“I came second!” was
the invariable and good-natured answer when asked, on returning to the club
house, “How did you play today, Max?”
Max came to croquet
later in life and quickly developed into a very capable player. A working life of organising harvests and
mustering large flocks of sheep prepared him to take control of one small
ball. A courteous and quietly humorous
gentleman, he was as popular an opponent as a playing partner.
His last appearance on
the courts was at the inaugural hit-off on the newly completed synthetic
courts. A representation of club members
were proud to accord Max a guard of honour at his funeral at the request of
Max’s wife, Margaret, to whom we offer our condolences
Not second, Max. As a club member, player and friend, you’re a
first.
