Oxford vs. Cambridge Croquet: Sunday 13th May.

It’s that time of year again. After an excellent country concert last weekend and in the run up to Lord Browne's speech next week, we are delighted to announce to that the Oxford and Cambridge Croquet match will be held the second weekend of May. ALL MEMBERS - regardless of experience - are encouraged to participate on what should be a glorious Sunday day out:

Date :  May 13th 2007

Time :  10.00 AM   practice starts

             10.45 AM  competition

Place:   Chateau de Genval, Genval (The grounds are on the lakeside almost directly in front of the Chateau du Lac Hotel.)

Afterwards there will be the possibility of a picnic (weather permitting) for those who would like to do so.  Bring your own food and drink!

As you will remember last year Cambridge won the trophy quite convincingly so this year gives a chance to Oxford to win it back!

It would be helpful in setting up the teams if those members who would like to participate contact their team organiser:

       Cambridge - Tony Bernard tony.bernard@skynet.be

       Oxford - Michel Van den Berghe michelvdberghe@yahoo.fr

We look forward to seeing you for an excellent competitive match!

34 - 65 Oxford vs. Cambridge Croquet

On Sunday 13th of May sixteen intrepid players gathered on the Croquet Lawn in front of the Chateau de Lac at Genval, south of Brussels.Tony Bernard and Michel Van den Berghe formed their respective teams and, the Belgian weather gods having been appeased, play commenced on a turf that was damp but never sopping. Both sides applied good judgement, instinct, further mathematics and not a little gamesmanship whilst Tony’s daughter patiently tallied the calls of “Oxford”, “Cambridge” on metal flip boards at the side of the lawn, and the famous water spike of Genval soared behind her.

Whether or not the attainment of a 34-65 score signalled victory in early medieval rules, Michel’s kind production of a few bottles of wine was sufficient to bring the game to a screeching halt and, retreating speeches having been made, Oxford agreeing to remain challengers for another year, and the organised and professional - if recently formed - teams indulged in suitable merriment and revelry. Afterwards Poznan Sorgo kindly hosted us to picnic at his wonderful house in Waterloo. Many thanks to all who participated and most especially to Tony Bernard for arranging this most excellent event.