The 14-point Handicap Tournament for players with a handicap of 18 and over is the first real chance new members have of entering an Association Croquet competition.

The 14-point Handicap Tournament for players with a handicap of 18 and over is the first real chance new members have of entering an Association Croquet competition and it was particularly pleasing that beginners Marian and Philip Harris took up the challenge to perform very creditably against seasoned players.Manager Margaret Piper, organised the entrants into two blocks with games limited to 1.20hrs and with all players receiving bisques based on their handicap. Marian Harris and Muriel Philpott topped their groups by winning all their games, but in the final Marian found her experienced opponent too hot to handle and Muriel carried the day quite comfortably. The third place play-off between John Coombes and Pam Bowra resulted in a close win for John.It is always satisfying when players are able to peg-out within the time limit and this was accomplished by both Philip Harris and Muriel Philpott.l The National Veterans' Championship was held at Budleigh Salterton from June 15-20 with six Sidmouth players taking part. Group events were organised to cater for both Advanced and Handicap play, together with the usual Knockout and associated Egyptian handicap competitions.Although, on this occasion, Sidmouth players were not among the winners, club stalwarts David and Barbara Clarke put in many hours of croquet, with David reaching a competition semi-final.