2026 Students Championship

[<<] [>>] by Charlie Sharpe at Oxford University
30th July (AC)

Last weekend, in usual fashion, the Oxford University Association Croquet Club (OUACC) hosted the annual Student Association Croquet Championships. Unsurprisingly, both the singles and doubles trophies were taken home by the almighty and all-powerful University of Oxford (it should perhaps be disclosed that the author is an OUACC member).

This highly prestigious event, which has been organised by OUACC for several decades, comprises both singles and doubles competitions. Although this year's field numbered only eight players, any shortage in quantity was more than compensated for by the boundless enthusiasm of the eight competitors.

The championships also attracted spectators from far and wide. Seth Butterfield, a competitor at each of the previous three Student Championships, travelled from Manchester; Cambridge student Kate Oglethorpe made the journey from London each morning and evening; and OUACC coach Ian Plummer undertook an arduous expedition of approximately 300 metres. The BBC, inexplicably, failed to send a camera crew - perhaps they were unable to force their way through the crowds.

The croquet gods smiled upon the tournament, providing two days of uninterrupted sunshine. Oxford University's lawns had rarely looked better and were running at a formidable 11 Plummers: a pace with which the students had less experience than this reporter has with impartial journalism. Come on, Oxford. This led to a brief period of adjustment at the beginning of each morning but, before long, the competitors had found their range and were looking world-class again.

The field included current OUACC President Teodoro D'Agostino, former OUACC President Charlie Sharpe and former Cambridge University Croquet Club President Jerome Gasson. After navigating the earlier stages of the singles competition, Sharpe and Gasson met in a hard-fought final, with neither player willing to concede an inch. Sharpe ultimately prevailed to secure the singles title for Oxford.

The doubles competition proved equally competitive. Cambridge duo Alex Myhill and Katie Birditt put up a herculean effort but unfortunately missed out on a spot in the final by a mere three hoops. That result produced an all-Oxford doubles decider, with Teodoro D'Agostino and Adrian Fernandes facing Charlie Sharpe and Jonathan Dearlove. While watching four brothers bloody their fists with each other's faces is no easy task, it was made easier knowing that no matter what, Oxford was going to win.

All in all, the tournament was a great success, and it was wonderful to see so many young players travelling from around England to play some Association Croquet.

Singles winner: Charlie Sharpe, University of Oxford

Doubles winners: Charlie Sharpe and Jonathan Dearlove, University of Oxford