101 croquet players from around the region met at Nailsea and District Croquet Club (NDCC) for a nail-biting weekend of play in the South West Federation Short Croquet Teams Competition.

Players’ handicaps ranged from -2 up to 24, so there was a full spread of abilities on display.

The weather was wonderful after the recent rain, and many visitors commented on the quality of the lawns that were so well maintained over the off-season by club volunteers.

NDCC entered four teams, and they had mixed fortunes during the weekend’s play.

In Divison 1, Nailsea Trendlewood grabbed the top spot.

Trendlewood and Swindon were the top teams on nine wins each, so a tie break was needed.

The only player to hit the peg in the shootout was Trendlewood captain, Kathy Wallace, thus securing the Division 1 title.

Rob Royffe had also won all his four games so was declared man of the match.

Nailsea was captained by Geoff Hughes, but with a tie at the end of the second day the result was down to another shootout and after losing in the harshest way, they were relegated from Division 1.

Nailsea Glass-Blowers, captained by Brigit Clayton, were joint 3rd in Division 5.

Nailsea Avening, captained by Brian Roynon, played excellent and consistent croquet and therefore managed to win promotion from Division 2 to Division 1.

The competition was managed by John Grimshaw who made it all look easy with his smooth and efficient style.

Kathy Wallace, the Nailsea venue organiser said, “This is definitely my favourite event to host!”