CHELSMFORD suffered a 10-8 defeat to Southchurch Croquet Club in their second East Anglian Handicap League match.

Both teams had to contend with heavy rain throughout the match at Rayleigh, which was a close-fought affair.

Chelmsford's Ann and John Skuse, David Dawsey and Tony Frewin all had wins in the 16 singles games played.

And Frewin and John Skuse started with a doubles win over Tony Butcher and Luise Cornelius, who were the pick of the Southchurch team.

Chelmsford won 95 of the 187 hopes contested during the five-hour match.

For more information on the club visit chelmsfordcroquet.uk.