport England Movement Fund to support the
The Men's Group enjoying a day of Croquet
running of a weekly group for people from a variety of backgrounds including carers and those with mental health challenges, who would benefit from exercise, fun and companionship. We heard fantastic stories of friendships and mutual support and how much the group is valued. The group carried on playing indoors
during the winter, using a local community centre which is a fantastic idea. I know there are similar initiatives in many clubs and I would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to arrange these community events. We need to spread the word what an amazing sport croquet is.
TRUSTEE ELECTIONS: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
By Gabrielle Higgins, Secretary of Croquet Englan
Nominations of candidates to serve on the Board of Trustees for the next three years are now open. There are vacancies for four constituencies: the Central Counties and Wales, the Northern Counties, the South West Counties, and the Western Home Counties. For more information visit the website(https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=press/news&NewsID=9195). To stand, nominate, or vote in any election, register to become a voting member (https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=members/VotingMembership).
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 5
VOLUNTEERS AT GRASS ROOTS LEVEL ARE ESSENTIAL!
Elaine Maiden (Southwell Croquet Club)
Without a doubt, recognition should be given to all volunteers who play such an important part at ‘grass roots level croquet’ , especially when it comes to clubs offering competitions for outside competitors. Help is vital! Organising an event requires willing volunteers. From the time-keepers on each lawn for players using secondary balls; the willing helpers who meet and greet players on arrival; those who arrive early to set up the lawns; erect gazebos; prepare refreshment tables; the list of hidden jobs needing to be covered by a “willing volunteer” is endless.
Palfreyman from Woodhall Spa. Both pairs then competed for the Trent Valley Trophy, whilst all the other players and volunteers watched every stroke intently. At the end of play the Trent Valley Trophy was presented to the worthy winning pair: Andrew Grant and John Palfreyman from Woodhall Spa. Congratulations to them.
At Southwell Croquet Club, the Trent Valley Trophy was recently held. This doubles competition for GC players attracted competitors from all over the East Midlands Federation. Volunteers helped to make this event such a huge success. Donned in wet-weather gear, under umbrellas, they sat for hours with stop watches, carefully timing the secondaries. Hot drinks, on a very wet and blustery day, were always available, a volunteer making this possible. Hats-off to all our volunteer helpers, most of them haveingbeen members of Southwell Croquet Club for less than three years. Such is their dedication to our club. So, in its third year now, the Trent Valley Trophy 2026 competition took place on three half-size lawns, with challenging weather conditions. 24 players from Gainsborough, Derby, Pinchbeck, Torksey, Woodhall Spa, Branston and Southwell competed. At the conclusion of play the winners from Block A were Mike Bilton and Susan Alderman from Gainsborough. The winners from Block B were Andrew Grant and John
Thanks to all who competed and volunteered in this annual event. Remember to earmark the Trent Valley Trophy 2027 ready for next year !
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers are reminded that the views expressed in the letters pages of the Gazette are those of the authors only, and not those of their clubs, unless specifically indicated.
AC COACHING RESOURCES
As someone who is a provisional Club Level Coach, part way through completing my 5 follow-up coaching sessions, I am absolutely staggered to discover that I cannot find any reference to Roger Mills’ book – Bisques, Breaks & Beyond (BB&B). As far as I know, it is the only book that meets the needs of new and improving AC players. And it is the only resource in any form that gives a clear, simple, formulaic solution to the questions 'when should I use a bisque?', 'how many bisques should I use?', and 'how should I use them to build a 4-ball break?'.
