Oxbridge Croquet Day, Sunday 2 April 2017

Juan Roberson (Oxford) again kindly organised Croquet for beginners and those with experience at Cammeray Croquet Club. He sent the following report: Finally, after five years (!), we had an Oxford vs Cambridge match…!! In spite of some inclement weather we had an enthusiastic turnout of some 20 players - including a dozen complete novices. Across the five years, this now brings us to a total of just over 100 attendances (80 Oxford / 20 Cambridge) - and allowing for those who have come on several occasions, this equates to 70 different individuals who have either learned the game or re-ignited their interest in it. Following our 2016 format, we had some coaching and informal games in the morning, a sociable lunch break, followed by a friendly tournament in the afternoon. This year we had 16 in the tournament which we played as two blocks of 4 pairs for a round robin - each pair guaranteed three games. The winners of each block played off in a final, the runners up played for 3rd and 4th place. The Final was an epic match with every hoop keenly contested (and each one over many minutes...!) as the cat and mouse tactics swung the advantage to and fro between the pairs. Eventually, at 3 hoops all, the Light Blues (Andrew and Martin) succumbed to the Dark Blues (Robin and Robert) at the last hoop - played right in front of the spectators in the clubhouse. So it finished Oxford 4 : Cambridge 3. A memorable match and hopefully just the first of many such tight tussles in the future. In the play off for the bronze (a novice foursome!), Misako and Ashley (4) defeated Pramod and Asad (2). A good (if occasionally damp) day was had by all and once again thanks to Julian for donating the prizes of some fine bottles of wine for the winners and runners up and to our coaches and mentors this year Michael and David. Look forward to seeing you all again next year….. Juan