On Saturday 21st September, Caterham emerged victorious from this year's local croquet derby, the Downlands Cup, continuing the trend that the home team takes the trophy. The cup is contested annually between Caterham and Purley Bury croquet clubs and this year it was Caterham's turn to host at the club's lawns in Queen's Park. The two teams battled it out over Golf croquet doubles on one lawn and Association croquet doubles on the other with over 25 players taking part from both clubs across the morning and afternoon sessions. For a few, it was a gentle introduction to inter-club matches.

Purley got off to a strong early lead being four Golf games ahead at one point but, by lunchtime, Caterham was only one game behind on golf and level on Association. After lunch, play resumed and Caterham took a lead which it was to hold on to until the end. The final results were 14-12 to Caterham in Golf and 5-3 to Caterham in Association. The miniature claret jug trophy was handed over by Philip Brabazon, Purley's captain, to Jon Male, who led the local team, for safe-keeping until 2014's encounter at Purley Bury's lawns.

Visit www.caterham-croquet.org.uk to find out about the club and see more pictures.