Sidmouth Croquet Club’s internal association croquet (AC) AC handicap doubles tournament was played over three miserably wet days in July, writes Richard Thurlow.

Even hardy sailors have commented on our survival skills in this storm-lashed weather.

In a tense final, (at least for them), Andrew Thomas and Robert Matthews won 14-12 against Dave Mundy and Rob Baylis.

Andrew and Robert using all their skills to keep their opponents confined to the outer reaches of the lawn.

Two internal golf croquet tournaments were held last week, the Cunningham Handicap singles and the Hatherley Level singles

Unusually the weather was good for the former. The first of the semi-finals was between Richard Croft and Rob Baylis with the second involving Rob Matthews and Michael Cunliffe.

It all resulted in Michael Cuncliffe and Rob Baylis contesting the final which, at six hoops all, led to a final, deciding, ‘golden hoop’ which went the way of Michael who served up a stunning shot that combined both his natural flair and a certain amount of luck.

The latter tournament was played in less clement weather.

The last saw Philip Harris taking on and Michael Cunliffe while Rob Baylis took on Anne Reece.

Two well-fought contests resulted in Philip and Rob meeting in the final, one that Philip won 7-5.