News 2024

Enfield East Conquer Barnet

22nd August 1924 - Barnet Cavaliers 4 - Enfield East 6

Report by Alan Bateman

We set off for our nearest away game on an autumnal morning, chilly mizzle descending intermittently. However we received a warm welcome from our hosts and battle was commenced.

After the doubles and first round of singles, the rain began to come down harder and with scores even we took an early lunch. Unusually we surged ahead after lunch and the score was 5 – 4 to us upon the commencement of the final game. It is comforting to play the final game knowing you cannot be beaten. By this time a tidy crowd of fifteen or so were watching some with confused loyalties, Jenny and Peter Ruddle were present and so was David Warren, all former Enfield members. The final game was a narrow Enfield victory, finishing our season's games with a 6 – 4 win.

The victory was shared evenly throughout the team of Chris Twomey, Ian Moore

and me (Alan Bateman).

As a visitor to Barnet I could not but be envious of their facilities, especially the club house and fine flat lawn, however only having one lawn must be a hindrance and necessitate reserving space and times to play therefore removing the spontaneity of just turning up for a game, something that is important to me.

Although a couple of pints whilst waiting may improve our play for some of us, or at least our perception of our play.   

Unbelievable Win For Enfield East Against Newport Elms

Monday, 29th July - Enfield East 10 - Newport Elms 8

Although the morning broke with a clear blue sky, a cloud hovered over the Enfield team. The night before Frank Palmer's wife had fallen and concussion was suspected hence Frank would be by her side to ensure her well being. A player was needed but those who could play had unsuitable handicaps and those with suitable handicaps were unable to play. Consequently we greeted the Newport team, Colin and Anne Taylor, John Tapscott playing his last competitive season and Penny Brookes playing her first, with the news that we were one short.

They decided to play anyway with Frank's matches being walkovers for Newport. The match began as usual with two doubles with Enfield’s Ian Moore and Frances Broadway playing John and Penny and me (Alan Bateman) playing Colin and Anne. We had consulted the rules and I was to play them with my ball only, so their two balls to my single and just to make things difficult I started on minus one to their zero. I thought tactically I needed to win the toss and get my one ball in front of hoop one for any hopes at all. Of course I lost the toss and was swiftly minus one to five down, Colin was knocking Anne in front and she was firing them home with unerring accuracy. At hoop six I had a chance of an in off which they could of impeded but they were beginning to feel sorry for me and left me the opportunity, which I took with thanks I fluked another in off from long range but those were my moments of glory and dually lost 1-7. We had lost the other doubles game and started the singles 6-0 down, but were we daunted, of course we were, we're not complete idiots.

Because Newport had a player sitting out a game every round they kindly kept the score card and handicap cards updated throughout the day. Having no idea of the score we were all surprised when Anne said that John needed to win his game against Frances to draw the Match, Frances duly won and Enfield had gone from six nil down to ten eight winners.

Who'd of thought that.

Well done to Ian and Frances who only dropped one game each all day

Speaking afterwards we could not decide if overconfidence had done for Newport or lack of stress on our part, none of us knew the score, and all presumed we were going to loose, had produced this remarkable result. Suffice to say we went home to well deserved beers with smiles a mile wide on our faces.

100% Regional Success Takes Nigel To Finals

Nigel Owen's 5/5 wins at the GC Area Finals on MOnday, 29th July takes him through to the All England GC Handicap Final in September. 

Luckily only 5 games each were necessary as the temperature was such that it was exhausting even to watch!  The competition was played in 4 blocks and the top two players from each group are eligible for a place in the finals to be held at Guildford and Godalming CC on 14th and 15th September.

Congratulations and we will be rooting for you!

Colchester Narrowly Beat Enfield B Level

Tuesday, 23rd July - Colchester 10 - Enfield 9

Report by Alan Bateman

After an early start and a rainy journey, Frances, Ian, Nigel and I arrived at a damp Colchester croquet club. Luckily the rain soon cleared and Enfield were two up after the doubles. Play continued slowly until lunchtime with Enfield still clinging to their advantage ending the mornings play 6 – 4 up.

