Competing in the Southern Croquet Federation's Solstice Challenge at Abingdon, Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club took both first and second places in a capacity field of sixteen pairs.
Defending Golf Croquet Challenge holders, Robin Thornton and Roy Tillcock, retained the trophy without dropping a game although a tense final against their Ryde club mates Alan Truckel and Dave Willett was decided by the slenderest one hoop margin.
Ryde's strength at national level will be fully tested next month when the Club represent the Isle of Wight for the first time in the Inter-Counties competition at Hove.
The four finalists, left to right: Dave Willett, Roy Tillcock, Robin Thornton & Alan Truckel.
Congratulations to Club member Richard Harris who has once again qualified for the national finals of the All England Golf Croquet Handicap tournament. Richard, who is the current holder of the title, will be able to defend this at the East Dorset Club over the weekend of 20th and 21st September and is looking forward to the event. The southern regional final was held at Dulwich Sports Club where Richard won his group to be one of three players qualifying outright for the national final.