It still surprises me that there is no mention of it on CqE's coaching pages, and it is not even mentioned among the list of additional resources on page 45 of CqE's AC Coaching Manual for Beginners! Given that CqE has long recognised the need to revitalise AC and the significant role that coaching needs to play in that effort, I just don't understand why CqE has not promoted the book. In researching all available AC coaching material towards my planned coaching courses, I am always drawn back to
Roger’s book, which is packed with examples to get you thinking, followed by workable exercises and solutions that follow on. The diagrams are impressively clear and on the same page as the accompanying text. The e-Practice Pack, which can be downloaded to a phone or tablet and taken on lawn, is a unique bonus. Come on Croquet England, give BB&B the status, recognition & promotion it deserves. Andy Wilson-Chalon – Chester & Bowdon Croquet Clubs
AC COACHING RESOURCES RESPONSE
Andy Wilson-Chalon is of course quite correct to draw attention to Roger Mills’s Bisques Breaks and Beyond book, first published 2024. It supersedes his earlier book on the subject and has quickly established itself as a "go-to" book for developing AC players. This is not only for its clear and original analysis of how to use
bisques to maximum effect, but also for the additional material in the new edition on honing four-ball break skills. The online AC Coaching Manual – Beginners, has already been updated to include Bisques, Breaks and Beyond in the section on further learning for students and coaches. Meanwhile, Roger’s book is advertised through the
Croquet England Shop and is readily available there, with a small discount for CqE subscribers. John Harris on behalf of the Croquet England Coaching Committee
GC RULES
Being in the jaws of an odd numbered hoop is perceived as being a disproportionate advantage - really ? Surely it's one of the game's best tactics? The whole point of being able to jaws a ball (especially in an odd numbered hoop), is to get to the next hoop ahead of your opponents (who at that point can only go half-way). This is surely one of the best advantages in the GC game, whether in level or handicap play. How could you ever determine if someone had got into that position intentionally (malice aforethought), by a happy accident (luck) by a partner ball by the opposition or by not following through on a hoop run (bad luck or incompetence) ?
It's a very valid tactic and a clear advantage, being only countered by a jump shot, a promotion of a partner ball to behind the hoop to thwack out said ball or by snuggling up to the nestled ball to make the next shot very awkward. You could also use your partner ball to knock it through to run the hoop (although generally I do not advise this unless the opposition is in a position to clear the nestled ball as it usually results in a hampered shot). Sandra Guildford
Club Level Coach and Membership Secretary at Woking, Surrey
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
JAWSING - AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE? I refer to Arthur’s letter in the last edition, on the issue concerning the so-called advantage gained by jawsing odd numbered hoops in GC, and his remedy to minimise the benefit by only being able to then play down to the offside line. My view is that whilst he has a reasonable point worth making, jawsing is just one of the many techniques a player may adopt to gain an advantage over their opponent. It is often a risky tactic though, as not only can it be jumped over or nestled up to, but it can also be cleared from behind. I would also suggest that by jawsing a ball the striker is depriving themselves of a turn gain, which would occur should the hoop be forcefully run down to the next hoop. On balance it is better to leave matters as they are, but I thank Arthur for this thought-provoking proposal. Stephen Webb IS ‘HOME ADVANTAGE’ UNFAIR? I was recently playing in a GC league match at Letchworth, which has excellent courts, beautifully cared for and a pleasure to play on. When playing down from a hoop my ball suddenly veered off to the left, thereby being out of contention for that hoop. I turned to my opponent saying humorously ‘you didn’t tell me about that’, ‘Oh’, she said, ‘yes, there is a ridge between these hoops, one has to play on the centre to get the ball in front!’ It got me thinking as, playing at Bath, Guildford, Leighton Linslade, even at my own Watford courts, having home advantage can be the difference between winning and losing. But was this fair? The question I pose is, should clubs provide contouring for their courts to give a level playing field so to speak, for visiting teams? Stephen Webb
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 8
PSYCHOLOGICAL OBSTACLES TO CROQUET SUCCESS
In an early treatise on the psychology of croquet, Powell (1901) observed that ‘it is undoubtedly a defect of croquet that its difficulties are too subjective, that it provokes too much introspection’ (p. 56). A leading player has estimated that ‘mental approach’ makes a 70% contribution to the winning of croquet matches, with technical skill, tactics, and theory between them only contributing the remaining 30% (Riches, 2004). This is often all too apparent to the croquet player who finds that, no matter how dedicatedly they have attempted to hone their techniques, the execution of these in a match frustratingly fails to go to plan. Indeed, some, including one of us, on such occasions have wondered whether it may be time to hang up their mallets. Analyses of the psychological factors affecting croquet performance, like those of the psychology of other sports, have generally focused on areas that are at a fairly high level of awareness, such as anxiety, lack of confidence, and distractibility (Riches, 2004). Coaching interventions have had a similar focus, and have included the use of relaxation and meditation techniques, visualisation, avoiding rumination about bad shots, and other variations of ‘mind control’ (Temlett, 2013), including, even