The carbohydrate curse came into play after lunch and after some mishaps, flukes and very good shots we finished 9 – 9. Apparently draws are not permissible and another round of doubles would have to be played. A sensible decision to play only one match to achieve a result was taken and Ian and Nigel took on Hugo and Ben.

Hugo and Ben gained a swift advantage being 3 – 1 up at hoop 4, our gallant lads snatched one back at hoop 5 but Hugo and Ben took hoops 6 and 7 and we were staring down the barrel at 5 – 2 down going to hoop 8, a bit of knocking around and we took the hoop, 5 – 3 now. Ben overhit his first shot to hoop 9 and Nigel and Ian have two in front and duly take the hoop for 5 – 4 and game on. Are Hugo and Ben rattled at 5 – 4? They certainly are when we take hoop 10 and its 5 all going to hoop 11. Hugo settles any nerves with a fine shot in front of hoop11 but his ball is cleared by our lads and some more knocking about ensues, Ben has a clear shot but leaves it in the jaws and we are unable to oust him. He has a nice clear shot down to hoop 12 and takes full advantage sitting nicely in front but our lads are made of sterling stuff and push him wide of the hoop, some more knocking about is undertaken and pesky Ben jaws it again, Nigel sends Hugo into the far distance and his return shot slides gently by Ian's blue ball which is laying a good way from the hoop perhaps five foot, easy peasy for Peter Brock but a long way for us mere mortals.

With a wry smile our Ian stalks the ball and settles, all is silent until a tractor coughs into starting nearby, unsettled Ian walks away and begins his process anew, he settles, the mallet swings and the ball is up, it's up and flying to the hoop like a manx shearwater skimming the waves but inexorably gravity presses upon the blue ball and it begins to dip hitting the top of Ben's red and plunging to earth. Ben advances and performs the coup de grace and Enfield's challenge lies like dust beneath the boots of giants

We all exchange the usual platitudes and I have the pleasure of telling Colchester's captain that we may not be very good but at least we turn up.

Enfield Take On Might of Wrest Park and Win!

Monday, 22nd July - Enfield 4 - Wrest Park 2

We knew it would be tough when Wrest Park came to town and we had the hardest match of the league so far, but managed to come out on top. 

Enfield Beats Meldreth 11-4 in GC Open 

Thursday, 18th July :  In the Open team, for the first time in a while, we're in the top half of the league towards the end of a season. The day was evenly matched through the whole of the morning, with the score at 1-1, 3-3, 5-5, and 7-7 after the first four rounds. The only way of avoiding a deciding doubles was if one side swept the final round.

Federation Shield Game Held At Enfield

Monday, 15th July - Enfield was delighted to host Worthing West and Leicester as they met in the latest round of the Federation Shield.    The weather kept dry except for a brief shower during lunch and Worthing West left victorious with a one point lead on the final 4-3 scoreline.

Narrow Loss For Enfield East At Meldreth

Tuesday, 9th July - Meldreth 6 - Enfield East 4

It was a narrow loss for Alan Bateman, Brian Dawes and Patrick Beecham at Meldreth today.  Hang in there - it will get better boys!

Rain Stops Play At Newport in Enfield B Level Match

Tuesday, 9th July - Newport 9 - Enfield 6

A slow start followed by a strengthening of play, the comeback efforts of the Enfield B team was thwarted by a torrential downpour which brought the day's proceedings to a close.    Not an easy decisions teams Dave Hill, Nicola Hyde, Ian Moore and Brian Dawes along with Newport's Anne Taylor, Sally Carr, Fran Lambert and Trevor Reynolds were enjoying the games - the pictures however show it was impossible to continue!

Enfield Start AC Season With Resounding Win

Monday, 1st July 2024 - Enfield 6 - Watford 0

Enfield's excellent start to the AC season continued today as the visiting Watford team were roundly beaten by Enfield by six games to nil. 

