MIKE Graham impressed for Swindon in his first ever competitive croquet match, as they got their South West Federation League season off to a great start with a 6-1 win over Dyffryn.

New member Graham received a last-minute call-up and grasped the opportunity, playing well in spite of a mandatory adverse handicap.

In his first taster game he struggled to make the change from social to competitive play, losing by 11 hoops to Janet Salter, but Graham got into his swing after lunch with a good start that was never to be challenged as he beat Sue Mackay by six hoops.

In the morning doubles match, Diana Trott made a good start making 10 hoops in her early turns, and partner John Airey followed to peg out, leaving the Dyffryn duo of Dave Scott and Sue Mackay trailing by 20 points.

Neil Morrison played well to his handicap, maintaining the lead until time ran out, beating Kevin Ham by seven points.

The afternoon singles started with a 12-point win by Airey over Scott, even after breaking his mallet shaft.

Trott again jumped into the lead with Ham unable to make any headway, and Trott grabbed a seven-point victory as time run out. Morrison pegged out against Salter to give Swindon a 6-1 victory.