Thrills, triumph, controversy, the bitterness of defeat and elimination—the final regular-season matchday of Portland Croquet League Version One had everything a fan might expect of a competition that has riveted the nine-wicket world.
Conditions bordered on idyllic at Columbia Park in North Portland, where the Jaguar Realm team laid out its home course on a rough, rangy, long-grassed pitch beneath an evergreen canopy. The course dimensions, the agreed-upon lack of boundary lines and the extremely uneven terrain promised an afternoon of rugged, big-hitting open-field play, and the fixture did not disappoint either the players or the assembled fans.
The Acorn and Make Like teams arrived via bicycle, Make Like sporting their trademark striped jerseys, while Acorn eschewed their customary neckwear in deference to the hot afternoon. No such concession was made by Jaguar Realm's debutante player Engler, who took in the pitch in full 1890s regalia, complete with bowler hat. Action commenced after a round of cheap Spanish Cava was consumed, and a refreshing delivery of Dilly Bars enlivened proceedings.
In Game One, Dan of Acorn overcame last minute nerves to secure a convincing win (his career first), with Make Like taking the second-place stake. Game Two saw a reversal of fortune between those two teams, leaving both on three points for the afternoon. Jaguar Realm was odd man out on its home course, ending its season after an outing when it simply could not get its proverbial groove on.
The day's other fixture saw the league-leading Half & Half team mysteriously grouped with the last-placed Courier Coffee team for the second time, which was surely a coincidence. In any case, the first game belonged to McCormick of the UrbanHonking team, a result that poised the side for a breakthrough to the top of the table. However, Half & Half's usual dominance reasserted itself for a Game Two win.
That brings us to the final V.1 table:
ALL MATCHES PLAYED
1. Half & Half :: 11 points // 4 wins
2. Make Like :: 9 points // 3 wins
------------------------------------------------
3. UrbanHonking :: 7 points // 3 wins
4. Acorn :: 6 points // 2 wins
5. Jaguar Realm :: 3 points // 0 wins
6. Courier Coffee :: 0 points // 0 wins
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: Half & Half v. Make Like.
Some players remarked that a two-team final may not be the best reflection of the competition, given that it means that the ultimate game will be contested under slightly different rules (a 3-on-3 game) than those that apply in regular-season matches (2-on-2-on-2). This weekend's results are especially cruel to UrbanHonking, a side that has found very good form over the past two weeks. The issue seems certain to be raised during the close-season league meetings.
However, none can dispute the worthiness of the two finalists. Half & Half has been rampant throughout the season, while Make Like established itself as an elite side over Matchdays 2 & 3. Both teams rely on short-hitting precision and sophisticated tactical play, and both team captains will face difficult selection decisions when it comes time to name their line-ups for the Final. Watch this space for more preview material in the coming two weeks!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
More From Matchday Two
As the Half & Half team was in the process of establishing its dominant league lead, the other Matchday Two fixture featured Make Like, UrbanHonking and Courier Coffee.
The afternoon belonged to the Make Like team; its breakthrough performance marked the side as a sturdy contender for league honours. In Game One, Make Like swept the stakes, with Robby placing first with Orange and Adam taking second with the Yellow ball.
In second game, Mike Merrill of UrbanHonking forestalled a Make Like monopoly. His chancy, gutsy fight-back run with the Black ball earned him first place, and possibly a place in PCL lore. Corey of Make Like completed his team's superb outing by taking the second-place stake.
The final tally from the match sees Make Like taking 4 points and a win; UrbanHonking with 2 points and a win; and Courier still on zero points.
***
That brings us to the fully updated league table:
Portland Croquet League, Version 1 :: Standings After Matchday Two of Three.
