It was back in April when John Bristow canvassed interest in taking part in the Croquet South East 14pt AC Doubles competition. “We have entered for many years with fluctuating fortune,” he wrote. “It is a good opportunity for the less experienced … with guidance in a doubles environment.”
He reiterated his message as he and I plus Claire and Paul made our way to Southwick on 4 May. His aim was simply that we got some match experience, he said.
With John paired with Claire and Paul paired with me, we played our first games. 14pt games are short and By mid-morning, John and Claire had won their game while Paul and I had lost ours. It was not an encouraging start. But after that, we won both of our next pair of games, giving us a healthier-looking three wins by lunchtime.
In the afternoon, we could do no wrong and won all four of our games, giving us seven wins from our eight games. This was two wins better that our nearest rivals, who finished with five wins, and secured us the trophy.
We have won this competition twice before, but not for 22 years ago, so the win was long overdue and all the sweeter for being a surprise to everyone.