Bishop Monkton Croquet Club have got underway with their programme of friendly matches against other clubs across and beyond Yorkshire.

After weeks of unbroken sunshine and blue skies, they faced their first friendly of the new season on a cloudy, windy and chilly day in Bedale against Dales. It was a tense match with both sides pretty neck and neck throughout the seven rounds of matches but, in the end, Dales came out winners by just one point - the final score 126-125 in the home team's favour.

It is believed to be the first time Dales have beaten Bishop Monkton. Despite the defeat, there was some consolation with the cakes provided by Dales for the post-match tea living up to expectations!

BM's croquet players begin their Yorkshire League season with an away match against Sheffield Parkhead 'B' next Monday.