1. Half & Half :: 8 points // 3 wins
2. Make Like :: 6 points // 2 wins
3. UrbanHonking :: 4 points // 2 wins
4. Acorn :: 3 points // 1 win
5. Jaguar Realm :: 3 points // 0 wins
6. Courier Coffee :: 0 points // 0 wins
After week one's hurly burly of teams tied on two points, the ladder has assumed a more definite character. Half & Half and Make Like enjoy a bit of breathing room in the penthouse, while UrbanHonking's steady campaign has the team on course for a berth in the Championship Final. Acorn and Jaguar Realm have not been eliminated by any means, but will both find themselves in a desperate scramble for big points hauls in the final regular-season week. Even the Courier team, now stuck with the Wooden Spoon, is not yet beyond mathematical hope.
It's all to play for on Matchday Three!
The afternoon belonged to the Make Like team; its breakthrough performance marked the side as a sturdy contender for league honours. In Game One, Make Like swept the stakes, with Robby placing first with Orange and Adam taking second with the Yellow ball.
In second game, Mike Merrill of UrbanHonking forestalled a Make Like monopoly. His chancy, gutsy fight-back run with the Black ball earned him first place, and possibly a place in PCL lore. Corey of Make Like completed his team's superb outing by taking the second-place stake.
The final tally from the match sees Make Like taking 4 points and a win; UrbanHonking with 2 points and a win; and Courier still on zero points.
***
That brings us to the fully updated league table:
Portland Croquet League, Version 1 :: Standings After Matchday Two of Three.
1. Half & Half :: 8 points // 3 wins
2. Make Like :: 6 points // 2 wins
3. UrbanHonking :: 4 points // 2 wins
4. Acorn :: 3 points // 1 win
5. Jaguar Realm :: 3 points // 0 wins
6. Courier Coffee :: 0 points // 0 wins
After week one's hurly burly of teams tied on two points, the ladder has assumed a more definite character. Half & Half and Make Like enjoy a bit of breathing room in the penthouse, while UrbanHonking's steady campaign has the team on course for a berth in the Championship Final. Acorn and Jaguar Realm have not been eliminated by any means, but will both find themselves in a desperate scramble for big points hauls in the final regular-season week. Even the Courier team, now stuck with the Wooden Spoon, is not yet beyond mathematical hope.
It's all to play for on Matchday Three!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Preliminary Dispatch
We have only one sketchy early report from the Holiday fixtures to offer. The Half & Half team staged another bravura performance, taking both games in its match against Acorn and Jaguar Realm at its own home ground. The tour de force puts Half & Half on eight points, well clear of their league rivals.
Acorn and Jaguar Realm split the second place stakes, leaving each on three points. Acorn holds the tie-breaking advantage between the two sides, having won a game on Matchday One.
Our only information from the other match suggests that Courier Coffee remains on zero points, its grasp on the dreaded Wooden Spoon increasingly firm.
Full reports and an updated league table will follow.
Acorn and Jaguar Realm split the second place stakes, leaving each on three points. Acorn holds the tie-breaking advantage between the two sides, having won a game on Matchday One.
Our only information from the other match suggests that Courier Coffee remains on zero points, its grasp on the dreaded Wooden Spoon increasingly firm.
Full reports and an updated league table will follow.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Matchday Two
This Sunday, the Portland Croquet League stages the second matchday of its spring season. After the debut fixtures were played in sodden conditions, the fair Holiday forecast leaves all players keen to test their mettle on a dry pitch.
The Courier Coffee team hosts both the Makelike team and UrbanHonking. The hosts walked away from their first match without any points, and will be desperate to make an impression in this round. Makelike and UrbanHonking find themselves in the thick of the four-team pack on two points; both will hope to break from the scrum. Conversely, both also need points to keep their campaigns on track; the slightest wobble could send either to the bottom of the table.
Jaguar Realm and Acorn visit the home ground of league leaders Half & Half—the most storied venue on the League's current programme thanks to its history as the site of the Mount Tabor Invitational. Given that Acorn and the hosts are sister clubs, Jaguar Realm must be considered the outsider in a match that will do much to determine whether the powerful Half & Half team will run away with the league.
