Croquet mallets and balls in Duncton and Petworth
The short answer: croquet players around Duncton, Petworth and the Rother valley can order a made-to-order Invictus mallet delivered to West Sussex, and the local club scene is well served by tournament balls sold by the set. For most club players, the Invictus Rise is the place to begin.
Croquet in Duncton and Petworth
Don't let the name mislead you: this Rother Valley Croquet Club has nothing to do with Yorkshire. It takes its name from the Sussex river and plays on Duncton Recreation Ground beside the village hall, just off the A285 at the north end of the village, a short drive south of Petworth. A local listing dates it to 2000.
There are two full-size lawns and a half lawn for practice. The club plays both Association and Golf Croquet, enters South East Croquet Federation competitions, and holds roll-ups on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with Mondays for teaching. Arun Valley u3a also meets there on Monday mornings in season. The club has held have-a-go sessions for National Croquet Day and taster days for would-be members, so look out for the next.
What Duncton's lawns and weather mean for your mallet
Duncton lies right under the northern scarp of the South Downs. The club opens through winter whenever the lawns are playable, so a member can meet soft, slow grass in January and a much quicker surface by August. That long year rewards a smooth, repeatable swing. A half lawn set aside for practice is a gift here: use it to learn how far each stroke really travels before you change anything.
Which Invictus mallet suits Duncton and Petworth players
Invictus Rise, £525. Our most popular mallet. The aluminium head weighs about 3 lb, its sweet spot is slightly larger and it is a little easier to control. We usually recommend the 11 inch head.
RF Pro, £975. For players chasing precision. Our flagship was developed with World Champion Robert Fletcher, with brass weights and composite faces in a 3D printed aluminium head, about 2 lb 12 oz.
Either is made to order at your handle length, 11 or 12 inch head, in Graphite Black as standard. Snow White, NRA Blue, Rose Gold or Deep Purple cost £89 extra. The weight of each model is set. Start with our fitting guide, then see the two side by side.
Balls for Duncton clubs
Invictus X balls hold World Croquet Federation championship approval, weigh 450 g, are made entirely in Australia and sell at £479 a set. Two full lawns point to four sets as a guide, two of each colour family. See how to choose balls for a club.
Delivery to Duncton and Petworth
Delivery is usually 4 to 8 weeks from order, as an estimate. Order ahead of spring.
Questions Duncton players ask
Is the Rise sensible for Golf Croquet? Yes. It is our most popular mallet and a little easier to control.
Is 12 inch better for Association? Not automatically; we usually recommend 11 inch with the Rise.
What if it doesn't feel right? Add the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee, £75, at order.
Nearby: Chichester and Southwick. Every town: croquet mallets and balls in England.
Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.