Sussex County v Hove Beach

Yesterday we played our friendly match against Hove Beach at their club. Although some rain was predicted, luckily it held off and conditions were near perfect.

he match was very close; we were 2-all at the end of round 1 and 4-all after round 2. At first it was thought that Hove Beach had the edge when it came to net hoops with a 46-40 advantage. It was only today however that Mike A. spotted that the result of his and Susan's game had been listed the wrong way round, so the correct result was a draw: 43-43. Nevertheless it was a great event and I believe everyone had a very enjoyable time. As usual, Hove Beach's hospitality was top notch and they put on a splendid array of food and Pimms.

It will be our turn next year, so I hope we can match their welcome.

Francis Ainley

Sussex County v Chichester & Fishbourne away Federation match

The Sussex team of Rosemary, Laki, Mike and Sue won the match 5-3. We enjoyed the afternoon and were given a splendid tea.

We managed to fit in a visit to the Roman Palace next door to the croquet in the morning. Most impressive - and wonderfully set out to interest children in Archaeology and Roman Britain.

Rosemary Faulkner

GC morning tournament 18 August

Well done the winners of this half day tournament played in much cooler conditions than of late.

Division A. A close result between Francis Ainley and Tim Bick, both with 2 wins and on +5. As Francis had beaten Tim he won the block.

Division B A clear winner with 3 wins was Jo Crosby although it was a close match between her and Davide Cogrossi (7-6).

Division C. David Larkin and Nira Scutt both won 2 games but David won on net hoops.

Division D. Tim Weller was the clear winner with 3 games and +12

Division E. Peter Goldsmith and Angela Marjoram both won 2 games but Peter won on net hoops.

Thanks to Fiona for managing the event.

Full results

To follow

Sussex County v Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis (& Croquet) Club friendly match

On 12th August Fiona Phillips, Robyn Clark, Vincent L’Estrange, Tony Jolly, David King and Linda Gavigan set off early for a friendly match against Wimbledon.

After coffee and a brief tour of the club house we were ferried to the croquet lawns, tucked away behind the main club site. The lawns, recently in use as practice courts for the Wimbledon Grand Slam, were in great condition and played very well.

As we’d done the last time our hosts came to Southwick, we each partnered one of their team for two very enjoyable rounds of doubles which were hard fought but great fun.

The temperature had reached 30c+ by the time we stopped for a delicious (and air conditioned!) lunch. One of the highlights was chatting to Robert, the AELTC historian and archivist who joined us for the day (back row, first left in the photo). A mine of information on the history of the club, tennis and croquet. When we returned to the lawns the heat was such that only one further game was possible. A complete contrast to the weather last year when our visit was cancelled due to torrential rain. If only!

A leisurely tea and cake back at the main club house rounded off a lovely day.

As always, the Wimbledon hospitality was outstanding and we look forward to welcoming them to Southwick at the beginning of September. Traditionally these friendly matches are played home and away on alternate years but as last year was cancelled due to the weather we’re doing both this year.

Linda Gavigan