Enfield West Remain Top of the League

Friday, 28th June 2024 - Enfield West 14 – 4 Barnet Cavaliers  28 June 2024

Nicola Hyde 4, Dave Hill 5, Colin Carver 5 and Graham Curtis 8 played for Enfield West and took on Marian Hardy 9, Lynda Armsby 12, Sue Gale 12 and Chris Gale 12 for Barnet. Following the opening doubles which ended 1-1 with Nicola and Colin winning theirs it mainly went Enfield’s way.  Actually, it went on to be a pretty emphatic victory against the Cavaliers who were game but inexperienced opponents. The singles rounds saw results that went 3-1, 4-0, 2-2 and 4-0. But although the 14-4 win may look rather one-sided it has to be noted that there were 7 games that went to golden hoop with 6 of those going in Enfield’s favour.  So perhaps a closer match than the scoreline suggests. Nicola absolutely starred for West winning all 5 of her singles and doubles games, while Dave and Graham with 3 singles wins each and Colin with 2 ensured another impressive win which keeps Enfield  West top of the GC Handicap Central Area League with maximum points but they also lead the way with seriously strong games and hoops difference.

Report by Georgina Orwell 

Enfield East In Fighting Mode Against Letchworth

Friday, 14th June - Enfield East 12 - Letchworth 6

Enfield East had a point to prove in their second match this week, having lost the first away to Newport 6-12, albeit scoring 100 hoops in the process. Today, back at home, we came roaring out of the blocks. 

Enfield East Miss Out On Opening Game

Monday - 11th June - Newport Oaks 12 - Enfield East 6

A chastening defeat for Enfield East in our first away match of the year. The team comprised Thomas Halliday (1), Frances Broadway (6), Frank Palmer (11), and making his league debut, Patrick Beecham (16).

First Two-Shot Champion Is Crowned at Enfield

Thursday, 7th June - Twelve players spent the morning in beautiful sunshine for the first outing of Two-Shot GC at Enfield.

This variant, developed by 2019 GC World Champion Ben Rothman, among others, rewards players who make contact with another ball on their shot with a second shot. The changes to tactics are many, as we soon discovered. Placing a ball dead in front of a hoop is just an invitation for a distant opposition to make a gentle roquet and score from what had seemed like nowhere. 

Enfield Commence B Level Challenge With Win

3rd June 2024 - Enfield 12 - Ipswich 8

We believe this is the first time Ipswich has visited us; they took on our team captained by Dave Hill (5) of David Barnicoat (3), Nicola Hyde (5) and Nigel Owen (6) and their team comprised Martin Hart (3), Bernard Button (6), Martin Brown (7) and Ria Hunt (8).

The day started badly for Enfield with the two doubles lost but as the sun went behind the clouds, Enfield won the first singles round 3-1.  Enfield repeated the score line in the second round and didn't lose any further rounds throughout the match.    The afternoon rounds were both shared so the final doubles were played and reversed the results at the start of the day thereby winningboth - a great team effort. 

David Barnicoat was the star with four wins backed up strongly by Dave with three singles wins. Nigel chipped in with a worthy two wins whilst Nicola finally came into her own nicking just enough to get us over the line.

Another good day for Enfield!     PS They were very impressed with our trolleys!!

Reported by Chas Dickens

Enfield Take On Defending Northampton in 1st Open League Match

30th May 2023 - Northampton 11 - Enfield 7

A match of what-might-have-beens against defending Open League champions Northampton, in our rainy first visit to their lovely new site at Roade.

Enfield East Beat Barnet Roundheads

Enfield East 14-6 Barnet Roundheads - Friday 24th May 2024

On Friday 24th May our Enfield East team comprising Brian Dawes (3) Ian Moore (5) Frances Broadway (6) and Chris Twomey (12) took on a Barnet Roundheads team consisting Roger Turner (8) Ian Davidson (8) Jill Turner (9) and Tony Moore (10). 

