Sidmouth Croquet Club convincingly won their fifth Federation League match, beating visitors Cornwall 5-2, writes David Butler.

In the morning, the Sidmouth doubles partnership of Mike Taylor (3.5) and Ian Friedlander (9), had a tense game against Cornwall’s Peter Cutting (4.5) and Des Honey (8) and lost minus seven.

The two singles games were more decisive. Philip Harris (6) easily beat Tony Backhouse (8) plus 20 and Derek Andrew (6) playing Ian Wilson (6) had both his clips on the peg after 90 minutes.

Ian, however, then frustrated Derek for an hour before Derek was able to peg out to win plus seven.

That all gave Sidmouth a lunchtime 2-1 advantage.

Four singles were played in the afternoon. Ian Friedlander, with four-and-half bisques convincingly beat Peter Cutting plus 20.

Philip Harris continued his morning form and beat Ian Wilson plus 13.

Derek Andrew had another eventful game, this time against Tony Backhouse.

Derek was trailing for most of the game, but managed to hit in late in the game and ran six hoops to draw level on time.

Play continued and Derek ran one more hoop to win plus one.

Mike Taylor had to give four-and-a-half bisques to Des Honey and lost minus eight.

-8.

The 5-2 victory was Sidmouth’s third win this year which moves them to second place in the league behind Kingston Maurward.