CROQUET: Swindon Croquet Club was knocked out of the regional round of the Longman Cup in their first match of the tournament, losing 5-2 to Harwell.

The draw started well, Swindon winning the toss for a home game.

In the doubles, Harwell's Mike Duck and Jim Bartlett leapt into an early lead, Swindon's Diana Trott and John Airey drawing level only to lose the game in the closing stages by minus six.

Ian Megaw of Swindon found himself up against a consistent Gerald Mitchell, who steadily stretched out his lead to take the win plus 11.

On-form Swindon player Cliff Cardis won his game plus 17 against Steve Fisher providing Swindon with a chance of recovery.

Trailing 2-1 down at lunch, Swindon needed to take three of the four afternoon games for the match win.

Duck of Harwell dispatched Megaw in the quickest game of the day, winning plus 25.

Swindon's Airey found himself chasing the attacking Mitchell, putting together a break of eight hoops but finding form too late for a revival, losing minus15.

Fisher of Harwell set off at a good pace, Trott managing to make one break of six hoops thereafter, struggling to make any headway losing minus 12. Swindon's Cardis then beat Bartlett plus 8.

Results

Swindon first: John Airey & Di Trott lost to Mike Duck & Jim Bartlett 20-26.

Ian Megaw lost to Gerald Mitchell 15-26. Cliff Cardis beat Steve Fisher 26- 9.

Ian Megaw lost to Mike Duck 1-26.

John Airey lost to Gerald Mitchell 11-26. Cliff Cardis beat Jim Bartlett 26-18.

Di Trott lost to Steve Fisher 14-26.