Coffee in the evening? Why not?

The truth is this is only the second team croquet event that I've covered with last December's Solomon Trophy being the first. I think I may be spoiled because that event and this year's MacRobertson Shield have been wildly captivating. Because I'm also a player and addicted to the game my opinion isn't really valid, but I'll still say there is no way that I believe these team events don't work on television. With the multiple matches going on, I think you can make a great presentation that picks up midway through each day (like the Tour de France).

Of course, the action yesterday was insane. The 5-1 U.S. performance was exciting enough as it puts my American squad in position for their best finish ever. With a lot of help from the Australians, they're still in the running for the overall.

Suprisingly, that was all overshadowed as New Zealand took down Great Britain in the first four matches. Suddenly, the 10-5 British lead was 10-9. GB captain Keith Aiton came through for Britain with a +15tp +13 win over Jenny Clarke. There was no room for error though as the final score was narrow -- 11-10 for the Brits.

The stage is now set for a pressure-packed final round with every team having something to play for -- the Australians came in as the team with the best chance to upset Great Britain and they certainly don't want to get blanked. Great Britain is desperate to hold onto what has become their Shield. New Zealand and the United States definitely don't want to miss out on a shot at second place and the American's want their highest finish. If the British falter early in the Australia series, that will really send the stakes soaring.

For more on the GB/NZ test, check out the British perspective and the New Zealand take.

Fittingly enough, Showtime undoubtedly timed the season premiere of Weeds to coincide with the MacRobertson showdown. Sure enough, the series picked up right where it left off with Shane Botwin having just put a croquet mallet to Pilar's temple. That's a non-surviveable blow even when you use the shoddy mallet that Botwin employed. Highlights included Shane continually frustrated that the other characters were unfamiliar with the murder weapon. He also mentions "pegging out."

The Missouri Croquet Association posted the entry form for the Nine-Wicket National Championship. The three-day Kansas City event is easy on your wallet and easy on your vacation pool as well. Plus, it's a great way to re-visit the original American game (sort of the USCA's answer to the retro NFL uniforms). Also, it'll be your chance to meet the editor/publisher of Croquet Network. Yep, I'll be there.

Not able to get to Kansas City? Well, you'll also find me at the Western Regionals in Seattle next week (August 26-29).