A pristine new surface played host to a nail-biting three way showdown as High Wycombe Croquet Club hosted its first open tournament.

Ten players from local clubs Ealing, Phyllis Court, Watford and Wrest Park joined High Wycombe for what proved to be a fitting way for the club to christen their new lawns.

Wycombe’s Duncan Reeve, who has recently returned from competing at the World Championships in Florida, hosted the tournament which saw players take part in five three hour games over two days.

The use of handicaps ensured an even footing between all standards of competitors and with one match remaining three players had a chance of finishing in top spot.

Perhaps buoyed by home advantage they were all Wycombe representatives as Keith Pound, David Warhurst and Richard Pepperell faced off.

Pound came into the decider with a perfect record while Warhurst and Pepperell had three wins apiece meaning a sudden death shoot out was a possibility.

After Pepperell had fallen to a narrow defeat, Pound and Warhurst were left to fight it out for the title.

It would prove to be a keenly contested fight as well as Warhurst put together an 11 hoop break to leave Pound needing all his extra handicap shots to maintain his lead.

Warhurst could even have snatched victory but missed his final shot to ensure Pound ended the day two shots ahead of his nearest rival with five wins from five.

The club’s next event comes on Sunday, June 5 as they play their part in National Croquet Day.

Their newly refurbished clubhouse will open at 2pm on the day and members of the public are invited to come and try the game for themselves.