We had a lovely day’s play against friendly opposition where the day started sunny and remained out for a majority of the match. Brian chipped in with two singles wins but the rest of the team, namely Ian, Frances and Chris did us proud with 3 singles wins each. Frances, Brian and Chris also had close golden hoop calls with a 6-7 defeat each. The first round doubles also saw a win for Ian and Frances with the round ending 1-1. The singles rounds went 3-1, 3-1, 2-2 leaving East requiring a single win in the 4th round to win the match, but they ran out 3-1 winners in the final round also.

Two Fine Wins In A Week Put Enfield West In Top Slot

Enfield West 11 v 7 Meldreth - Friday, 17th May

Our Enfield West team comprising Nicola Hyde (5), Nigel Owen (6), Colin Carver (10)
and Andrew Yanni (11) were up against a Meldreth team containing David Edwards
(4), Mike Bithell (5), Roger Wallbridge (6) and Alan Crowden (11).

The day's play saw the doubles drawn 1-1, the first round singles won 3-1, second round singles drawn 2-2, third round won 3-1 and final round drawn 2-2. Colin won all his singles while Nicola bagged 3 singles wins. What was also significant was the fact that of the seven matches lost, five of them were by the very narrowest of possible margins which resulted in our total hoops tally of 114 being not only most impressive but also enough to see Enfield West top the EACF Handicap Central area division.

Big Win For Enfield West

Enfield West 14 v 4 Newport Oaks - Monday 13th May

Our Enfield West team comprising Nicola Hyde (5), Dave Hill (5), Graham  Curtis (8) and Andrew Yianni (11) took on a Newport Oaks side consisting of Max Byfield (4), Nick Jones (6), Sue Roberts (10) and Kevin Lacy (11). 

It was a dry day by way of a change, but rather cool That said Enfield West were red hot and ran out comprehensive winners. Following a win apiece in the first round doubles our team went on to walk away with all four rounds of the singles.  There were 3 out of 4 singles wins each for Nicola, Dave and Graham whilst Andrew had an absolute field day winning all his singles by decent margins and partnering Dave to our doubles win. Credit also to Max who achieved 4 victories on the day for Newport.

Away Win Starts Our Open GC Race

Tuesday, 30th April - Enfield started the Open GC league with a narrow win away to Newport - final score 10-8. On paper, it should have been relatively easy, with Newport fielding two players with 6 handicaps. But they made us work for our win. Enfield won both the morning doubles, with Kim Taylor (0) and Peter Brock (3) making light work of Mat Hardy (0) and Nick Jones (6), and some tactical play from Thomas Halliday (0) and David Frost (1) engineering a comeback from 3-6 down to beat Colin Taylor (3) and Trevor Reynolds (6).

First AC Win Against Northampton

ECC Welcomes Leighton Linslade

Every year we try and play a few friendlies with other clubs and on Friday, 22nd April, we hosted Leighton Linslade for a GC doubles day.    We saw pairings of David Frost and Karin Hinds, Peter Brock and Jagruti Gandhi, Michael Broadway and John Street, and Frances Broadway and Phillip Hawes. Both Karin and Jagruti were making their first appearances for the club.   Captain David Frost reported that “it was quite a close contest and I believe enjoyed by all.   The weather (once again) could have been kinder.”  We won 9 – 7.

EACF Enfield Derby

Monday, 15th April saw the first of the East Anglian Croquet Federation league matches with the Club’s two teams competing for the first GC handicap win of the season.   Enfield West and Enfield East fought valiantly against extreme cold, harsh winds, torrential rain and hailstorms as well as some sunny moments last Monday.   Enfield East got off to a strong start until Enfield West found their form and won the day at 11-7.

Charity One Ball

Graham Curtis Wins 1st Club Tournament of 2024

Thursday, 4th April 2024 - Graham Curtis was again the quickest out of the blocks, winning our season-opening 10:10 contest for a second year in a row. Graham has now won three of the last eight monthly Thursday Series competitions - well done!

It was cool winds, 16 of our members escaped the rain and ate on the fly to ensure we finished on time!