On a hot day in the pleasurable surroundings of Colchester Croquet Club an enjoyable Handicap league match was played between two well matched teams. The Green team of Tony Frewin (4), David Dawsey (6), Ernest Bailey (11) and Linda Murrell (11) put up a good fight against Georgeen Hemming (5), Ian Cumming (5), Jill Mills (6) and Audrey Durrani (9) but ultimately lost. Initially things looked good with the doubles being shared and the first 4 singles going to the Greens but by lunch Colchester had pegged it back to 5 all. The highlights of the morning were a good doubles win by Tony and Linda over Georgeen and Ian 7-3 and singles wins for Ernie over Jill 7-5, David versus Ian 7-3 and Tony winning a tight 7-6 game against Georgeen. The first round of singles after lunch produced 2 wins for each team with Ernie using his extra turns to good effect to beat Georgeen 7-4. Unfortunately the only Green winner in the last round was Tony with a golden hoop win versus Audrey. Final Result: Colchester 10 (100 hoops) Chelmsford Green 8 (99 hoops). Special thanks go to Colchester for providing a very enjoyable game played in the right spirit by both teams along with fine refreshments before and after the game. DD