Sidmouth’s away game in the Golf Croquet League at Barnstaple was played against a background of sunshine and showers, writes Mike Taylor.

The opening stages were not promising for Sidmouth who found themselves four down after the first round of games. However, over the next three sessions they showed steady improvement to level maters at 8-8 on completion of the singles.

The tension grew as the first coupe of doubles games ended all square leaving the outcome in the balance with two to play.

Sidmouth it was who held their nerve to claim both the final, games to seal an 11-9 victory.

The best Sidmouth scores were recorded by Anne Reece, Keith Thorley and John Coombes (captain) who won all of their singles and doubles games.

The annual 14-point High Handicap Competition rather disappointingly only managed to attract six entrants this year. Nevertheless, the players were able to enjoy three games under warm and sunny conditions.

Pam Bowra and Anne Reece emerged victorious, both having won all their previous games. The final was a close run affair with Pam emerging the victor by three hoops.

The one-day Canton Trophy Competition was held last weekend with 14-point games played under normal handicap conditions.

With 16 entrants each playing one and a half hour games under an Egyptian format, a winner was assured.

Keith Thorley, Ann Ractliffe, John Coombes and Mike Taylor were in contention after the first two rounds, but it was John and Mike who played off a very close final game, with Mike winning +1 thus retaining the Trophy.