RAIN was forecast for the Level play Golf Croquet match between Camerton and Peasedown and Budleigh Salterton on July 6th; however it turned out to be sunny.

Budleigh Salterton CC, whose home ground  was formerly the ‘South West Croquet Academy’, have 11 perfect lawns and over 200 members, so they had a wealth of talent to choose from; they came with a strong team of six with handicaps of 0, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 3.

After the first round of games honours were even, but the second round proved disastrous for the Peasedown team who lost all 4 games. In subsequent rounds play was more equal until Budleigh finally pulled ahead to win 13-7.

Notably, four of the games were narrowly lost, 6 hoops to 7, on the golden hoop.  Budleigh showed nerves of steel to run the 13th hoop from the boundary line and also made successful long jump shots to ‘seal that final hoop’.

Budleigh have an unusual end-of-match hand shaking technique. Traditionally this is face to face but they prefer a position with arm outstretched, over the shoulder and without eye-contact.

CPCC team on July 6th was : Colin Britt (capt), Phil Hendy, Charles Fingleton, Des Back, David Milford and Andy Loakes. Match report from Andy Loakes.