The Robertshaw Cup, donated and devised by Paul Robertshaw of Himley, is contested by the top four teams from the previous season’s West Midlands Federation Golf Croquet League. This year’s event was hosted at the Birmingham Edgbaston Croquet Club , where four teams – Broadwas, Himley, Kenilworth A, and Kenilworth B – battled it out across three competitive rounds.
Each match involves three players per team, with two singles and one doubles game played per round. Kenilworth B – Pauline Harvey (handicap 4), Nick Hegan (3), and Ian Robertson (3) – entered with the joint highest team handicap, but quickly proved they were serious contenders.
They opened with a surprise victory over Broadwas, including a standout performance from Ian, who defeated a -1 handicap player. Kenilworth A overcame Himley in their first match. Round two saw both Kenilworth teams maintain momentum, with B team defeating Himley and A team beating Broadwas.
That set up a dramatic all-Kenilworth final round. Kenilworth B won key singles matches in rounds one and three, and swept all games in round two – securing a 4–2 victory and the Cup. Pauline Harvey delivered a flawless performance, winning all her singles and doubles matches.
Kenilworth's tournament manager Mervyn Harvey said: “It was a fantastic day of croquet played in great spirit. Kenilworth B’s teamwork and composure were outstanding. Their win highlights the growing strength and depth of talent within our club.” Adding '' We are continually looking for newcomers to take up the sport here at Crackley Lane, if anyone is interested please email: croquet@ktscc.co.uk''