Croquet is becoming seriously competitive at the Prep. Ten players play every Tuesday and Wednesday, and last week they competed in their first tournament. Flags were set out, and it all looked very festive. Competition was fierce. These players have been practising all term and it was their chance to show how good they are. Despite the rough terrain (we are playing on the rugby field!), they managed to play some excellent croquet. Strict rules were applied, and the matches were umpired by Jason Davison, in Grade 7, and myself. The winning pair was Josh Smit and Robert Bergh, followed closely by Zubayr Kader and Danielle Kruger.   After the tournament we all enjoyed the traditional cucumber sandwiches and Pims (non-alcoholic!) prepared by Pascale Burrows, one of the croquet mums. Steffen Burrows is a Western Province surfer, yet enjoys croquet. What a combination! 

Another eighteen Grade 6 and 7 pupils play every Thursday. Robert and Jason have tried out the lawns at the Somerset West Croquet club, and had a lesson with Peter Johnson, a Western Province player at the Club. We  are currently in negotiation with the Club to take some of our players there for lessons. 

While croquet may not fit the normal picture one has in mind when one thinks of school sport, it is something we are proud of. It is indicative of the innovation encouraged at Somerset College Preparatory. A huge thank you to Steve Nock, our Sports Manager, for being so supportive!

Dianne de Villiers (Preparatory School Librarian)