if one does not feel particularly confident, playing as if one does. As well as trying to control their own psychological state, the player might also seek to influence that of their opponent. Indeed, Temlett (2013) advises that one ‘should try to know your opponent as well as you know yourself’. There are, however, psychological factors that are less amenable to practical interventions because they are at a lower level of awareness. After writing his article on the mental approach to croquet, Riches (2004) was persuaded to include an addendum on the ‘fear of winning’. He views this in terms of a state of excitement, with adverse physiological and cognitive correlates, but there may be other reasons why, in croquet as in other areas of life, some people may, seemingly unaccountably, repeatedly fail, even when on the point of succeeding. A clue is perhaps provided by accounts of the early development of croquet in which ‘(t)he ugly reality of aggressive self interest displayed in the will to win marred’ the vision of a genteel sport ‘ideal for mixed company and for the entire family’ (Lewis, 1991, p. 367) and highlighted ‘the critical tension in the culture between sociability and success’ (p. 365). Could it be that at least one aspect of the ‘fear of winning’ is a reluctance to show the aggressive self-interest that winning might be seen to require or ‘the guile of a cobra and the inhumanity of a boa constrictor’ that have been considered possible David A. Winter, Bibi Berrington, Hayley Roscoe, and Clare Mason University of Hertfordshire
characteristics of ‘(t)he higher and dirtier croquet-player’ (Woollcott, n.d.)? This was one of the questions explored in two studies conducted from the perspective of personal construct psychology (Kelly, 1955), an approach which is concerned with the ways in which individuals view, and try to predict, their worlds. In our case, we were interested in how croquet players view themselves, their doubles partners, and their opponents, and whether this may be related to the success In a pilot study, conducted online, members of a croquet club were asked to provide descriptions of different types of croquet player (e.g., a player I would expect to be beaten by) and aspects of themselves (e.g., myself when playing croquet well). The descriptors (or constructs in the jargon of personal construct psychology) used by the seven members who participated fell into categories of Experience (e.g., novice vs. an established player), Skill (e.g., good strategy and forward planning vs. poor forward planning), Interpersonal Qualities (e.g., sociable and friendly vs. unsociable and uncommunicative), Personality (e.g., highly competitive vs. not competitive), and Factual Description of their play. The Studies (e.g., interesting life story vs. uninteresting life story). The next stage employed a procedure known as repertory grid technique (Kelly, 1955), in which 16 constructs, representing the main categories, were selected and the nine players who agreed to participate rated the various different types of croquet player and aspects of the self on each of these on a 7-point scale. The result of this exercise is a matrix, or grid, of numbers, which can be subjected to various forms of statistical analysis, including the production of a graphical representation of each individual’s grid and of the average grid of the group. The research was then extended by recruiting participants via the Croquet Gazette and the Croquet Association newsletter. In addition to completing the grid, they provided demographic information and some details of their croquet play (e.g., present handicap and handicap a year previously). The findings of this broader study, in which 44 players participated, were very similar to those of the pilot study.
Continued on page 10
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 9
PSYCHOLOGICAL OBSTACLES TO CROQUET SUCCESS CONTINUED
Some of these findings are displayed in the graph of the participants’ average grid (see Figure 1). Although they are rather bunched up in this particular graph, the further apart two people are on the graph the more dissimilar they are in participants’ view. The adjectives that participants used to rate the people are situated around the outside of the graph, and people are described by those adjectives that they are closest to. On the horizontal axis, the self when playing croquet badly, and a player they would feel confident of beating, who are seen as inconsistent, lacking in concentration, lacking confidence, unskilful, and poor at strategy, are contrasted with their ideal self, an ideal croquet player, and someone they would like to have as a doubles partner, who are seen as consistent, focused, confident, skilful, and good at strategy. On the vertical axis, a croquet player they do not find it easy to play, against and one they would not find it easy to play doubles with, who are seen as not fun to be with, uncommunicative, opinionated, taking themselves seriously, unhelpful and unsupportive, and competitive, are contrasted with a player they would feel confident of beating
and one with whom they would enjoy having a friendly game, who are seen as fun to be with, friendly, easy-going, not taking themselves seriously, helpful and supportive and not competitive. The association in the average grid between competitiveness and various negative personal characteristics suggested that some players may be faced (not necessarily at a high level of awareness) with a dilemma such as: ‘I would like to be competitive and I would like to be fun to be with, but competitive people are not fun to be with.’ Examination of the individual grids of participants revealed several further dilemmas expressed in associations between what might have been regarded as other attributes of a successful player (e.g., being focused, confident, determined, skilful, consistent, careful, and good at strategy) and negatively evaluated characteristics (e.g., taking oneself seriously, being opinionated, uncommunicative, not fun to be with, and lacking integrity).
