Sidmouth Croquet Club hosted its annual mid-summer tournament and 24 players took part, one travelling all the way from Edinburgh.

Sidmouth Croquet Club hosted its annual mid-summer tournament and 24 players took part, one travelling all the way from Edinburgh. Fine weather and beautifully prepared lawns, thanks to Colin Whitehall, made for an enjoyable tournament. Sidmouth players stole the show, taking six of the seven trophies, only conceding the Egyptian event which went to Penny Crowe from Cheltenham. Sidmouth champions are shown above, from left: Nancy and David Temple, handicap doubles; Peter Miller, handicap knockout; Ken Wallman, C class advanced (Fortfield cup); Peter Hills, B class advanced (David Rawkins Cup); Cliff Jones, A class advanced (Challenge Cup); Julie Horsley, D class advanced (Dwerryhouse Cup). A strong home side greeted the Sidmouth Federation team at Taunton, writes Sue Rogers. Graham Harford, Ken Wallman and the doubles pairing of Ian Friedlander and Sue Rogers were out-played in the morning. The singles games in the afternoon were more of a contest, but only Ken was able to stave off a complete whitewash. Not even a heavy shower in the afternoon was able to save the Sidmouth team on this occasion! The South West Golf League Federation match between Sidmouth and Nailsea South croquet clubs took place on a beautiful sunny day, writes Muriel Philpott. At lunch time the score was level and in the afternoon it continued to be a close match with many games being won by one point.Altogether, four doubles and 16 singles games were played with the match eventually being won by the visiting team scoring 101/2 points to Sidmouth's 91/2. Nailsea has a reputation for recruiting thriving young players, one of whom, 18-year-old Thomas Roylance, was in the visiting team and whose excellent shots made a great impression.l For information about Sidmouth Croquet Club visit the club's website at www.sidmouthcroquet.org.uk