Sussex County CC – Murphy Shield Winners 2024

Congratulations to Sussex County CC on their victory over Chester CC in the final played at a neutral venue, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, on Sunday 6th October 2024.

The earlier rounds were regional and, in their respective paths to the final, Sussex County had had wins against Cheam, Surbiton and Guildford while Chester had battled through against Ashby, Durham and Watford.

In the morning’s play of the final there were some very hard fought games with each individual match having one 7-6 scoreline. However, Sussex County just edged it and we went into the lunch break with a 2-1 lead meaning that, in the afternoon’s play, Sussex County needed to win two of the remaining four individual Singles matches to clinch the match.

Vincent L’Estrange came up with the first of the required two wins in his match against Martyn Seal and Simon Ancell scored the winning hoop in his three set match against Mark Lloyd to win The Murphy Shield for Sussex County for the first time in the fourteen year history of the competition. The final score was Sussex County 4 Chester 2 with one individual match not completed.

The trophy was presented by George Collin who represented Wrest Park in hosting the match as well as representing Croquet England in his capacity as Trustee.

Thank you, Tim Brewer and all at Wrest Park, for hosting the final and to Jonathan Powe, from Croquet England, who organised this year’s competition which was entered by twenty clubs. Final thanks must go to Chester and their non playing Captain, John Hampson, for a very enjoyable match.

Brian Aikens