A HOST of top players battled it out as Colchester Croquet Club hosted the East Anglian Golf Croquet Championship.

Eight of the current top-30 players in the British rankings were in action, including Colchester’s former five-time time world champion Robert Fulford.

The competition was a trial of skill and stamina but all contestants managed to complete their ten double-banked games, with many excellent and close matches.

The blocks, completed on Sunday morning, resulting in wins for Fulford and in-form three-time Croquet Association British champion, Stephen Mulliner, with Lionel Tibble and Rachel Rowe finishing as runners-up.

The result of the blocks were nearly in ranking order but Colchester player Dick Strover came third in his block with as many wins as Rowe.

He was only beaten by a couple of hoops in their match, having tied it one game apiece.

The semi-final went according to ranking, setting up a mouth-watering final between Fulford and Mulliner.

Mulliner won the first game at the 13th hoop, following some exceptional hoop running.

Fulford immediately upped his game and took the second 7-1, in front the remaining but enthusiastic crowd.

The final game was touch-and-go the whole way with many long clearances and hoop running.

But Fulford eventually prevailed 7-5, to take the title once again.

Colchester CC chairman Chris Sheen said that the results were a great credit to the way the club organises things.