News 2026... What's New

Check back here regularly to find out what's going on at Leicester Croquet Club.

If you have any items for inclusion please send to: news@leicestercroquet.org.uk

Leicester C Team's First Match of the Season - Drawn

Dire warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms (which thankfully proved to be completely unfounded) Mark L,  Julie S and Susan set out for Derby for the first C Team match of the season.

A warm welcome was provided by members of Derby F team and play commenced promptly on the club's 5/7 sized lawns. All the games were challenging and the day unfolded with both teams keeping their neck drawing every round- 3 all at lunchtime turned to six all at close a play, with Derby taking 66 hoops to Leicester’s 65. Some good play by Leicester's team with everyone winning at least two of their games - and Julie's golden hoop win clinching the draw!  We look forward to welcoming the Derby K team at Leicester later in the month.

Leicester Cruises to Victory as Chester’s Early Onslaught Ends in Scones and Defeat

The highly anticipated GC InterClub Tier 2 clash between Leicester and Chester took place on our home turf this week. On paper, it was a dead heat—both sides boasting an identical handicap spread of 1, 2, 3, and 5. On the lawns, however, it was a day of swift play, superb catering, and a highly satisfying 5-1 victory for Leicester.

Evidently eager to get the psychological edge—or perhaps just desperately seeking midlands hospitality—the Chester squad arrived a full hour before the agreed start time. Thankfully, our tactical response was flawless. With heavy rain forecast, the Leicester defense immediately deployed a counter-offensive of scones and biscuits. Once the baked goods were successfully consumed, play commenced ahead of schedule.

The morning doubles saw old friends and circuit rivals face off, as Leicester’s Paul and Mark took on Chester's Sarah and Sam. Our boys stormed the first game 7-2, only for Chester to mimic the scoreline right back at them in the second. Showing true grit, Paul and Mark rallied to take the decider 7-3, securing the first crucial point.

Over on the singles lawns:

• Alison put on a clinical display, dispatching Chester's Andy in straight games.

• Richard fought valiantly against Chester’s captain, Edward, but ultimately fell in two tight games after a nail-biting tie-breaker.

At lunch, Leicester unleashed its secret weapon: a substantial feast catered by the brilliant Claire. Heavy with carbs and ambition, the teams headed out for the afternoon singles with Leicester needing just two more wins to seal the tie.

They didn't have to wait long:

• Mark put on a masterclass against Sarah, winning 4-7, 5-7 to put Leicester on the brink of victory.
• The eternal rivalry renewed: Paul battled his old nemesis Sam in a tense affair, ultimately breaking Chester hearts with a 7-3, 7-6 triumph.

• Richard found his rhythm on the outer lawn, comfortably avenging his morning defeat by dismantling Andy 7-3, 7-3.

Chester’s captain, Edward, did manage to claw back a consolation point by defeating Alison 7-5. However, with the overall match already mathematically dead at 5-1 to Leicester, the pair sensibly decided to wrap things up early.

Summary

In an unprecedented turn of events for British summertime, the forecast rain completely failed to materialize. Instead, the only thing pouring was the good spirits. By 2:00 PM, the whole affair was wrapped up, allowing our delightful visitors from Chester to hit the road early to beat the traffic.

A fantastic day of competitive croquet, wonderful company, and excellent food.

Inter Club Tier 3 - Bowl:   Leicester Beat Woodhall Spa 6-1

With a wet start to the week and a cooler and variable outlook forecast on the day of the match the likelihood of showers was easily forgotten as play got underway.

With both teams having closely matched handicaps every hoop was keenly contested. The best of 3 games per round was unfamiliar for the less experienced Leicester side. The away team, Woodhall Spa, soon eroded any home advantage as they transitioned to full sized lawns. Each of the games were keenly contested with the doubles lasting 3 hours and together with one of the singles games going the full distance. As lunch approached Leicester were 2:1 up.

The afternoon welcomed minimal wet stuff and therefore continued uninterrupted. Again 2 out of 3 matches went the full distance. So 18 games, a couple of hundred hoops, a couple of packets of biscuits and many cups of tea and squash latter Leicester won 6:1 and is through to the quarter finals.

Both teams enjoyed the competition and thank you to JP for organising the tournament.

Home Team : Richard Whiting H'Cap 5
Phil Selvidge H'Cap 6
Andrew York H'Cap 7
Jen Housden H'Cap 7

Away Team : John Palframan H'Cap 5
Robert Potter H'Cap 5
Patricia Duke-Cox H'Cap 6
Robert Scott H'Cap 6

Leicester Conquers Watford in Longmans Cup Thriller (And Owen Strikes Silver!)

The opening round of the Association Croquet "Longmans Cup" saw Leicester drawn against Watford. Opting for a neutral venue, our intrepid quartet of Ian, Richard, Owen, and Mark Lansdale set off for a grueling day of tactical warfare.

The format was demanding: a three-hour time limit for a doubles and two singles matches in the morning, followed by four singles in the afternoon.

Morning Glory & The Owen Show

The morning kicked off with Mark and Ian (proudly carrying the title of "The Novice") taking on the doubles. Armed with a 5-bisque advantage and nerves of steel, they ground out a thrilling victory by a single, solitary hoop.