See this space for match reports and the latest league table after this weekend's fixtures.
The Courier Coffee team hosts both the Makelike team and UrbanHonking. The hosts walked away from their first match without any points, and will be desperate to make an impression in this round. Makelike and UrbanHonking find themselves in the thick of the four-team pack on two points; both will hope to break from the scrum. Conversely, both also need points to keep their campaigns on track; the slightest wobble could send either to the bottom of the table.
Jaguar Realm and Acorn visit the home ground of league leaders Half & Half—the most storied venue on the League's current programme thanks to its history as the site of the Mount Tabor Invitational. Given that Acorn and the hosts are sister clubs, Jaguar Realm must be considered the outsider in a match that will do much to determine whether the powerful Half & Half team will run away with the league.
See this space for match reports and the latest league table after this weekend's fixtures.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The League Table
Portland Croquet League, Version 1 :: Standings After Matchday One of Three.
1. Half & Half :: 4 points / 1 game won
2. Acorn :: 2 points / 1 game won
Makelike :: 2 points / 1 game won
UrbanHonking :: 2 points / 1 game won
5. Jaguar Realm :: 2 points / 0 games won
6. Courier Coffee :: 0 points / 0 games won
***
With just two regular-season matchdays remaining, points will be at an absolute premium now that all teams have acquainted themselves with the competition format.
1. Half & Half :: 4 points / 1 game won
2. Acorn :: 2 points / 1 game won
Makelike :: 2 points / 1 game won
UrbanHonking :: 2 points / 1 game won
5. Jaguar Realm :: 2 points / 0 games won
6. Courier Coffee :: 0 points / 0 games won
***
With just two regular-season matchdays remaining, points will be at an absolute premium now that all teams have acquainted themselves with the competition format.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Acorn v. Jaguar Realm v. UrbanHonking: Photos and Match Report
As Matchday One began under rainy and inclement conditions, the Acorn team hosted Jaguar Realm and UrbanHonking in one of two inaugural PCL contests.
Given the uncertain pitch quality and the challenging weather, players took their time in warm-ups. Here we see two members of the UrbanHonking squad taking the measure of Acorn's home ground.
The Acorn team kindly provided refreshments in the Players Lounge.
Mike Merrill of UrbanHonking studies the sloppy, uneven pitch.
The Acorn team's sartorial splendour.
Merrill completes his pre-game preparations.
The Acorn team took to its home field amid pomp and circumstance.
Despite conditions, the afternoon produced some exciting tactical croquet, as seen here in a moment of congestion at the Turn during Game Two.
***
Few knew what to expect as three teams assembled at the home ground of the Acorn team to contest Matchday One of the Portland Croquet League's inaugural season. The hosts featured a full complement of players and the possible advantage of an unusual bended course layout over a soaked, uneven pitch. In spite of the league's clean slate, UrbanHonking could point to a history of sporting success in other disciplines, particularly the club futsal team's triumphant voyage to the Third Division playoffs during the current term. Jaguar Realm, meanwhile, fielded the minimum of two players, and was perhaps the day's surprise package.
Game One began with an early escape by Dan of the Acorn team, playing Blue. UrbanHonking, however, took advantage of players Merrill and McCormick drawing Red and Yellow, respectively; smoothly executed tandem tactics brought the duo up on the leading ball shortly after the Turn. Jaguar Realm, in contrast, found itself playing a single-handed game. Ineffectual shooting by the captain Dundas left his partner Myers more or less alone. The three-team, first-to-finish format's tactical nuances came to light as the leaders entered the final wickets—the stragglers broke from the course, shooting long in various attempts to influence the outcome to their partners' advantage. Acorn discovered that it's not always advantageous to hold early leads; Merrill, breaking with his partner at last, swept through to claim the stake, while a steady performance put Myers second.
