| | Where are these top athletes going? |
| | | Of course it's the biggest XC croquet tournament of the season! |
| | | The course is so vast a map is used to keep players on the mark. |
|
| | The XC (Xtremely Cilly) players in the county are here and in fine form. |
| | | The top judges are here to make those critical calls. |
| | | Some of the fanciest techniques are seen. |
|
| | Some players are so good they don't even have to look at the ball! |
| | | The tee shot is demonstrated by Ann |
| | | Stance, grip and smile style are everything in this sport. |
|
| | XC croquet's answer to golf's sand pit is a small.... |
| | | ...well maybe not exactly a small..... |
| | | ...cinder pit with a low block and brick wicket. |
|
| | Tom is undaunted in the pit with his stylish XC hat. |
| | | Oh yes, the hat is an important piece of XC equipment. |
| | | But yes, even in XC croquet you can go to far |
|
| | Here's the part of the course is known as the desert wasteland. |
| | | For those who make it through the desert.... |
| | | ...there is the XC players sport drink and..... |
|
| | | Here is the course's mid-point oasis of friends and refreshment. |
| | | Soon the players are ready to take on the rest of the course. |
|
| | The competition heats up for both best mallet swing and fashion once again. |
| | | This is what the British are wearing this croquet season. |
| | | With that British air of superior sport snobery. It's all about intimidation. |
|
| | Other British/American players try the tactic. |
| | | But we all know who is the Kroquet King. |
| | | Back out on the course another of the in-organic obstacles, the 20ft tube, is appraoched. |
|
| | Everyone has their own strategy for lining up the shot. |
| | | Another tricky one is the circle tube with the double wicket within. |
| | | Ann is going for the distance shot. |
|
| | And here is the ramp througth the swinging tire "wicket". |
| | | Roger takes a shot but alas the ball is not quite high enough. |
| | | He lines up again and this time he males it!! Yea! |
|
| | Well, it seems this game has gone on for months. |
| | | A last careful shot is watched by a suportive coach. |
| | | The players finish and leave the field. |
|
| | The great shots of the day are disussed and the... |
| | | ...shear enjoyment of being out in nature revelled in. |
| | | The happy athletes gather for dinner..... |
|
| | ...and the sun sets on another great XC croquet day in Modoc. |
| | |
