Doug Grimsley submitted a Team USA preview on the upcoming MacRobertson Shield World Team Championship. Also, check the Croquet Network Association Forum for updates and dialogue on the event.
The US team goes into the 2014 MacRobertson Shield tournament with three-and-a-half more years of experience, and a realistic chance to win their first Mac title -- or finish dead last -- that's how much the competition has tightened over the last few years. England has gone into the last six or seven Macs as heavy favorites, but no longer holds that distinction as we approach this event. This year's favorite, at least on paper, has to be the New Zealand team with five of their six players ranked in the top eight in the tournament and their sixth player ranked #12 of those playing.
In round one, New Zealand draws the much lower ranked US team in the first round, and have the "home field advantage" as the American boys have traveled through a multitude of time zones to get to their economy accommodations and shoestring budget meals (remember, a reasonable amount of money must be set aside for adult beverages). However, don't count us out -- the talent gap is much smaller than the rankings indicate. Although the 1-6 match-ups have not yet been decided, here's how the upset is going to happen:
Ben Rothman and Danny Huneycutt each go 1-1 against the Kiwi top 2, probably Chris Clarke and Paddy Chapman. Bast and Lamm do the same against what will probably be slightly easier opponents. And either Soo (who has been playing great croquet throughout the fall) or Maloof (the unknown factor in international play) surprises with a 2-0 singles record with the other going 1-1. United States goes 7-5 in singles match play, then we hang tough in doubles going 4-5 for a thrilling 11-10 victory.
It almost happened in the first round in 2010 against a heavily favored Great Britain team. The US tied the match 9-9 with two quick wins on the last day of singles only to fall 12-9 in the afternoon. It was our best showing against a fully loaded British squad came in the middle of Solomon wins in 2009 and 2011. It also boosted the confidence level of the team and was followed by a convincing 14-7 drubbing of the Australians in the second test match.
Unfortunately, the good run came to an end in a rather inglorious 16-5 defeat at the hands of the Kiwis in the final week. But despite the poor showing in the last test match against New Zealand, the US team actually won 75 games. The GB team won 88 and the second place NZ team won 89. Not a big spread, and not an insurmountable number to improve by--and we are better this time around!
Here is why our team is better in 2014:
Ben Rothman
Since the last Mac Ben has taken his game to the next level. Sextuples, a 40-game winning streak, 64 triples in 79 wins, a move up to #8 in the world rankings, and an impressive string of tournament victories over the last three years. He is capable of beating the best and he is clearly the backbone of the American team. He has been a steady presence in the top 10 in the world for several years.
Danny Huneycutt
This guy is a bulldog. He is constantly ranked in the top 15-25 in the world and would probably rank higher if he was playing more overseas. Now a croquet pro, he has ample time to practice and plays a demanding tournament schedule. A great doubles partner and teammate, and a hard-working captain for the team.
Jim Bast
Jim has gained confidence and consistency over the past few years. Keep in mind that he took 15 years off from the sport and completely dedicated himself to doing what it took to make the last MacRobertson Shield team. This time around his goals are higher than just making the team, he is ready to take the next step. His strong break play and tripling ability has been aided by better hit-ins. The team of Huneycutt and Bast will now be playing in their fourth international competition together.
Jeff Soo
After a bit of a struggle in the last Mac, Jeff has returned to his old form over the last year, and has the potential to take down anyone. Probably playing from either the 5 or 6 spot Jeff will be one of the guys that has to score well. Many of these test matches are won when the top players fight to a draw while one or two of the lower seeds turns it on and grabs the deciding points. Soo is capable of pulling off that kind of upset.
David Maloof
I played doubles with David at the last Solomon this summer and can attest that he is a great partner. Very strong roquets and beautiful all-around game. His lack of international experience should prove to be no factor as he showed no sign of nerves in his Solomon games, accounting for half of the total points that the US scored in that tournament. I expect that he will be paired with Jeff Soo which should have a positive influence, allowing Maloof to concentrate on his great shooting ability while Jeff handles the strategy.
Rich Lamm
The move from Denver to about a mile from the courts at Mission Hills has been a factor in Rich's good recent play. Practice ... practice ... practice! Good teammate and a good potential doubles partner for Ben. Here's the secret of playing good doubles with Ben: Hit in with the 3rd or 4th ball and get your nine hoops-- Ben will do the rest.
Here is my guess about how Captain Danny sets up the playing order:
Singles--
1. Rothman
2. Huneycutt
3. Maloof
4. Bast
5. Soo
6. Lamm
Doubles--
Rothman/Lamm
Maloof/Soo
Huneycutt/Bast
Oh, I almost forgot. The team has to be stronger without me!
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