Figure 1. Plot from analysis of the average grid of participants
Continued on page 11
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 10
PSYCHOLOGICAL OBSTACLES TO CROQUET SUCCESS CONTINUED
Another finding from the grid was that the participants saw themselves, when playing well, as much more similar to themselves when not playing croquet and their ideal selves than when they were playing badly. This suggests that, when playing well, they felt that they were expressing their true selves. In addition, relationships were investigated between characteristics of participants and their repertory grid scores. Amongst the findings were that competitiveness was more important to, and competitive players were more likely to be viewed as helpful and supportive by, participants who had shown the greatest progression in their play, as indicated by a reduction in their handicaps. Conclusions Although the relatively small number of participants limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the studies, there are indications that the approach adopted could be useful in increasing individual players’ insight into psychological aspects of their game. In particular, it may be that for some players obstacles to being successful include dilemmas in which attributes that may lead to success, including competitiveness, are associated with what they see as undesirable personal characteristics. It is of interest, in this regard, that competitiveness was viewed more favourably by players who were showing the greatest progression in their game. Since dilemmas are amenable to psychological intervention (Feixas & Compañ, 2016; Procter & Winter, 2020), it may be that a focus on areas at a lower level of awareness, such as these, may be as useful an aspect of
coaching on the psychological aspects of the game as, for example, the teaching of relaxation exercises or cognitive techniques. References Feixas, G. & Compañ, V. (2016). Dilemma-focused intervention for unipolar depression: A treatment manual. BMC Psychiatry, 16, 235. Kelly, G.A. (1955). The psychology of personal constructs. Norton. Lewis, R.M. (1991). American croquet in the 1860s: Playing the game and winning. Journal of Sport History, 18, 365-386. Powell, G.H. (1901). The psychology of croquet. Temple Bar, 124, 56-61. Procter, H. & Winter, D.A. (2020). Personal and relational construct psychotherapy. Palgrave Macmillan. Riches, J. (2004). Croquet – The mental approach. http:// www.oxfordcroquet.com/coach/riches/mental/ Temlett, J. (2013). Does your brain control your mallet? Croquet World Online Magazine. http://www.croquetworld. com/Letters/mind-mallet.asp Woollcott, A. (n.d.). QuotesWave.com. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from QuotesWave.com. Website:https://www. quoteswave.com/text-quotes/432646
COULD YOUR SKILLS HELP INSPIRE GENERATIONS OF PLAYERS THROUGH OUR INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SPORT? Croquet England is powered by volunteers, and we need more committed individuals to help turn good ideas into successful projects. Whether you can offer occasional advice or take an active role, your experience could make a real difference. We are especially keen to hear from people with skills in IT, public relations, marketing and communications, and fundraising. We would also welcome anyone passionate about youth development, growing participation, and using croquet to support health and wellbeing. You may have professional expertise, practical experience, fresh ideas or simply the enthusiasm to get involved. There are opportunities to support specific projects, contribute to an area that interests you, or help us shape future activity. Every contribution counts, and we will work with you to find a role that suits your interests, skills and availability. Don’t be shy: if you think you can help, please get in touch with Alison at communications@croquetengland.org.uk. We would be delighted to hear from you
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 11
THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD IN SURFACE PREPARATION
PREPARATION EXCELLENCE Preparation excellence
AUTO ROTORAKE MK5
DART
TRUSPRED
Aerators
Scarifiers
Pedestrian spreader
For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.sisis.com
Proudly part of
THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE FOR THE PERFECT FINISH
