Guildford & Godalming beat Hurlingham 5-1 15th July, 2024
Guildford & Godalming (G&G) travelled to the Hurlingham Club armed with full wet weather gear given a forecast for incessant rain from 1pm. It was dry but overcast as the teams commenced the morning doubles and two singles. G&G’s Douglas and Peter achieved efficient wins against Hurlingham’s Mark and Jane finishing at 1pm when the promised rain started. The doubles match was fiercely contested, the scoreline of 7-1 to G&Gs Bernie and Julie masked a very competitive first game with multiple long clearances and patient build-ups from both teams. Hurlingham’s Ludolph and Martin started the second game with great conviction racing to a 4-1 lead before being pegged back but ultimately they triumphed 7-6 just as the rain started, leaving the match finely poised at one game apiece. As the other matches had finished it was agreed to break for lunch and then play the four afternoon singles matches. If the match was tied after those, the final game of the doubles match would be the decider and so G&G took a 2-0 lead into the afternoon.
After a splendid lunch provided by our generous hosts we returned to the lawns for the singles. Julie and Bernie won their singles matches in two games securing the 4 points necessary for an overall match win. The two remaining singles matches went to three games resulting in one win for G&G and one win for Hurlingham. With an unassailable scoreline of 5-1, the doubles match was not concluded and the teams sought shelter and a rejuvenating afternoon tea. Thank you to both teams for an enjoyable day’s croquet and to the Hurlingham team for their wonderful hospitality.
The teams were Guildford & Godalming: Bernie Phillips, Julie Tremble, Douglas Shand, and Peter Adams. Hurlingham: Ludolph Van Hasselt, Martin Read, Jane O’Neillbnand Mark Wellby.
Julie Tremble