SWINDON Croquet Club Federation Team entertained Cheltenham at their lawns in Moredon as their season got under way on Saturday.

In the morning, the Swindon doubles pair of John Airey and Diana Trott beat the Cheltenham duo 18-14.

Mike Graham (Swindon) and Gordon Weir (Cheltenham) were evenly matched in their singles game before Graham completed an excellent eight-hoop break, leaving his balls well apart so Edwards could not hit in and score, thus winning 21-15.

Neil Morrison (Swindon) and Craig Edwards (Cheltenham), both low handicap players, started with a very defensive game and it was some time before either scored a hoop. However, once Morrison got going he took both balls round for a decisive 26-4 victory.

After lunch, Airey, playing Edwards, had four bisques (free goes) and used them to gain position, establishing a lead which he was able to maintain to win 26-17.

Trott played Weir and again, using bisques, gained a two-point lead, but the more experienced player was able to overtake her to win 18-16 as time was called.

Graham and Barrus were on the same handicap so no bisques were involved but again Graham was able to score two more hoops as time was called to leave his opponent unable to retaliate, winning 20 -18. Shipton had nine bisques against Morrison and used them up early in the game, gaining a strong lead but Morrison hit back to win 18-16 to complete a 6-1 success for the home side.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the sport of croquet should contact club secretary John Airey on 01793 873026, or via email: William.airey@ntlworld.com.