Tuesday, August 14

Exeter 4

AN EXCELLENT day’s croquet was enjoyed by all despite the squally weather, although it was the home side who came back from 3-0 down to win a thriller.

Tony Trump and Brian Donahue opened with a close-run encounter before going down 7-5.

Helen North and Julia Hilder succumbed to the strong pairing of Ian Lavender and Maria Stockfield 7-2 before John Hilder lost by the same scoreline.

At 3-0 down Bude began to fightback. Frances Hornblow stopped the rot with an excellent 7-4 victory over the highly ranked John Gibbons before Trump followed suit with a

7-4 win against Ian Lavender.

Following half-time, Hornblow recommenced proceedings with a

7-1 victory before North and Donahue combined to win 7-4 in the doubles.

Paul Knight then made it five straight points for Bude and with it the match, with a ‘golden hoop’ 7-6 victory over Monica Smale.

The final contest was between Trump and his fellow elite player, Adam Wimshurst, although it was the Exeter man who won 7-4.

As usual, an excellent meal was had while several extra games were enjoyed by all.