Merion Cricket Club Invitational Won by Doug Grimsley, and
Michael Todorovich

12-14 September 2008
Merion Cricket Club, Haverford, PA
by John Osborn, Tournament Director

I can almost picture it, my imagination drifting back some nineteen years. There they sat, a small group of enthusiastic croquet players relaxing upon the beautiful Merion Cricket Club veranda. While they may have been drinking tea, odds are better that it was something like gin, or bourbon, or perhaps many (many) mint juleps. No, I cannot put names to these faces, but I can hear the voices well. Player one: “Hey, why don’t we invite a whole bunch of strangers over and have a knock?” Player two: “Sure, that sounds easy enough.” And with the simplicity of this thought and as the waiter arrived with the fifth round, the future of the Cricket Club’s croquet history was created.

Today, the Merion Invitational has set hard-to-meet standards in many ways. From year to year it proves to be not only the largest of its kind but offers the whole package — an incredible facility, fantastic friendly service, cuisine phenomenal in every fashion and croquet lawns (20 this year) that stretch the boundary of the eye. Between the opening reception and an amazing player’s dinner, between the full-course breakfasts and lunches — between all that is offered at Merion, the play is aplenty. Bob Kroeger is there to give clinics and oversee the beginner’s flight. Archie Peck and David Bent are there to respond to any mallet raised into the air. The croquet committee members are always within an ear’s shot should any question or desire need attention. No, there is nothing simple about hosting such a perfect event, but the beauty of it all is that the Merion Cricket Club does, indeed, make it look so easy.

The weather, of course, is about the only thing over which there is no control. Friday was notable in that it brought with it steady and sometime hard rain. While Saturday was beautiful, Sunday threatened to set the record heat high. Nonetheless, throughout all of the changes in atmosphere, the attitude of players never wavered. Matches were timed at one hour and fifteen minutes and double banking was sparse. The four flights of doubles used a Waterford format while the singles, split into three flights, were then divided into individual sections, each including eight players. The exception, the Championship “A” Flight, held ten players and offered one singles Final match.

Noteworthy items throughout the three-day event include the impressive play of Doug Grimsley. Certainly the most active player of the year, Doug went 9-0 by capturing the Championship A singles. Stuart Lawrence, runner-up, was also impressive throughout the event and accomplished a rare triple-peel along the way. In the Championship B division, Michael Todorovich, who failed to win a match the year before, went 11-0 to capture both the singles and the Championship Flight doubles! Results also worthy of note include the demonstration by Bob and Iris Chenoweth, each capturing one of the two Second Flight single’s divisions. Connie Van Housen, who for years has organized the administrative aspects of this event, was more than impressive in capturing the Third Flight doubles!

In an event of this size, there are dozens of stories to be told, of both success and heartbreak. In doubles, in particular, the percentage of matches that were either won or lost by one point was quite astonishing. And yet no matter how the players finished within this adventure, the spirit exemplified by all of the players was more that admirable throughout. A simple conversation nineteen years ago has turned into something beyond special.

Speaking from the outside, great thanks go out to the players for their enthusiasm and great spirit. And, speaking for the players, the hard work and efforts made by the Merion Croquet Club Croquet Committee was so much appreciated. Lest we forget, the ground’s crew was as professional as I have ever seen! Congratulations, in particular, go out to Frank Tatnall (Committee Chairman) and Jim Armour (Tournament Chairman) for overseeing a hard working group too large to mention.

The Merion Cricket Club hopes to see both old friends and friendly strangers next year. It’s only three days, but they will certainly be some of the most enjoyable days you will ever have!

Final Order