Visit the StoreEarly reports indicate that SUNY-New Paltz took the USCA Collegiate Nationals (6W) title last weekend in Philadelphia, but there is little time for rest for Navy and St. John's. The Annapolis Cup nine-wicket test is on tap next Saturday at St. John's and HometownAnnapolis.com caught some great quotes from Tuesday's media day. The over-riding theme is that this could be the closest AC in years. Excerpt --

But as Saturday's croquet match and lawn party approaches, the captains (imperial wickets) from St. John's and Navy think this could be the closest competition in years. Earlier this year, St. John's was disappointed to come in second, rather than winning, the national championship as it has done in years past.

You can also checkout an earlier preview from the HistoricAnnapolisPatch website that has a full photo gallery of an open practice. The lawn looks brutal. I don't think the players will complain, but with a good thirteen years of nine-wicket experience under my belt, I feel comfortable saying that sure, you don't need a perfectly flat lawn, but there is a point where you delve into the ludicrous. St. John's in particular gets quite a bit of press out of this event. Seems like a little bit of effort could be put into the lawn. Nothing spectacular required -- just something that you might see at your average home in the suburbs.

The Croquet Association website reports that Howard Cheyne won the Surbiton Easter Handicap Tournament. Full story and results --
http://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=news/newsdb.asp&NewsID=3696

James Hawkins is in the news as he is launching a new club in Liverpool. The article has several great tidbits alluding to growth in the sport. Excerpt:

"There’s never been a dedicated club within a 25-mile radius of the city in any direction, and the time seemed to be right to get something started. Recently there’s been a surge in interest in the game with increased sales of equipment."

The Kilmarnock Standard reports that Ian Shedden and Steve Easton captured the Castle Landscapes Cup at the Dundonald Croquet Club in Scotland. Shedden and Easton defeated Ian McKee and Ronnie Zorget 4-2 in the final match.

Hayes Presidential Center Croquet Club offers clinics in advance of July 30 Grovefest Tournament in Fremont, Ohio. An article in the News Messenger offers more details --
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20110423/NEWS01/104230320/1002/news01/Two-croquet-lessons-offered-ahead-event

The Chester Croquet Club (U.K.) is also offering free clinics to attract new members. The club will offer two free GC clinics on back-to-back Sundays - May 8 and May 15. More details --
http://www.flintshirechronicle.co.uk/flintshire-sport/other-sports/2011/04/21/croquet-chester-club-provides-opportunity-to-give-game-a-try-51352-28555673/