Lakewood Croquet Club

SEATTLE, WA – Another year, another failed attempt by Oregon’s Ironman Croquet League (IMC) to cross the state line with a Lakewood Croquet Club (LCC) title in tow. The IMC made it’s most aggressive push to date this year, sending a six-player contingent north in hopes of returning with the Poison championship belt. The group also posted their best showing to-date, claiming second and third place in the event, before the LCC’s own Brian S. Johnston III captured the win.

Over the previous two years, the IMC challenged the LCC at Champions Cup XI (2006) and Poison (IV). Last year’s Poison event actually featured the unlikely unification of LCC and IMC rivals in an effort to prevent a victory by a troupe of Canadian Interlopers from British Columbia. Their uneasy truce was short-lived however, as the LCC and IMC were once again squaring off at this year’s event.

“We battled, and it was our best showing yet,” said third-place finisher “King” Mike Cough. Each year, it’s been the LCC’s home course advantage though. I want to see them do the same on our courses, playing by our rules.”

“While good hosts, these LCC guys are clearly scared to come down to face us on our home turf,” reiterated IMC head Brandon Lasher at the post-match press conference. “We’re throwing down the gauntlet for 2009 – we’ll see if they step up to the challenge.”

There are rumblings that the LCC might be finally stepping up to that challenge (out of both competitive zeal and outright guilt). Rumors are swirling about a potential July 2009 showdown on either Seaside or Astoria, and IMC and LCC club officials are expected to begin negotiations in the coming months.