A TEAM from Bude Croquet Club played in the Sidmouth Team Challenge for the first time on May 10 and 11.

The eight teams from around the country all comprised a mix of players including at least one top-class player.

Bude on paper had the weakest team in the event, with a combined handicap of 14 (a -1, 6 and a 9) – most teams had a combined handicap of between two and six.

A great first day saw the Bude Wreckers lying second overnight, after 14 games, having caused upsets in several matches on Saturday.

Notable was 22-year-old Bobbo Peers, playing in his first tournament with a handicap of 9.

Bobbo beat Pat Coulter (3) of the Red Devils, 7-2, while Andy Middleton (6) came within one point of beating The Three Malleteers’ player Richard Gardiner (0).

The gorgeous weather of Saturday gave way to sunshine and showers on Sunday, at the beautiful croquet, cricket and tennis club on Sidmouth seafront.

The Bude Wreckers were less fortunate than the first day, with several matches lost by the smallest of margins, against stronger opponents.

Even so, Andy Middleton (6) managed an impressive win against Rick Lilley of Jurassic Spark (0), Bobbo Peers (9) beat Michelle Leonard (3), 7-2.

Team captain Martin French (-1) came very close, only going down 7-6 to Simon Carter of the Three Malleteers (-3) and a 7-5 loss to current England player Stu Smith (-2) of The SAS team. Martin was delighted with the performance of Middleton and Peers.

Both earned handicap reductions from their excellent results, while Bobbo’s performance attracted the attention of the director of the National Development Squad, Lionel Tibble.

The Sidmouth Team Challenge was won by The Roade Runners, led by Lionel Tibble (handicap -2) from Northampton Croquet Club.