Echoes of the Raj
The second gathering of Sirmooris at Hurlingham took place on 21st August. John Swanston was in the advance party as usual with Christopher and Griselda and David and Jo Santa-Ollala close on his tail. Sophie Graham and Jon Aslett arrived ‘post-haste’ from Roegate and we settled down to an indulgent lunch at the new ‘Brasserie’.
Mark put us all to shame, by eschewing lunch and joining us only after he had played a game of bowls and a lengthy game of tennis as a warm up! A very spritely Sirmoori, and hardly a ‘sano saheb’ by many years!
Lunch at the Brasserie – Topis at rest.
The Blind leading the Blind
There was some confusion over which ‘stable’ housed the croquet mallets and then as we took to the courts the sun shone on the Sirmoor Rifles!
As a satirical nod to ‘DEI’ Sophie and Griselda chose their teams, with Christopher being chosen only when there were no other options! ‘Sophie’s Choice’ was her father Jon, Mark and John Swanston; with Griselda having David and Christopher in support.
Team Selection
Round 1 saw Griselda and David triumphing over Sophie and the ‘Two Jon/Johns’ by 7-6 having at one point been 4-0 down. But the highlight was John negotiating the second hoop from the first with gay aplomb -a fulsome 25 yard strike. Meanwhile Christopher vanquished Mark 7-3 in singles. (2-0 to Griselda thus far).
On Court!
Round 2 saw Griselda and Christopher run out winners 7-4 over Mark and John, with Griselda superbly running four hoops, two of which were also over a distance of 25 yards. David meanwhile edged out Sophie 7-6 on the ‘Golden Hoop’ in their singles game (the Golden Hoop is the deciding hoop if both players are equal on 6 points). (4-0 to Griselda)
Much Sirmoor pondering…..
And yet more pondering….
Round 3 saw the arrival of reinforcements to Sophie’s team in the shape of her son Charlie, who partnered his grandfather Jon against Griselda and John, winning an exciting game -once again on the Golden Hoop. The highlight was Jon running the 5th hoop at a very fine angle attracting much praise from Charlie ! Sophie’s husband Alistair also then rallied to the cause providing the necessary encouragement for Sophie and Mark to narrowly triumph over Christopher and David – also on the Golden Hoop. The highlight being Sophie’s high pressure strike on Christopher’s ball allowing ~ Mark to run the Golden Hoop and clinch the game. (4-2 Griselda)
Sophie and Mark celebrate their victory !
An exciting finale – and despite the resurgence of Sophie’s team – Griselda’s team came away with the spoils.
A rather long ‘close season’ break now – until July next year.
Jai Sirmoor croquet!
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