Navy Triumphs Over St. John's in 31st Annual Croquet Rivalry

Bucking a trend, the U.S. Navy triumphed over the favored St. John's College in a traditional match of croquet on Saturday.

The Navy midshipmen's 4-1 victory over the so-called Johnnies is just its sixth in the 31-year history of the two teams in the battle for the prized Annapolis Cup. According to The Capital-Gazette, the Navy last won a match against St. John's College in 2005.

More than 2,000 spectators attended the match, crowding around the lawn of St. John's College in downtown Annapolis. The occasion regularly draws fans wearing attire inspired by era of The Great Gatsby, many of whom  enjoyed a casual picnic lunch at the game.

Instead of their traditional painters outfits, the Johnnies came dressed this year in red-and-white striped outfits resembling the famed children's book character Waldo.

Highlights of this year's match can be seen on a video uploaded to YouTube over the weekend.

See more:

• An Annual Rite of Spring: St. John’s-U.S. Naval Academy Croquet Match 3st Anniversary Brings New Ground Rules for a Family-Friendly Celebration
• Outside Alcohol Nixed at Annual Croquet Match
• 2012: 
• 2011: Croquet Tradition Continues at St. John's College