Taking on, and beating, some of the best in the world

The chance to test herself against some of the best female croquet players in the world earlier this month was a dream come true for local player, Carolyn Fordyce.

A member of the Waireka Croquet Club in Ashburton, Fordyce took her place in the Women’s World Cup which was held in Christchurch’s Hagley Park over the course of a week recently, playing three days of three, threehour long matches to start.

Up against players from six different countries; Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, USA and New Zealand, the top four players in each block advanced through to the knockout stage.

“As an event qualifier, I was simply delighted to have the opportunity to play against so many world class female croquet players,” Fordyce said.

While no overall victory fell her way, Fordyce did take on and beat some of the best players in the world during the block play stage as she navigated her way around consistency and not getting too far ahead of herself.

“I began with two wins, then tried too hard and had some nightmare matches, followed by much better play when I relaxed with no expectation against the top-ranked women in my groups.

“My personal highlight was to note that of the top eight players in the world, I defeated two of them in block play – playing well consistently is every croquet player’s dream.”

Fordyce said the Hagley Park lawns offered challenges that even the best of the world took time adjusting too with speed and hoop placement and size making the challenge that much more exciting.

“It is generally agreed that the speed of the lawns at the United Croquet Club in Hagley Park, combined with the tight and firm hoops, makes for one of the most difficult croquet settings in the world.

“Imagine that your croquet ball has only half a credit card’s width on either side for it to travel through the titanium uprights – you can understand the level of accuracy and skill required to navigate the lawns.”

It was the English who made