Players Jockey for Position

February 19, 2017 -

Big day for Pryor

Players continue to jockey for position in the early days of the 2017 croquet season. On Sunday afternoon, the top 6 players in the world took to the pitch in four "scrappy" and competitive games. Hall of Famer, Jack Williams (Red) took a lengthy game one after making two clutch shots at the middle wicket. As the weather began to heat up, so did the play of 2016 Rookie of the Year, Robbie Pryor (Black). Pryor, viewed by many as the best ball-striker to enter the league in years, made a significant move coming out of the Bermuda Triangle and went on to an easy win in the second game. World number one, John Kenny (Purple), seems to have picked up right where the 2016 season ended. Known for his focused and deliberate play,  Kenny continued his excellent shot making while annoying his competitors with slow play and an understated, yet clearly identifiable arrogance.

The fourth game provided the most drama of the day as everyone challenged for the lead and the win. As Williams and his pawn, Guy Davis (Green), debated the means by which Williams would screw Davis over and win, Pryor, Kenny and Greg Brooks (Yellow) all squandered opportunities to take the final battle of the day. Clark Gross (Blue), who shocked the croquet world last week with a 2-win performance, amazed and surprised the field with a run to Amen Corner.  Gross then returned to his usual comedic form when he clanked a short shot at Amen Corner. Yellow, to everyone's surprise and delight, made the most glaring unforced error of the young season. After back and forth taunting between Brooks and Gross early in the game, Brooks "took the bait" and, instead of clearing Amen Corner and securing the sure win, went after Gross. The move required a frustrated Brooks to burn a shot and left the door open for Kenny. Purple, after negotiating the final sprint to the finish, uncharacteristically blew his setup shot for the final wicket and was forced to helplessly watch as Pryor expertly maneuver the final three wickets to grab the win and establish his dominance on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.  The two-win Sunday brought Pryor within 2 wins of the coveted Number 1 ranking. "He reminds me of myself 15 years ago," said a seemingly proud Jack Williams. For Gross and Davis, it was a disappointing day, but it was the surprising continued winless streak by Hall of Famer Brooks that cast a shadow over Clover Fork this day. The Commish's 0 for 11 start has been disappointing to fans and sponsors alike. When considered with his concerning finish in 2016, the press and fans alike have raised questions whether the game has passed him by. Yellow's performance has done nothing but add to the rumors and questions surrounding his Seal Team 6 Training Program and high-carb diet.

"I don't know what is going on," a clearly jubilant Jack Williams said. "I'll tell you one thing...It's hilarious."Meanwhile, Davis, who started the season quickly but hasn't managed a win in several weeks, voiced concern over Yellow's struggles. "He's an ass, but the league needs him." Brooks was unavailable for comment as he failed to show at the mandatory press conference. "Check the trophy case!" he mumbled while entering the garage.

In business news, Davis inked a sponsorship deal with Newport Tobacco and Kamchatka Vodka, distilled in Canton, Ohio. The current FedEx standings:

1. John Kenny
2. Jack Williams
3. Guy Davis
4. Robbie Pryor
5. Clark Gross
6. Greg Brooks
7. Ken Park