Nothing says relaxation like enjoying a leisurely Afternoon Tea service followed by a cordial game of croquet.
Until the croquet gets competitive.
Things started off well. The Sanchaya Resort's "croquet official" cheerfully met us at reception and golf carted us over to the Resort's Croquet Lawn to get us set up. We were delighted to find a lovely "lounge area" organized, complete with a (slightly small) jug of Pimm's, some sunscreen and numerous hydrating creams and mists.
After teaching us the rules and walking us around the pitch, our official stayed with us throughout our three matches trying valiantly to keep us in line (while kindly overlooking some strategic cheating) and answering our numerous questions about the rules. Not surprisingly, the rules became more disputed and the games more rowdy and intense with each glass of Pimm's.
The quirky rules and strategy around whacking your competitor's ball out of the way seemed to become a bigger motivation than actually moving one's own ball through the different wickets. Beth and Molly started trading shoes to get better shots and even a completely shoeless David was happy to put his feet at risk to whack a ball under foot to gain an advantage. Although one foot got smashed, we are happy to report that there have been no permanent injuries (ego, aside).
After teaching us the rules and walking us around the pitch, our official stayed with us throughout our three matches trying valiantly to keep us in line (while kindly overlooking some strategic cheating) and answering our numerous questions about the rules. Not surprisingly, the rules became more disputed and the games more rowdy and intense with each glass of Pimm's.
The quirky rules and strategy around whacking your competitor's ball out of the way seemed to become a bigger motivation than actually moving one's own ball through the different wickets. Beth and Molly started trading shoes to get better shots and even a completely shoeless David was happy to put his feet at risk to whack a ball under foot to gain an advantage. Although one foot got smashed, we are happy to report that there have been no permanent injuries (ego, aside).
A gentleman's game, we are not sure. But luckily, a security chaperoned sunset walk on the beach restored all order and friendship.
Play on....
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