Cornwall Croquet Club

Tue 09 Jul 2013 - SWF B League (Played at Exeter CC)

Exeter v Cornwall

There was a bit of a breeze when we started, with Dorianne and John Dowding playing singles and Jenny and Ron playing the doubles, but it quickly disappeared as the sun got higher. However, it didn't stop John from forging ahead in his game and the doubles pair getting a few early hoops under their belts. Dorianne, unfortunately drew the short straw and found it tough, as a 20, against a 16 who knew the lawns and had been playing for many years. The morning ended early with the score at 2-1 to Cornwall, with both winning games being pegged out at 14-1 (John) and 14-6 (Jenny & Ron).

After a long rest, waiting for a new member to turn up, the afternoon got underway with 4 singles games. The Exeter lawns are about ¾ size and very fast. There is a slope on one side that catches the unwary player with a roll towards it: many a ball (usually from a Cornwall mallet), looking as if it was going to stop a good yard inside the line, would gather speed and roll gently off the lawn to end the turn. Jenny was very unlucky to lose against Dorianne's morning opponent by 13-14, but Dorianne pegged out at 14-3 to leave either John or Ron to get the one game needed to win the match. They made sure of the required result by each pegging out at 14-7 (John) and Ron, in his first outing as an 18, 14 -7.

So, five games won with peg-outs was a good result for Cornwall. The day was completed with a tea outside in the sunshine. Jenny always likes going to Exeter because it is the only team that has proper cups and saucers and matching plates:) Today they even served ice cream to cool us all down after a hard, but very enjoyable, day's croquet.

The result means that we are once again in the semi-final. It will probably be against Nailsea, who can afford to lose one of their remaining two games, as they would still be equal with East Dorset and go through because they beat the Dorset side. There is the possibility of a third side winning the SE Section, but as outsiders. The semi-final will be played at Porthpean on a date to be arranged.

Final Score: Exeter 2 Cornwall 5


The Exeter and Cornwall Teams - after match tea


The Exeter and Cornwall Teams - after match tea


The Exeter and Cornwall Teams - after match tea

Photos courtesy of Sandra & John Paterson (Exeter CC)