St Albans Croquet Club

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We held a heat of the Croquet England’s Charity One-ball Competition on Saturday 18th April 2026.  While this is a national competition (and there’s an opportunity to go to a national final), it was really a chance to get people together at the start of the season, raise £85 for charity, and have a fun day. (Tea and cake and even spectators also played a part).

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Competitors were encouraged to wear something red (Save the Children's colour) with Keith setting a fine example.

The morning consisted of two blocks. Block 1 went with handicap with the two semifinalists (Jon and David) determined before the last round of matches, and Jon beating everyone.  Block 2 was a lot closer with everyone on one win coming into the final round games. Roger and Stephen won to enter the semi finals.

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Jon continued to be the most accurate player in the afternoon, and having beaten Stephen, met David (who had beaten Roger in the other semifinal) again in the final. Jon soon pulled out a lead and converted it into a win, to end the day unbeaten and the 2026 St Albans one-ball champion.

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Keith qualified for the final at Surbiton on 16 May, as the highest placed St Albans entrant who was able to attend​. He won his first two matches, but was knocked out 13-10 in the third round. He reports that "having seven lawns triple-banked with everyone in red and white was quite a sight".​

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Results and further photos, including the 40 national finalists, are below.

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