Stephen Mulliner retained his European Golf Croquet title

[<<] [>>] by Stephen Mulliner at Budleigh Salterton
24 Jun 2009 (GC - Championships)

Stephen Mulliner retained his European Golf Croquet title at Budleigh Salterton today.

Jonathan Andersson made a valiant attempt to become the first Swedish European croquet champion. In the morning he defeated Pierre Beaudry, of Belgium, Dulwich and long experience, coming from behind to win 4-7, 7-5, 7-4. In the afternoon, he took the first game against the defending champion, Stephen Mulliner, by 7-6 but was pegged back 7-5, 7-5 in the last two games.

Stephen had been pushed hard by Ivor Brand in the other semi-final. Ivor made a slow start and lost the first game 7-2 but upped his game significantly and took the second 7-6. The fate of the third was in the balance until almost the end before Stephen got home by 7-5.

The work of the club and its members to stage a most enjoyable championship was warmly appreciated by all the players.