[<<] [>>] by Bruce Rannie at Carrickmines
10-11 Aug 2003 (International)

The Scottish Croquet Association retained the Appleton Trophy after a 6-6 draw with the Croquet Association of Ireland at Carrickmines on Sunday and Monday 10-11 August.

When this annual fixture is played in Ireland, it follows the Irish Championships, alternating with the equivalent fixture with the CA. Unfortunately this year the SCA could field a team of four players only, which was well-matched by the CAI selections.

Two rounds of doubles were played on Day One, as the Irish heatwave continued. No game completed, and each round was shared 1-1.

Results

Home players' names first:

Nathaniel Healy and Jane Shorten lost to Bruce Rannie and Nigel Gardner -7T
Evan Newell and Russell Fuller beat Campbell Morrison and George Anderson +12T
Nathaniel Healy and Jane Shorten lost to Campbell Morrison and George Anderson -5T
Evan Newell and Harry Johnston beat Bruce Rannie and Nigel Gardner +12T

Two rounds of singles were played on Day Two, the top two playing each other, as did the other two pairs. Five of the eight games finished, albeit one in the turn after time.

Evan Newell beat Nigel Gardner +18
Nathaniel Healy lost to Bruce Rannie -6
Jane Shorten lost to George Anderson -2T
Russell Fuller beat Campbell Morrison +12T
Even Newell lost to Bruce Rannie -15
Nathaniel Healy beat Nigel Gardner +15
Jane Shorten lost to Campbell Morrison -17
Russell Fuller beat George Anderson +8T

Under the traditions of the competition, should a match end in a draw, the trophy, a beautiful and clever design commissioned and donated by David Appleton, is retained by the previous holders. The cumulative score is now SCA eight (plus two draws), CAI seven (plus the same two draws). Carrickmines captain of croquet, Carl von Schmeider, presented the trophy to the SCA captain Bruce Rannie, and battle will be re-joined at the Scottish National Centre in Edinburgh in 2004.

Sincere thanks again are due to the CAI, and the Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, for the hospitality and courts, especially as the match was scheduled towards the climax of the club's centenary celebrations.