Sun 22 September

Lady Rose Bowl

Seven of us took part in the inaugural playing of this Oneball event at the end of the season. We were lucky with the weather, enjoying a mainly dry day’s play and Ian Metcalfe was the recipient of the splendid trophy. The players were joined at the end for a photo opportunity by the very patient Lou who had watched proceedings with interest.

Tues 17 September

Social

Another fine gathering in the sunshine sharing food and drink ( Jack’s cider) and conversation in the September sunshine.

Sun 15 September

Barrett Pot

Three doubles pairs of Alison and Jonathan, Colin and Lucy and David and Sheila ( entering their first tournament). A lovely day’s play in the sunshine. Each pair had a win so we had a Hemmings shootout with Alison scoring 5 out of a possible nine to secure victory.

Weds 11 September

Champagne

Martin, Ian, Bryan and Jonathan had an enjoyable day’s battle for the bottle of bubbly with Jonathan the eventual winner. It was a bit chilly out of the sun, with a rather stiff, persistent breeze from the north. (On the following Monday, fitting in postponed tournaments at the end of the season, Jonathan won the Egyptian – a very close battle with a Hemmings shootout with Bryan).

Sun 18 August

Anderson Shield v Norwich

The Downham AC team of Bryan, Martin and Jonathan travelled over to Eaton Park for a close match v Norwich ( featuring Nick Harris, David Earl and Jonathan Sissons). By lunchtime we were one game all with Jonathan and Martin beating David and Jonathan S and Bryan losing to Nick. After a ride on the train ( requirement of visiting the park) and lunch we were again level at the end of play with Martin beating Jonathan S and the Norwich pair victorious in the doubles. We needed a result so had the Hemmings Shootout – croquet’s penalty decider. You shoot at Hoop 1 from the boundary. 1 point if you hit, 2 if you stick in the hoop, 3 if you run it. Everyone had 3 shots and nobody ran the hoop ( strange after a day’s practice) but Norwich won by 2 points and will go on to play Pinchbeck in the next round.

Sat 17 August

Stow Pan

Jonathan, Alison and Martin fought it out on a fine sunny day with Martin the eventual winner. Congrats to Alison for taking part in her first AC tournament.

Tues 13 August

Social lunch

A scene from a sunny summer’s day…

…meanwhile, Lucy, Carol, Ros and Ian played Bury in the Golf league.They came second but had fun.

Weds 24 July

Watlington Wednesday Club

The members of WWC enjoyed their annual battle playing Golf Croquet in pairs with silly names, occasionally sheltering under the cedar. Tea and delicious cake at Church Farm as usual.


Sun 21 July

Hipgrave Shield

A small but select entry of Alison, Ian and Ros competing for the shield in the new Oneball format. Each won a game. Alison prevailed in the deciding shootout.

Sat 20 July

AC match v Norwich (away)

All level at lunchtime but the home team were eventual winners. Not too surprising given their excellent member Jonathan Kirby making a rare appearance. The best tea we have had to date.

Fri 19 July

GC match v Pinchbeck (away)

Carol, Ian and Ros did not prevail in Lincolnshire but enjoyed their visit to Mike’s garden.

Thurs 18 July

AC match v Pinchbeck

Lots going on at Stow this week. We drew with Pinchbeck in a close day’s play in very warm conditions.

Weds 17 July

GC match v Sudbury

A lovely sunny day with the visitors from Suffolk prevailing. A splendid tea followed play. Ian and Ros enjoyed their first competitive outing.

Fri 12 July

GC match v Dunham

The more experienced visitors prevailed but as usual everyone enjoyed themselves. Carol and Gary entered the fray for the first time.

Tues 18 June

AC league match v Peterborough

We hosted a Peterborough team which included Debbie Cornelius, the current Women’s World Champion and had a good match. Level at lunchtime, the eventual outcome of 1-3 was no disgrace considering the high quality of the opposition.

Sat 25 – Tues 28 May

Counties

We had a lot of fun as usual at this great gathering of players in Brighton and Eastbourne and showed an improvement on the previous year, winning two matches and avoiding the wooden spoon.

Saturday 11 May

Peggy’s Plant

Six of took part in the contest for a lovely plant from the gardens – Gary, Ian, Ros, Jonathan, Celia and Gill. After a competitive day of Golf Singles, Gill was the clear winner with a 100% record.

Tuesday 7 May

Social Day

Following a game or two in the morning, the first of the splendid shared lunches in the sunshine. Lots of smiles and very tasty home made food.

Sunday 21 April

Butters Trophy

Eleven entrants in the opening tournament of the season. A bracing day with the best of the sunshine later on. A brisk wind blowing from time to time. Nevertheless, enthusiastic play from all, including very recent arrivals Anthony and Catherine. In the end there were three players on four wins, seasoned competitors Colin and Lucy and George who joined last year. The Hemmings Shootout was watched in tense silence ( the croquet equivalent of the penalty decider after Cup games) and was won decisively by Colin Spencer.

2024