Cutting excellence
ES-510
FT
S500 PLUS
Greens Battery Mower
Greens Cassette Systems
Seeder + Aerator
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 12 For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.dennisuk.com
Proudly part of
THE MACROBERTSON SHIELD IN PROSPECT
It may be a year late because of the impact of Covid on the world championship schedule, but the Centenary MacRobertson Shield is just around the corner. The event dates back to 1925 when MacPherson Robertson, a confectionery millionaire and an enthusiastic croquet player, donated the MacRobertson Shield for competition between Australia and England to raise media interest. Popularly referred to as “The Mac” or “The MacRob”, it has been held 23 times so far and was expanded by the addition of New Zealand and USA in 1930 and 1993 respectively. England/ Great Britain have won 15 times and Australia and New Zealand have each won four times. So, what are the prospects this time, especially given that the last three holdings have been won by New Zealand, Australia and England respectively? On paper at least, England look distinct favourites. They are the current holders, have the benefit of home advantage and can boast an average grade (in mid-May) of 2563 compared to USA (2484), New Zealand (2459) and Australia (2379). Furthermore, four of the England team (Mark Avery, Jamie Burch, James Death and Samir Patel) were members of the victorious 2022 team while Robert Fulford returns for his ninth appearance (and will thereby draw level with John Prince as the two most frequent Mac players) and 19-year old Jack Good makes his debut after an impressive series of wins in GC events and excellent progress in AC including an unbeaten run in the 2025 Solomon Trophy against USA. The American team of Tom Balding, Matthew Essick, Kyle Maloof, Stephen Morgan, Ben Rothman and Zack Watson has been together since the 2023 Solomon Trophy and five (all bar by Stephen Mulliner Eight Times MacRobertson Shield Team Member
Maloof) played in the 2022 MacRobertson. Given their GC expertise and their extraordinary shooting at the 2025 Solomon Trophy, their long roqueting is likely to be the strongest of all four teams and much will depend on the consistency of their break play. If they achieve a high level in that department, they have an excellent chance of claiming their first Mac victory. New Zealand will field five of the 2022 team, namely Greg Bryant, Paddy Chapman, Edmund Fordyce, Felix Webby and Aaron Westerby. Bryant, Chapman and Westerby bring significant experience with 15 Mac appearances between them. The newcomer is Logan McCorkindale who is a strong player and the winner of NZ Open Championship in both 2024 and 2026. New Zealand can never be ruled out but the odds suggest that they will have a tough battle with USA for second place. Australia will be represented by Trevor Bassett (who made his Mac debut in 2000), Stephen Forster, Greg Hill, Dwayne McCormick, Stephen Pearce and Edward Wilson. The absence of the three Fletcher brothers is obviously a significant change from their 2022 team and suggests that Australia will do well to avoid the wooden spoon. Forecasting team performance is not only about data and experience. One of the factors to be kept in mind is
team age and potential for development. While both codes of croquet contain many examples of older players who remain formidable competitors and winners long after their half-century, there is no doubt that younger players have an edge in relation to long roqueting success, especially when the courts are of high quality, and have generally greater scope for improving break play. The courts at Hurlingham, Roehampton, Sussex County and Surbiton should be in superb condition and ideal for accurate shooting. The American team will be the youngest team in this year’s Mac and the only one that is effectively unchanged. If they have been able to absorb the lessons of their narrow loss to Great Britain in the 2025 Solomon Trophy, they have the greatest potential to spring a surprise. As mentioned earlier, the last three Macs have been won by three different countries. It would be quite something if the Centenary MacRob completed the sequence so that it could be said that the last four Macs had been won by four different countries!
