Croquet mallets and balls in St Albans

The short answer: St Albans players can order an Invictus mallet or Invictus X balls online for delivery in Hertfordshire. At a club that mainly plays Association Croquet, where long breaks need fine control, the RF Pro will appeal to stronger players; the Invictus Rise is the easier choice for beginners.

Croquet in St Albans

Croquet has been played in Clarence Park since 1979. St Albans Croquet Club's single lawn is part of the park's sports complex, open to members from March to early October, from early morning until dusk, and booked online. Unlike many clubs, St Albans plays mainly Association Croquet, the game of breaks, although Golf Croquet features too, including fun doubles days. A beginners' course is usually held each year, and the club lends everything a newcomer needs apart from flat-soled shoes. Members play handicapped matches against neighbouring clubs in the Herts-Beds League; in 2026 those fixtures included Watford and Enfield. The club belongs to Croquet England and the East Anglian Federation.

What St Albans' lawns and weather mean for your mallet

Hertfordshire is drier than western England, and a park lawn in a warm July can run fast, which is when a light, accurate mallet earns its keep in Association play. In March and again in early October the grass is softer and the ball travels less, so long rushes and take-offs need a mallet with enough mass behind them.

Which Invictus mallet suits St Albans players

RF Pro, £975. Our flagship, developed with World Champion Robert Fletcher. Its head is aluminium, 3D printed, then fitted with brass weights and composite faces, giving about 2 lb 12 oz. Lighter and very precise, it suits Association players building breaks on a quick summer lawn.

Invictus Rise, £525. Our most popular mallet. A heavier aluminium head, about 3 lb, carries the ball on slow spring and autumn grass, and its sweet spot, a touch larger than usual, makes it a little easier to control while you learn. We usually suggest the 11 inch head.

Every Invictus is built to order to your handle length, with an 11 or 12 inch head. Graphite Black is the base colour; Rose Gold, NRA Blue, Deep Purple or Snow White add £89. Our fitting guide and mallet comparison explain the options.

Balls for St Albans clubs

Invictus X balls are World Croquet Federation championship approved, 450 g, and made entirely in Australia; a set is £479. For a one-lawn club the guide is one set of first colours and one of second colours. Read what WCF approval means for the standard behind it.

Delivery to St Albans

Mallets are made to order and sent to the UK, typically arriving in Hertfordshire 4 to 8 weeks after you order; that is an estimate. On ball sets we confirm the delivered price before you pay.

Questions St Albans players ask

I have just done the beginners' course. RF Pro or Rise? The Rise, usually. Move to the RF Pro once your stroke is consistent.

Can I play some league matches with it before deciding? Yes, if you add the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee for £75.

Can I order a specific head weight? No; each model has its own weight. The Rise is heavier, the RF Pro lighter.

See more English towns on our England page.

Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.