Shrewsbury Croquet Club pulled off one of their most impressive victories in recent years by knocking Leicester out of the prestigious Longman Cup competition. Their East Midland opponents, who had thrashed one of the tournament favourites Watford in the previous round, were soundly beaten 6-1, to send shock waves through the croquet community.
The tricky lawns at Monkmoor, which were playing fast after the recent heatwave, proved no barrier to the team of four, who won all three of the very closely contested morning matches, with Shelley Hennell defying the odds to win on the golden hoop.
Max Sanders played the game of his life to come from behind, without any remaining bisques, to beat a six handicapper in an enthralling encounter. Tim Bunn and Alberto Porras proved to be a dream combination in the doubles, wearing down their opponents with clever play and some great hoop running. The afternoon contests were less dramatic, with the wind seemingly having been knocked out of Leicester’s sails following the morning demolition job.
All four of the team, Alberto, Shelley, Max, and Tim, played superbly throughout the day, staying cool under pressure, using bisques sensibly, and taking their opportunities when they arose.
The quarter final clash of this national competition will be against Newport ( Essex) at a date in July yet to be confirmed.
Shrewsbury V Leicester – Played on 29th June 2026 at Shrewsbury Croquet Club
Result – Shrewsbury 6 Leicester 1
Morning singles Results ( Shrewsbury names first)
Shelley Hennell (9) beat Richard Whiting (9) +1
Max Sanders (18) beat Owen Pugh (6) +2
Doubles Result
Tim Bunn(11) and Alberto Porras (14) beat Mark Lansdale (6) and Ian Buckley (14) +2
Afternoon singles
Sheeley Hennell (9) lost to Owen Pugh (6) -10
Tim Bunn (11) beat Mark Lansdale (6) +6
Alberto Porras (14) beat Richard Whiting (9) +9
Max Sanders (18) beat Ian Buckley (14) +18