A BUSY afternoon saw nine games played on Saturday.
Six ladies, including visitor Keeli Smith (Val’s granddaughter) and four gents wielded the mallet in the variable weather conditions.
Play was close in most games with two going the full thirteen hoops and four other games finishing at 7 to 5 from twelve hoops.
Young Keeli observed and noted that no quarter was given.
She warily took to the court and coached by the erudite Errol, she earned a win of 7 to 4 against Val and Tony.
One-up to the grandkids, Val.
In the 13 hoopers, Daisy and Barry downed Errol and Maureen; and Miriam and Tony downed Val and Mavis.
Individual results when averaged per game were quite close, as follows:
Ladies: Keeli (1 game) 7; Mavis (4 games) 25; Daisy and Val (4 games) 22; Maureen (4 games) 20; Miriam (4 games) 18.
Gents: Errol (4 games) 27; Barry (5 games) 31; Bob (2 games) 12; Tony (4 games) 21.
Les, normally one of our regulars, dropped in for a chat and apologized for his recent absences but he assured us all that he was keen to return to the mallet courts and the company.
Playing socially means that croquet is not a necessary commitment every week.
Many of our players come when they can and visitors are always welcome.
A word of warning.
The game is addictive and the company delightful.
Hope to see you all next Saturday from 1pm at the Howe Park Tennis Club.