Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club, one of Europe's few 11 lawn venues, was abuzz last weekend with the English National Golf Croquet Doubles.

The event, held on July 27 and 28, attracted 32 entries and marked its third consecutive year at the club.

The champions of this year’s contest were James Death and Sam Cuthbert, both based in the Cheltenham area.

James Death & Sam Cuthbert, winners GC National Doubles at BudleighJames Death & Sam Cuthbert, winners of GC National Doubles at Budleigh (Image: Chris Roberts)

The original roots of this sport can be traced back to garden games, over a hundred years ago, where the goal was to run seven hoops before the opponent.

Stuart M Smith and Steve Leonard, Plate winners (with Manager Jonathan Powe), GC National Doubles at Budleigh Stuart M Smith and Steve Leonard, Plate winners (with Manager Jonathan Powe), GC National Doubles at Budleigh (Image: Chris Roberts)

Budleigh Salterton will host next year's European Golf Croquet Championships in May, the Association Croquet Home Internationals involving England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as a test match between Great Britain and the USA for the Solomon Trophy in August.

Spectators enjoying the gameSpectators enjoying the game

Prospective members and interested parties can engage further via the club's website, with new members always welcome to the club.