EVERY spring, the croquet communities of Peasedown and Camerton join clubs across England and Wales in the nationwide charity event known as the ‘One-Ball’ tournament.

The majority of croquet clubs in England and Wales take part; it is a competitive tournament but with many fun elements and a good curtain raiser for the season to come.

This year’s chosen charity was The Alzheimer’s Society and in the charity’s honour all the competitors wore something blue.

n One-Ball Croquet each player has just one ball and is challenged to score hoops against one other player using a variety of different strokes. It is similar to Association Croquet but because it is played with only one ball, instead of the usual two, it has similarities with Golf Croquet; individual handicaps are adjusted for the One-Ball format.

Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club held their club fund-raising event on April 10th and the winners from that day went forward to the National Finals which were held at the Surbiton Croquet Club on Saturday, May 17.

Ann and Simon Munton represented CPCC at the final. They have skill and experience in both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet; knowledge of the two disciplines being useful in the One-Ball format.

Ann Munton, reporting on the day out at Surbiton, said “Surbiton’s seven lawns were fast and flat and the sun shone all day. Perfect for croquet! Simon Munton put in the better performance on the day. However he was knocked out in the second round of the main competition finishing the day with 4 wins from 5 matches. The catering team at Surbiton provided a lovely meal at lunch time and plenty of cake for tea. All the money raised was donated to the Alzheimer's Society.”