A telephone bulletin received during Game One reported that the Half & Half team had swept the points in the first game of the other match. Many league insiders have tipped Half & Half as a title favourite; certainly, they put down a marker with their Game One grand slam.
Game Two featured a much faster opening from all the teams, and developed into a tight showdown around the Turn. Myers of Jaguar Realm broke out, and appeared a nearly certain winner. He stalled in the late going, however, and Dave of Acorn staged a dramatic long-ball rally for the win. Myers claimed second again, however, after a cagey standoff with Schroeder of UrbanHonking at the final wickets.
The result left honours equal at two points for each side, and all teams walked off the sodden pitch more or less satisfied. Word that Half & Half finished the day on four points only confirmed that side's quality. Meanwhile, questions loomed over Jaguar Realm after captain Dundas' weak performance and club's inability to recruit more than two players for this big occasion.
A report from the other Matchday One contest and a full league table will follow.
Given the uncertain pitch quality and the challenging weather, players took their time in warm-ups. Here we see two members of the UrbanHonking squad taking the measure of Acorn's home ground.
The Acorn team kindly provided refreshments in the Players Lounge.
Mike Merrill of UrbanHonking studies the sloppy, uneven pitch.
The Acorn team's sartorial splendour.
Merrill completes his pre-game preparations.
The Acorn team took to its home field amid pomp and circumstance.
Despite conditions, the afternoon produced some exciting tactical croquet, as seen here in a moment of congestion at the Turn during Game Two.
***
Few knew what to expect as three teams assembled at the home ground of the Acorn team to contest Matchday One of the Portland Croquet League's inaugural season. The hosts featured a full complement of players and the possible advantage of an unusual bended course layout over a soaked, uneven pitch. In spite of the league's clean slate, UrbanHonking could point to a history of sporting success in other disciplines, particularly the club futsal team's triumphant voyage to the Third Division playoffs during the current term. Jaguar Realm, meanwhile, fielded the minimum of two players, and was perhaps the day's surprise package.
Game One began with an early escape by Dan of the Acorn team, playing Blue. UrbanHonking, however, took advantage of players Merrill and McCormick drawing Red and Yellow, respectively; smoothly executed tandem tactics brought the duo up on the leading ball shortly after the Turn. Jaguar Realm, in contrast, found itself playing a single-handed game. Ineffectual shooting by the captain Dundas left his partner Myers more or less alone. The three-team, first-to-finish format's tactical nuances came to light as the leaders entered the final wickets—the stragglers broke from the course, shooting long in various attempts to influence the outcome to their partners' advantage. Acorn discovered that it's not always advantageous to hold early leads; Merrill, breaking with his partner at last, swept through to claim the stake, while a steady performance put Myers second.
A telephone bulletin received during Game One reported that the Half & Half team had swept the points in the first game of the other match. Many league insiders have tipped Half & Half as a title favourite; certainly, they put down a marker with their Game One grand slam.
Game Two featured a much faster opening from all the teams, and developed into a tight showdown around the Turn. Myers of Jaguar Realm broke out, and appeared a nearly certain winner. He stalled in the late going, however, and Dave of Acorn staged a dramatic long-ball rally for the win. Myers claimed second again, however, after a cagey standoff with Schroeder of UrbanHonking at the final wickets.
The result left honours equal at two points for each side, and all teams walked off the sodden pitch more or less satisfied. Word that Half & Half finished the day on four points only confirmed that side's quality. Meanwhile, questions loomed over Jaguar Realm after captain Dundas' weak performance and club's inability to recruit more than two players for this big occasion.
A report from the other Matchday One contest and a full league table will follow.
Version One, Matchday One
The worldwide community of backyard nine-wicket team croquet sits on the proverbial pins and n. today, as the Portland Croquet League launches its long-awaited first championship. Six teams will be in action on two different croquet grounds today, the inaugural matchday of the League's v.1 season. Full match reports, team profiles, stats and standings will soon be available here, at the Official On-line Home of the Portland Croquet League.
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