Auckland Croquet Club provided three finalists in the 1st International Women's Golf Croquet Championships held at Ripon over three days last month.

In the singles final, Jane Pringle of Auckland lost a tough battle to Samantha Curry of Ripon. Sam is the highest ranked female player in the country in this version of croquet and had never been beaten by another woman, until Jane beat her in a preliminary round. Of the final, Sam said afterwards " I had to pull out all the stops. Jane had me really worried throughout the final."

Two Auckland players, Freda Vitty and Freda Rogers contested the doubles final, on opposing sides. It was won by Freda Vitty playing with Evelyn Martin from Leicestershire.

Auckland Croquet Club hopes to build on its successes by investing in the future. They have been visiting local schools and have held two open days, introducing the game to 8 to 15 year olds. A new Junior Section has been set up playing on Sunday mornings at Henknowle Recreation Ground, Bishop Auckland. For further information or to join, phone 01388 488666 or 720074.