The 2026 Canadian Association Croquet National Championship was held June 4-7 in Bayfield, Ontario, bringing together many of the best association croquet players from across Canada and abroad. The championship was jointly hosted at the Bayfield International Croquet Club with support by the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club.
This year's championship attracted 26 competitors representing clubs from Ontario, British Columbia, the United States and Australia. Players competed in three divisions: Championship Flight, A Flight and B Flight.
EVENT LINKS
For the third consecutive year, Alain Giraud captured the Championship Flight title, further cementing his place as one of the world's leading association croquet players. Currently ranked 24th in the world, Giraud competes internationally under the England flag, having represented both England and Great Britain throughout his distinguished career. Although he now resides in Toronto, Canada, and calls the North Toronto Croquet Club his home club, he continues to represent England in international competition.
Giraud faced a challenging tournament. His only defeat came during the block stage against fellow Canadian Brian Cumming, but he rebounded when meeting Cumming again in the final; Giraud dominated the match, winning 26TP–0 and 26TP–1 to claim his third straight national championship.
British Columbia players swept the remaining two flight titles. Michael Kernaghan captured the A Flight championship, defeating Bayfield favorite Bill Rowat in the final, while James White claimed the B Flight title.
Giraud (L) with David Druiett (R)
Now celebrating its 51st year, the Bayfield International Croquet Club has grown to nearly 100 members, making it the oldest and largest croquet club in Canada. The club has hosted the Canadian Association Croquet Championship for more than 20 years.
Giraud's success is the culmination of a lifetime devoted to the sport. He has competed around the world while representing both England and Great Britain at the highest levels of international croquet. Today, while living in Toronto and playing out of the North Toronto Croquet Club, he remains one of the world's best players and continues to compete internationally under the England flag.
Doug Grimsley of the United States finished third in the Championship Flight, rounding out an exceptionally strong field of competitors.
Canadian players also enjoyed an outstanding championship, highlighting the growing depth of talent at Bayfield and clubs across the country. Bayfield members Nick Howell, David Wise, and Arlene Parker all captured secondary event titles. Howell won the Championship Plate, Wise claimed the Championship Bowl, and Parker captured the A Flight Plate. In the B Flight, Donna Dixon of the United States won the B Flight Plate.
The performances of Howell, Wise and Parker were particularly noteworthy, as all three represented the host Bayfield International Croquet Club with distinction. Their success, combined with another national title by North Toronto's Alain Giraud, underscored the strength of Canadian croquet.
Learn more about Croquet Canada at: www.croquet.ca.