Sponsors of the 2026 England MacRobertson Shield Team
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 13
SHORT CROQUET FOCUS By John Harris THE SHORT CROQUET SEASON SO FAR
Short Croquet continues to expand at Club level, Federation level and nationally. The handicapping system makes for a wonderful melting-pot, in which high and low handicappers can meet on equal terms and make a game of it regardless of differences in skill and experience. Blewbury’s May tournament welcomed players from eight different clubs. Games, timed to 75 minutes, followed a Flexible Swiss format, with five games spread over six rounds to create extra spaces for some players from the waiting list of an oversubscribed tournament. Secondaries started at the other end of the lawn, compensated for by the red hoop being placed as the final hoop for secondaries – an arrangement which players soon got used to. Hilary Bird (Guildford) and Karen Newbould (Bromley) clung to the top of the leaderboard with four wins apiece out of five; Hilary finally prevailed on the last tie- break. Peterborough’s inaugural two-day June tournament attracted a wide range of handicaps, including several players with peels to complete. In the end the peelers had the best of it, perhaps aided by the generous 90-minute time allocation. Debbie Lines (4 peels) offered an exhibition in lawn mastery, indulging herself setting up intricate wired leaves while judiciously fitting in her peels as she went. She won all her games and romped to victory to take home the Adrian Kirby Cup. The Watford tournament, another inaugural Short Croquet event, combated predictions of a heatwave by offering competitors the option of standing down. Manager Simon Hathrell niftily organised the ten braving the conditions into two blocks, all in Block A playing all in Block B, and, between the block winners, who-beat-whom determining the overall victor. PETERBOROUGH SC 13-14 JUNE 2026 Debbie Lines won all her games to become the first ever champion of this new tournament at Peterborough. With only eight
Good performances from Andy Evason (Blewbury), Peter Adams (Guildford) and John Hutchinson (Ealing) kept the final result in the balance. Finally, it was Andre Machell (Watford) who prevailed by winning all his games, with Eddie Chung as a worthy runner-up. The Hamptworth tournament meanwhile gave several Tisbury CC players plenty to celebrate, including a strong showing from the club’s David Honour, playing in his first ever tournament. Otherwise the more seasoned players found themselves having to work hard to get the bisques of less experienced players out of the ground. Swindon’s Margaret Murray and Tony Mayer turned in notable performances in ideal croquet weather – sunny with a pleasant breeze. By close of play three players had each won every game bar one. The hoop-count tiebreaker established Jan Kot (Tisbury) as overall winner with fellow Tisbury member Clive Camp as runner up. L-R at the Watford SC tournament Cliff Jones (Old Brentwoods), Eddie Chung (Watford) and Hilary Bird (Guildford) check the SC wiring and peg-out laws Photo: John Harris
The title ultimately hinged on her clash with Owen Pugh, who had also won all his games, and it turned into a gripping tactical battle. Debbie secured the win by pegging Owen out and then repeatedly managing to either wire him or leave him only long shots, all while completing the required four peels. It was close, with her
stealing the win with only a few minutes left on the clock. The all-play-all block wrapped up by lunchtime on Sunday, leaving the afternoon free for some Hi-Lo Alternate Stroke Doubles. This was followed by a quick, chaotic game of Pirates before everyone headed home.
players, we enjoyed the rare luxury of single-banked games, ensuring everyone could play comfortably without having to look out for other balls or players.
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 14
PETERBOROUGH’S SHORT CROQUET INTER-CLUB DEBUT By Debbie Lines
Enjoying Eton Mess at Nottingham 9th June Ian Sarah Viv Julieann Roger Adrian and Keith
Peterborough entered the Short Croquet Inter-Club for the first time this year, and we were delighted to be drawn against last year’s champions — the somewhat questionably named Nottingham ‘B’ team. Surely the champions should be the A team? Despite winning the toss, we happily accepted their offer to play at Nottingham and enjoy their superb lawns. As well as playing on some of the flattest and nicest lawns in the country, we were treated to excellent hospitality: a fabulous lunch featuring Eton Mess, followed by homemade banana cake for afternoon tea. I’m afraid we rather abused that hospitality by beating them 11–0. It felt a touch unsporting, and certainly came as a surprise — especially as some of our team had never played a competitive game of Short Croquet before. Thoughts on Short Croquet from an AC handicap -2 This was my first proper venture into competitive Short Croquet, and the prospect of four mandatory peels in a 14-point game was a little daunting. I’ve only played the indoor speed-croquet version before so was looking forward to seeing how the more measured pace of outdoor Short Croquet compared. I was genuinely impressed by how competitive the games were, and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of having to
complete four mandatory peels — all in unfamiliar places, rather than the routine of a standard TP. The mandatory-peel format also means that even when your opponent runs out of bisques, the game is far from over. As an example, in my final game against Sarah Butler, she reached hoop 6 using only 1.5 of her 3.5 bisques. I went round, peeling her through 6 on my way to hoop 2, and then pegged her out. She reached hoop 3 with her remaining bisques, but I still had four mandatory peels to complete with my peg ball — not easy with Sarah hovering, ready to pounce on any loose leave. She hit in at least once, despite me setting quite a few nicely wired leaves. When time was called, she was for hoop 5 while I was for 6 and peg. We were tied, but I still had one peel to go. Because SC is handicap, I couldn’t simply peg out for the winning point; I had to peel partner through 6. After some manoeuvring and another hit-in from Sarah, she took good position at hoop 5. Fortunately, I hit the 12-yarder I’d been left, moved her from in front of 5 to near corner 4, and set up in front of 6 with a dolly rush. She missed, and I finished with the required peel. It was extremely close — and genuinely exciting. A thoroughly enjoyable day of croquet, with everyone — winners and losers — getting plenty of lawn time. What more could you want on a lovely summer’s day. I recommend Short Croquet to everyone; it’s a wonderfully interactive and engaging game for players of all levels.
