England will look to settle the score with Spain this summer when one of international croquet's most competitive fixtures arrives in Altrincham - and for the first time, the home crowd will have two players with direct Bowdon connections to cheer on.
The sixth annual Golf Croquet Test Match takes place at Bowdon Croquet Club on St Mary's Road from June 19-21, with England desperate to reverse last year's narrow defeat. Spain ran out 16-11 winners on home soil in 2025, but England return with what many regard as one of their strongest ever squads for the fixture.
Captain J-P Moberly, a former Bowdon member now playing out of Durham, won six of seven ranked matches in 2025 and leads a side that includes reigning European Golf Croquet Champion Euan Burridge - who holds dual membership at Nottingham and Bowdon Croquet Club. The rest of the squad is drawn from clubs across England: Callum Johnson (York), Stephen Mulliner (Surbiton), Tobi Savage (Ramsgate) and Aston Wade (Hurlingham).
Spain arrive as defending champions and are ranked among the leading nations in the world game.
Golf Croquet is distinct from traditional association croquet - faster, more accessible, and increasingly popular with younger players. Its growth has drawn comparisons to the white-ball revolution in cricket, with the format widely credited for a surge in new participants across the UK in recent years.
Angharrad Walters, tournament manager at Bowdon Croquet Club, said the event was a significant moment for both the club and the local sporting community. "We're extremely proud to be hosting the Test Match this year. To have two players with direct connections to Bowdon competing at international level is a real marker of the club's standing in the game nationally."
She added: "The growth of golf croquet - particularly among younger players - is something we're seeing here in Altrincham, and events like this help put the sport on the map for people who might never have considered picking up a mallet."
All three days of action will be livestreamed on the Croquet England YouTube channel at youtube.com/@croquetengland.
Those inspired to give the sport a try can book a taster session at Bowdon Croquet Club via bowdoncroquet.co.uk/taking-part/taster-sessions.
