SWINDON Croquet Club’s first team travelled to Worcester on Saturday one player down because of illness and eventually fell to a 3-2 defeat.

The day started badly for Swindon in the pouring rain, with the doubles pair of John Airey and Diana Trott unable to catch the Worcester pair, Brian Judson and Kathy Holland, who took an early lead and maintained it to the end, winning 25 -17 on time.

Swindon’s Mike Graham also had a difficult game against John Wormli, who was in a class of his own and right at the top of his form. Wormli won 26-4, meaning Swindon were two games down at lunchtime.

After lunch the sun came out and Swindon regained confidence. Graham trailed Holland for most of the game but in his usual manner came back at the end to overtake her and peg out to win 26-20. Trott could not challenge Wormli, who made good use of the lawn conditions and won 14-6 on time.

Airey made a good start before he was caught by Judson, but again managed to draw clear to win 26-14.

Swindon therefore lost the match, but they still maintain a good position in the league table due to their two earlier wins.