Sidmouth Herald published 3 Jul 2009
The annual 'Sparkling Wine' evening, an extremely popular event at the croquet club, was held on Wednesday. More than 50 members attended, bringing with them a splendid array of food. The weather could not have been better and Gabby Macadam was able to organise Golf Croquet games throughout the evening, with members stopping only for food and drink (some stopping longer than others!) David Clarke and Martin McInerney were kept busy dispensing the "fizz" and ensuring that there were no under-age drinkers!
Later in the evening, groundsman Colin Whitehall demonstrated the new automatic sprinkler system which utilises the club's own borehole water supply. David Temple played a large part in this project and those expecting him to receive an inaugural drenching were sorely disappointed.
SWF B League fixture
Sidmouth were hosts to a team from Exeter in a SW Federation B League fixture. Graeme Pryor (captain) and Keith Thorley got Sidmouth off to a good start with a 14-5 win in the doubles but, in the singles, Muriel Philpott struggled against an in-form opponent to lose 9-14. Three singles games followed in the afternoon with Keith Thorley winning handsomely 14-2 and, in a gruelling game, Muriel Philpott fought back strongly to win 14-9. Graeme Pryor had a dour struggle and in a nailbiting finish against the clock, lost 11-13. Result: Sidmouth 3, Exeter 2.
SWF Federation League Match
In the Federation League, Sidmouth's match at home to Budleigh Salterton was a very close affair. After the first of the afternoon games, Sidmouth were losing 3-1, with three singles to play. Graham Harford and David Clarke both won convincingly to make the score 3-3 and, with David Temple ahead by four hoops, and with time running out, the situation looked very promising. However, many hoops can be gained quickly in a single break and so it was that David found himself pegged back to 18 all when time was called. David had the first chance to run the "Golden Hoop", but jammed in the hoop and it was his relieved opponent who then managed to set up and score the winning point. Result: Sidmouth 3, Budleigh Salterton 4.
SWF Golf Croquet League
On Sunday, Sidmouth were away to Nailsea in the SW Federation Golf Croquet League and scored their third successive win of the season. There were solid performances from Pam Bowra, Muriel Philpott and Keith Thorley who did not lose any of their games. Special mention should be made of newcomer Janet Parfitt, who gained valuable points for Sidmouth in her first league game.
Result: Nailsea 8, Sidmouth 12.This was a particularly satisfying result against traditionally strong opposition.