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 15
EAST MIDLANDS CHAMPIONSHIP NOTTINGHAM By Annabel J McDiarmid
Ok, so every report from this fortnight is going to say this … ITS HOT! I’ll try not to repeat too much. For the second time I find myself writing a report and assisting the manager; although I feel Ian Vincent might not find my assistance as useful as he had hoped, bearing in mind my propensity to sit and chat (to be fair, he already knew). The East Mids is a great, highly competitive, social, 3- day knockout event with Draw and Process, and you can’t go wrong with Nottingham as a venue. Play starts on the Friday, and jugs of water have been taken to all of the lawns to ensure plenty of Hydration Breaks are possible (a good idea….for croquet). The Draw is played today, and after the first round a special commemoration for Gordon Hopewell is held - a man who brought so much to both croquet and this club. See Obituary in the last gazette. We enjoyed canapés and two of his favourite wines from The Wine Society, a French Pinot Noir and a delicious White Rioja. There were a number of sensible players who requested an hour or two delay during the hottest part of the day, two of whom were E John Davis and Beatrice McGlen. Starting their match later, John made the mistake of pegging off one of Beatrice’s balls, which delayed the game further ‘til close on 9pm (a +2 win to John). The error here being that he’d parked in the Hockey Club opposite with no late access! A search around the club to
Lawn 1 is speeding up. Hoop 3 getting tricky.
find suitable sleeping quarters ended in failure, but, manager Ian to the rescue - “I have a spare room”. Meanwhile a large number of us had piled back to ‘The Vic’. I had planned for this. I was to drive there and book an uber back home. I set up the uber app…..except…. “What the heck” it’s now asking me how I’d like to be paid! Blinkin! A cooler start to day 2, and games are being played much more quickly. The day does warm up but there’s a nice cool spot under the chestnut tree by Lawn 1 - my base, I’ve decided. Conundrum : why is it easier to hit with the 4-back ball than half the distance with the backward ball? Head stuff!!!! We all need Rich Waterman in our lives. A welcome returnee, Jeremy Dyer, has been away from croquet about 20 years. That was no problem for him as he steadily played his way through a good standard triple against Debbie Lines – some gnashing of teeth was had. Why do people always have to say “I’ve never played so well” or “that’s my first in ages”.
Continued on page 17
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 16
EAST MIDLANDS CONTINUED
Viewing point over lawn 6
Finals day starts with a protest at the Hockey Centre opposite where Ultimate Frisbee World Masters is taking place. If you’ve never seen it, you must - it’s great, mad, but great. There are a multitude of protesters, police and officials at the entrance gate, with an unexpected “no parking available here today”. The poor person on the loud hailer had obviously been shouting for a while and was now quite hoarse. I honestly couldn’t work out what they were protesting about - one minute shouts of “Palestinians” and then I’m asked if I’m aware about Russia and Belarus… I acknowledge my ignorance, mutter “just here for the croquet” and I’m waived away to find parking elsewhere. First game for me to watch today is the catch-up game for James Death vs Aaron Westerby to complete the Draw, then we can start finals proper. Aaron wins it with another simple, neat triple, and play moves on. Manager rubs his hands, delighted that play is moving on at a good pace. Sideline : I first met Aaron in 1990 when Debbie and I were “travelling with mallets”. This has spurred me on to look at old gazettes for reports I made back then. (See Croquet Gazette Issues on Croquet England site for back issues). Fun to research, crazy fun to see old pics of players and friends from the 90’s. Noticeable is the men’s fashion in shorts! So relieved to look up and see that shorts are now longer (apart from one culprit). Underpants are also less visible, thankfully, memories of being able to see Homer Simpson as a player bends down to take croquet still clear in minds – can’t remember who they belonged to though. Back to play. Plate Knock-out has been on-going today, and the final is between Nigel Polhill and Rick Harding. Nigel had been staying at Rick’s, and the night before (over a bottle or two) they had agreed that Rick would set up for a sextuple – he didn’t, claims he didn’t remember the conversation. Nigel did get to 4back, but Rick was already there, and competently played a triple to claim the East Midlands Plate title. Back to the main event and Aaron has won the Draw, and Robin Brown beat James in the Process final - meaning that we have Aaron vs Robin in the main final. Players decide not to go for best of three (Manager refused them the option of best of five). Sadly for Robin, the hitting just didn’t work, but the spectators were given another successful triple to watch from Aaron. He has played very smoothly all weekend and it is a well-deserved title of East Midlands Champion 2026 for him.
