Zero in fact, but by play time it was an idyllic 20 degrees causing a strip-off of jumpers and giving the players euphoric momentum to play with enthusiasm and purpose.

Miriam, Val, Mavis, Les and Frazer Fairfull with partners Errol, Betty Knight, Colleen, Betty, Daisy each with a win then Betty with partners Val and Les two wins, Ivan two wins with Colleen and Daisy.

Three wins for Daisy with Frazer Errol and Ivan also three for Colleen with partners Errol, Ivan, Mavis.

Then there was Errol who had three wins with Miriam, Colleen and Daisy, but, after weeks of being undefeated he had to succumb to a nail-biter game with Val as his partner 6  to Mavis and Colleen 7.

He tried every stroke he could muster, jump shots, trick manoeuvres all to no avail the result was clear and clinical, Mavis and Colleen 7.

Ian Stevenson took advantage of the fantastic weather to sample this game which some person classed as poor-man’s golf.

We hope some of our camaraderie rubbed off and Ian felt we were on a good thing, Bob Moore can vouch for that as he, still in recuperative mode, is extremely happy to come and applaud or referee the play.

Footnote: One of the advantages of croquet over golf, you never lose your ball.

The Mallet