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The Croquet England National Inter-Club Short Croquet Competition 2026 Winners

Today a team comprising David Dickens, Steve Chapman, Rob Harper and Nigel Billingham represented Sussex County in the final of the Croquet England National Inter-Club Short Croquet Competition 2026 against Peterborough Croquet Club . The match was hosted by Watford Croquet Club (as approximately midway between both clubs) and we won this nail-biting match 6-5.

The morning session was won by us 3-0 , with our doubles pairing of Nigel and Rob beating a strong Peterborough pairing by +7, with both Steve and David winning their singles by +14 and +11 respectively.

After a great lunch, play resumed and Peterborough won the first round of singles 3-1 , with only Rob managing to win his match . Going into the final round of singles, we were 4-3 ahead, needing to win a further two singles match. Luckily Nigel won his match in quick time (+12) which just needed one further win.

Peterborough won the next two tight matches (+2 and +1) leaving the match all square with Rob to finish. He won his match +2 which sealed the win for Sussex.

The trophy was awarded during afternoon tea (along with bubbles - alcohol free of course) and we all made our way back around the M25 content with a good result for the club.

Nigel Billingham

Congratulations to them and to EVERYONE who has played in the competition.