Wembley? Twickenham? St Andrews? None of these..
This year’s most important Home Internationals were hosted at Earby in bright sunshine – indeed the North West was officially the warmest, driest place in the kingdom over the weekend, a suitable reward for all those chosen to come to a venue the furthest north in this country – ever!
Pendle and Craven Croquet Club hosted the annual Home International AC tournament between The Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England this weekend.
The national teams of five players each converged on Saturday morning for the two day event.
England started well against Wales but Scotland Vs Ireland swayed one way then the other and with rubber scores equal, round two started.
Day one drew to a late close without any team delivering a winning blow, Ireland / Wales with 1.5 points each, England a point ahead of Scotland.
After a great social evening, involving all players, day two saw the start of round 3, giving decisive wins for England & Wales over Ireland & Scotland respectively.
The more important missing games were then resumed including two ‘pegged-down’ unfinished rubbers from day 1 as the full time whistle got close.
With Trains & Planes beckoning, a half was offered by England to Scotland on the two unfinished rubbers. Upon acceptance England could be presented with the trophy with 22 points, 9 clear of the field.
Teams & players in the order they stand in group shot above (L-R);
Ireland; Andrew Johnston(c), Brian Havill, Simon Williams, Jane Morrison, Sandy Greig
Wales; Rich Waterman, Rick Harding, Ian Burridge(C), Chris Williams, Angharrad Walters
Scotland; Alastair Burn-Murdoch, Stephen Wright, Sam Murray (C), Lorna Dewar, Andrew Symons,
England; Mark Van Loon, Aston Wade, David Maugham(C), Richard Smith, Dominic Nunns
Presentation Party; Ian Burridge(CA Treasurer), David Maugham(Captain), John Hartley(Forte Foundation Trustee)