If the morning belonged to teamwork, the rest of the day belonged to Owen, who played as if his mallet had been blessed by the gods. After blazing through a massive 22-hoop victory in his first game.

The afternoon singles saw Leicester truly assert their dominance. Most impressively, Owen ran 12 hoops in a single turn without using a single bisque—a spectacular display that earned him the Croquet England Silver Merit Badge. Richard was in form, winning one of his matches, while Mark put the icing on the cake with a stellar performance of his own in the singles.

When the dust settled, Leicester emerged victorious with a commanding 5-2 win. Watford has been sent packing, and the squad is already looking ahead.

Shrewsbury, we are coming for you.......

Dixon's Cup at Ashby......      Oh So Close

From Mallets to Mayhem: Leicester’s Season Opener

The lawns were manicured, the whites were (mostly) bleached, and the tension was thick enough to trip over as Leicester A hosted Sheffield A for the first clash of the season.

The Morning Masterclass

Leicester came out swinging—or rather, swinging with precision. The trio of Jen, Paul, and David looked unstoppable in the early hours. By the time the lunch bell rang, the home side had carved out a commanding 4-2 lead, having snatched two out of three doubles matches and two out of three in the initial singles rounds.

The sandwiches tasted like victory, and the mood was buoyant. With only three more singles wins needed to seal the deal, the "Mission Accomplished" banners were practically being unfurled.

The Post-Lunch Plot Twist

However, as any croquet veteran knows, a lunch break can be a dangerous thing. Whether it was the digestive process or a sudden surge of Sheffield steel, the tide turned faster than a stray hoop-shot.

• The Clock Strikes: David found himself in a grueling tactical battle against Sheffield’s third seed, ultimately falling victim to the relentless march of the timepiece.

• The Number One Menace: Both Jen and Paul put up a valiant fight against Sheffield’s top-ranked player, but the visitor proved to be a mountain too high to climb on this occasion.

• The Lone Point: In a gritty display of afternoon resilience, Paul managed to claw back a win against the Sheffield number three, providing the only bright spot in a challenging second half.

The Final Verdict: 7–5 to Sheffield

It was a classic game of two halves. Despite the early dominance, Leicester finished the day with 5 games to Sheffield’s 7.

While the trophy cabinet remains empty for this week, the performance showed plenty of promise. The A Team has proven they can outplay last year's league winners; they just need to figure out how to keep that momentum going through the afternoon tea!

The challenge for the league title is officially on. Watch this space.

Inter Club Tier 1 - Nottingham v Leicester

On a dull bank holiday Leicester made the short trip up to Nottingham knowing it was likely to be the end of this years competition with Nottingham's total handicap equaling -5. Euan & Ian Burridge were joined by Will Gee & Andy Sherwood.  Leicester had the normal lot and David came to support as skipper.  The match was over quickly with a few hoops scored along the way and Mark even managed a game againt Will but the result was 5-0 to Nottingham

The Baverstocks Kick Off Their Season

Mark & Gillian travelled to Watford for the C level to start their season of competitions. Mark managed 2 wins out of 3 in his group but missed out on making the cut on hoop difference. Gillian did not manage a win so both went into the plate competition in the afteroon. Mark & Gillian came head to head in the second rouund of the knockout and after a close game 7-5, Gillian took the match and booked her place in the final, which she went on to win in another 7-5 game. 

And The New Season Opens

Alison, Ian, Mark & Paul have staters the season's competitions with the Cheltenham Open (11/4/26) and Murphy Shield (16/4/26).

Only Ian made the cut after day one and he managed to progress to the semi final where he narrowly missed out on Golden hoop. Others had a shortened second day due to heavy rain.

Then the four travel to Ashby for the Murphy Shield. It was a good start with Mark & Ian winning their doubles and Paul & Alison both winning their singles in 2 games. After lunch they started slowly in the next round of singles with Ian falling to Arthur in just 2 games, Paul & Alison each won one and lost one but the last games were not played as Leicester secured the win with Mark beating his opponent in 2 games.  Next round will be either Nottingham or Chester.

National Competitons - Sign up to Play

Leicester have entered teams in 4 National competitions so make yourself known if you want to be in the squads as each round of the event needs a team of 4 players.

Golf Croquet Competitions:

Inter Club Tier 1 - No handicap restrictions

Murphy Tier 2 (Shield) - Handicap of the team must be at least 8

Tier 3 (Bowl) Handicap of the team must be at least 20

Association Croquet Competitions:

Longsman Trophies - Handicap of the team must be at least 24 and each player must have a handicap of at least 3.5

2026 Coaching Sessions

A number of GC coaching sessions will be taking place on Mondays and Fridays throughout May. Please see the notice board for more information and sign up sheets.

There is also Extra Turns Handicap Coaching taking place on Sundays at 12:30 in April once the season starts.

2026 Season Starts.....

Club house spring clean takes place on Saturday 17th April. Come down and lend a hand.

AGM takes place on Sunday 18th April. Please come to cast your vote and have your say.