Bury Croquet Club recently welcomed 3 former international footballers and well known football pundits, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher & Roy Keane to their Whitehead Park, Bury lawns who to film the finale episode of a four part series “The Overlap On Tour Live”.
The famous trio were joined by ‘Handsome’ Bob O’Donovan, an old team mate of Roy Keane who flew from Ireland to take part in the programme. Gary Neville lived across the road from the croquet lawns and played bowls there with his grandfather & father when it was a bowling club.
None of them had played croquet before and were given some basic coaching by Club Chairman Roy Spencer with assistance from other club members. The foursome then played a competitive game suitable attired in appropriate club colours and croquet attire.
Roy said “It was a great thrill for the club to welcome these highly talented well known sportsmen to the club. Initially it was a little daunting when I was asked to referee the game but it was played in great and competitive spirit. However, I did learn what it’s like to be an international football referee when a disputed decision resulted in all four of them making their feelings known – close up and personal!”
The programme, which is one of Sky TV’s most popular shows, was aired on 5th July on Sky Max, & Sky Showcase, also available on Sky on Demand on Now TV, gave quite extensive cover of the game of croquet – albeit a rather unusual one!
Following the game, Gary, Jamie & Roy then went on to appear in the live sell out show at Manchester Apollo at which the filming at Whitehead park was featured.
Pictures:
Club Chairman Roy Spencer explains rudiments of croquet.
The visitors with some Bury Club members involved on the day.
The Overlap on Tour Trophy that was presented to the winning pair.
For further information or photographs please contact:
Roy Spencer
Chairman, Bury Croquet Club
07816 644 925