East v West v North of Scotland 2019
1-2 June 2019, Meadows
The 17th annual match between the East and West, which had included North of Scotland from 2014, attracted a disappointingly low number of players. North, having won the event in 2015 and 2016, had not been able to find a team after 2017. Thus only 10 players over two days were split between East and West, to play 27 games, a combination of 18-point AC (13 games), Short Croquet (6) and 13-point GC (8) and resulting in a close contest. Management was shared between Brian Cosford as Captain for West and Roger Binks for East.
The first day enjoyed good weather, despite a hint of rain. The traditional sounds and effects of the Meadows Festival added variety. Starting with five players for East and four for West, it was pleasing to see GC preference players opting for Short Croquet and using bisques sensibly. To keep play going, it was decided that AC games having equal hoops at time would count as a draw, rather than take time for a golden hoop. That evening there was one win only separating the teams. Day two had forecast heavy rain (which did not materialise). That and a conflict with the French Tennis Open and other prior commitments depleted the numbers by four, but enhanced by one to leave teams of three for the second session. A leisurely day ensured ending when all had played each other sufficient times, and had enjoyed the tea. During the weekend, a few spectators called in, including a couple of enquires about croquet in Edinburgh.