The CORRECT pronunciation of Nene prevails for the next year

A croquet match was the ultimate decider
The 'trophy' is a picture of the sun going down over the NeneThe 'trophy' is a picture of the sun going down over the Nene
The 'trophy' is a picture of the sun going down over the Nene

Northamptonshire have won bragging rights over the correct pronunciation of 'Nene' after beating their Cambridgeshire rivals in a game of croquet.

Over this side of the river, the pronunciation is Nen, but all that changes at Oundle where they use the alternative pronunciation of Neen.

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And yesterday, Peterborough and Northampton Croquet Clubs faced off in the grudge match of the year to decide which pronunciation will prevail for the next year.Northampton ran out worthy winner seven games to two although in fact Peterborough scored 55 per cent of the total hoops ran on the day and had the satisfaction of at least seeing the battle of the Paul’s won decisively in their favour +20.

As a result Northampton, take home the trophy, a picture of the sun setting over the Nene, and for one year at least it will be sunset on the name Neen.

Paul Hetherington, Peterborough Club Secretary, said. “This local challenge was a great way to celebrate a new season of croquet and a chance to forge new friendships along the river. Peterborough needs you to join our Club and ensure that next year we can win back naming rights to the river.

Paul Chard, Northampton Club Chairman responded. “Our team pulled out all the stops to win the match and then the two teams mingled in friendly competition. It was a great day with fine weather. I would urge people to join the winners by becoming members of Northampton Croquet Club”

Full Results (Peterborough names first as the home team)

Association Croquet

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Adrian Kirby and Paul Hetherington lost to James Skelton and Paul Chard 21-26

Adrian Kirby beat James Skelton 26-2 (including a triple peel)

Paul Hetherington beat Paul Chard 26-6

Golf Croquet

Lynne Simpson lost to Rita Brocket 2-7

Roz Wright and Sarah Thornhill lost to Ann Udah and Martyn Palmer 3-7

Sarah Thornhill lost to Martyn Palmer 1-7

Roz Wright and Lynne Simpson lost to Ann Udah and Rita Brocket 5-7

Roz Wright lost to Ann Udah 5-7

Sarah Thornhill and Lynne Simpson lost to Martyn Palmer and Rita Brocket 5-7