The opening weekend of September saw the annual test match between Ireland and Great Britain contested in Cheltenham Croquet club, which simultaneously hosted the British National Golf Croquet Double Championships.
The Irish team, captained by Danny Johnston, arrived with one substitution enforced by injury; Evan Newall stepping in at the 11th hour to replace Nathaniel Healy at no 6. The match began as always with 1 round of doubles, followed by two rounds of singles (the first round seeing seeds cross ie. 1v2, 3v 4 etc).

Andrew won his quarter final of the World Championships beating David Maugham 3:2.
His progress during this tournament lowered his world ranking to 11.
Unfortunately Andrew met the eventual winner, Robert Fletcher in the semi-final who did not lose a single game in the entire tournament.
Congratulations to Andrew for an excellent performance.

Andrew Johnston has progressed to the quarter-final of the WCF World Championship, where he is currently playing England's David "Beast" Maugham. Andy came from two games down to defeat 5-times World Champion Robert Fulford in the second round.
Danny Johnston and Ed Cunningham also played, but did not qualify from the group stage. Danny was unlucky enough to lose his last, crucial group match -1.
As I write Andy and David Maugham have each won a game in a 5 game match.
Follow the commentary on www.croquetscores.com

Here are a few photos of the recent Garden Fete in Strokestown Park during the Gathering Week. The Fete committee felt that croquet should be part of the Gathering Week celebrations

Irish Championships. Enter ASAP.
Details here: http://www.carrickmines.com/Croquet/2013_Irish_Championships
Send entries to croquet@carrickmines.com

Carrickmines 1-day Open Tournament
Golf Croquet
Saturday 27th July at 10am
Manager: Evan Newell

Two of Ireland's entries for the 2013 Association Croquet World Championships began preparation for the August tournament in Nottingham this weekend, competing in the Championships of the East Midlands (with the familiar draw-and-process format used in the Railway cup event in the Co. Dublin Championships). The event had a strong entry and was sure to provide a good test for both Irish Johnstons (Andrew and Danny).

Following this year's AGM, the CAI Council is now short of volunteers for two key posts; secretary and treasurer. Having received no motions, we would now once again appeal to members of the CAI to put themselves forward for these positions. If anyone would like any information as to the nature of the roles, please do not hesitate to contact the outgoing treasurer, Daniel Johnston, at bidanjfoo@hotmail.com.
Thank you for your ongoing support.

19th July is the closing date and the organisers would appreciate timely entries.
Lots of visitors are expected this year, which will add to the tournament.
Information and entry form are available at this link:
http://www.carrickmines.com/Croquet/2013_Irish_Championships

Ireland won the home internationals for only the 4th time in the events 34 year history. Ireland's last victory coming in 2001. The Irish team captained by Andrew Johnston made the best of the home advantage and the sun to secure an early lead with a 5-0 victory over Scotland on Saturday. England played late into the evening to scrape home 3-2 victors over Wales, leaving many of the round two matches to finish on the final day.