The highlight of the summer for the Cheltenham Croquet Club is the July Week Tournament, which is now in its ninety-fourth year.

The lawns were running fast after a prolonged period of dry weather, but players did have to cope with a heavy and extended rainstorm.

Ken Wallman (Sidmouth) has performed well in several Cheltenham tournaments this season and was once again successful, taking the Asa Thomas Trophy.

Spectators were looking forward to the Handicap Knockout final since Ken and local player Robin Smith had been playing well all week.

Robin eventually eased away to win +5 and ensure that the Daniels Cup remained in Cheltenham.

l The Budleigh Salterton August Tournament attracted five Sidmouth entries.

Peter Hills and Ken Wallman, having both won four out of five games in their respective blocks, reached the quarter-finals of the handicap competition, where they were unfortunately drawn against each other.

In a very close game – finishing all square on time – the “Golden Hoop” applied, when Peter, having the advantage, managed to run three back to win.

In the semi-final, Peter had to play Lionel Tibble (handicap –1.5) and with the aid of a few (!) bisques, won +16.

This was an excellent result for Peter, as Lionel went on to win all 17 of his remaining games!

The final saw Peter lose by one hoop to Eileen Magee, of Cheltenham, and, as runner-up, was awarded the Marshall Salver.

In the D Class event, Mike Taylor and Jane Hull (Budleigh Salterton) won their respective blocks and it was Mike who narrowly overcame his opponent’s bisque allocation to win +1 on time and gain the Millennium Armada Dish.

Special mention should be made of the performance of Ken Wallman, who added a further four wins out of five in the C Class event, and which, with his Cheltenham exploits, has seen his handicap drop from seven to an impressive 4.5.