KINGTON Langley Croquet Club kicked off its summer season with an inter-club derby in the absence of the usual regional competition.

Normally at this time of year, the club’s two Short Croquet teams – the Apaches and the Braves – head down to Nailsea to compete in the South West district short croquet competition, but this has been cancelled this year due to Covid.

However, Kington Langley’s John Grimshaw, who normally organises the Nailsea tournament, organised a home derby between the teams to ensure the competitive juices remained flowing.

This was the first competition of the year for most participants, but some very close games were fought.

The Braves - Richard Smith, Tim Lacy-Hulbert, Margaret Murray and Ian Morrison – managed to win the day beating the Apaches - John Grimshaw, Ian Wills, Jane Hull, Roderick Corrie – by 11 games to five.

The club has also restarted its open sessions for a knock about while beginning its internal competitions, which run throughout the season, too.

The club say if anyone is interested in joining – instruction and spare mallets are available – please contact them at www.kingtonlangleycroquetclub.co.uk.