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 17
THE SCOTTISH OPEN - BALGREEN CROQUET CLUB, EDINBURGH By Annabel J McDiarmid
Anyone who knows me will know that I like playing at different clubs and meeting new people. One new club a year is my simple aim - not necessarily overseas. For the last few years I have travelled to Austria, Switzerland and Czechia for tournaments. So, what does 2026 hold for me - Scotland. I have been present at a couple of tournaments at Meadows, but never played. I booked myself in for the Scottish Open at Balgreen, Edinburgh. Sadly, something is now going on with the nerve in my right arm, and I have had to withdraw - blinkin’! So still not played in Scotland. However, newly set up as assistant manager to Jane Morrison, I shall be keeping CroquetScores up to date, being general runner to all and this. My travelling companion is Rick Harding, and we arrived in Edinburgh in full rain, as expected. The bus system is excellent here and we were able to get into the city very easily. The rain, unfortunately, had not stopped the tourists! We crossed over and up onto The Mound muttering automatic oohs and aahs and the occasional “look at that”. Weaving around tourists (yes, I do appreciate we too were in that category), I think we managed to go up and down every road and alley. The sun came out and …..what a beautiful place. Obligatory miniature hairy cow purchased and time to catch the bus back to our lovely hosts, Jane and Campbell Morrison. Saturday morning and over breakfast we were shown Jane’s rash that had developed overnight (arms only), Possible Ebola was our decision. The sun is out and we arrive at Balgreen Croquet Club, instantly searching for Stefan Colling, the on-site doctor and competitor (handy), but he was strangely not too worried about Ebola. The club has 4 bowling greens, now all for croquet. A council-owned facility but maintained by croquet members. There’s a huge clubhouse with rooms rented out to clubs such as Brownies and small parties, and the club has just been donated a snooker table. The lawns are playing well, as you’d expect of bowling greens. Frustratingly they are also loved by birds and leather jackets, and regularly visited by rabbits. Play starts: I’m wearing pink, why not, I can’t play!
First two games have triples - excellent, and CroquetScores updated YES! I turn around and Alastair Burn-Murdoch (ABM) is on a sextuple. He’s playing steadily, controlled, he knows how he wants to play this and sticks to that plan. A straight triple is played well, and, although hampered as he comes through rover, he remains seemingly calm, hits and finishes. Excellent. Congratulations Alastair on your first tournament sextuple. The day progresses well and the assistant manager is given the deference she deserves. John Owen had a very good 2-0 win against James Hopgood, and other top seeds are also well challenged by their opponents. Best of three’s are played from quarter finals, and by end of day one, the first games of the semi-finals have been taken by the underdogs, Jane vs Rick and John vs ABM. At this point I’d like to give a big shout out to Emma Jamie who, as a handicap 18, accidentally entered this Scottish Open, and has bravely carried on, improving with each game. By the end of this report, cross fingers, I will have a few words from her on what she has learnt - hopefully not just how to read tournament details before entering anything. Day two needs semis to finish, then the finals. Potentially five games. Luckily, it’s still light here till after 10, although my restaurant booking is for 7.30, so I’ll be off. Sunday arrives. Another gorgeous sunny day. I have a big rummage in my case - whoever packed my bag for me had planned on a Scottish summer, but it’s turned into a lovely
Continued on page 19
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 18
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online