First ever all day doubles event is held at Pinchbeck in Golf Croquet Club

A first ever all day doubles event was held at Pinchbeck in Golf Croquet Club.

With 12 people taking part, the experienced Charles Ostler and relative newcomer Derek Brocklesby emerged as the eventual winners.

A draw was made on the morning of the event to decide who paired with who and what the order of play would be.

The first game was between Sam Hales and Sally Farrow against John Gillett and Sue Brocklesby while, at the same time, Ostler and Derek Brocklesby were playing Tim Barzycki and Martin Thompson.

Marion Potter and Ann Gillett along with Mike Bowser and John Wright made up the other doubles teams.

After being so far unbeaten, Ostler and Brocklesby needed to win their fourth game to secure the trophy but lost out to Bowser and Wright.

That left both those two pairs, along with Barzycki and Thompson, on three wins each so an extra round of matches had to be played.

Ostler and Brocklesby and Barzycki and Thompson both won their final games but the former won the trophy on points difference.

Organiser Tim Barzycki said: "It was a great day although it was spoiled a little by the weather.

"Everyone seemed to have a good time despite some of the results. However it was an opportunity for players of mixed ability to develop their play as was shown by long term player Charles teaming up with Derek who only started playing this year.

"It was the first time this has happened at Pinchbeck and we hope to make it an annual event as the end season approaches."

Players also remembered Gordon and Helen Mills who were tragically killed in a motor accident in France the previous week.