Could there be anything more distracting when playing a peaceful game of croquet than spying two grazing flamingos? High Wycombe, who the Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club played in the pursuit of the National Croquet Association Inter-club Shield, found a good contender. Five red kites, their wings outstretched, soared majestically above, their shadows racing across the lawns like malevolent spirits. Occasionally, they would even swoop low for a closer look. Lewis Carol never thought of that one.
In spite of the peculiarities of High Wycombe’s ground, the match was closely fought, closer than the final score suggests, since each point was the aggregate of a set of three games. Coming more accustomed to the environment, CPCC was able to build on their slim morning lead to finally win 5:2.
CPCC’s South West Federation League wins continue to mount. The club’s five teams have now won their eighth consecutive match this season in their respective leagues. Five early matches were two against Weston-super-Mare, and one each against Bristol, Exeter and their local sparring partner, Bath.
The subsequent away match in the GC Handicap Central North League against Nailsea was won 10½: 9½ with fine displays of hoop running and tactical play interspersed with cries of anguish from both teams.
In the GC Handicap Central South League match against Bath, after a struggle in the first two rounds, CPCC found their form, winning convincingly 13½- 6½.
These local Derbies against Bath have always been played in excellent spirit and competitiveness. The latest in the SWF Level Play League was no exception. Played on its sun-drenched lawns in Peasedown, CPCC ran out bronzed victors at 12:8. That makes three times this season that Camerton and Peasedown have beaten their local rivals; but who’s counting?
If you want to get involved in this crazy game of croquet, why not ring 01225 708540 and ask for Mo or Brian to arrange a croquet taster session.