Caterham Croquet Club was unsuccessful in defence of its South Eastern Croquet Federation Doubles title on May 21st-22nd at Sussex County Croquet Club in Southwick, the largest club in the region. This year's tournament saw 13 teams from around the South East battling it out over ten games in bright and blustery conditions on seven beautifully prepared lawns. Other local teams represented were Reigate and Purley Bury. The Caterham team, Jon Male, Rolf Kaenzig, Jeff Rushby, Colin Best and Tony Reade won three out of six on Saturday but only one out of four on Sunday and finished tenth overall.

"All of our games were close but early-season rustiness combined with super-fast lawns and tight hoops meant that a few too many slipped from our grasp this year," said Jon Male.

The winners this year were the team from Guildford and Godalming with seven wins out of ten. But this tournament, a seasonopener for many, is a handicap event and there was no reason to expect a repeat of the Caterham team's success in 2010.

The team now moves on to its league fixtures, the first home one of which is on Sunday 3rd July vs Reigate at Queen's Park, Caterham. Caterham Croquet Club is now in its 25th year. Members play both golf and association croquet and compete in the South East Croquet Federation association croquet U and B leagues.

For more details on the club visit www.caterham-croquet. org.uk or call chairman John Gilbert on 01883 340115.