COMPETITION was fierce when Wisbech Lions Club held their annual conker championships, but former world champion Ady Hurrell of Whittlesey failed to take the honours.

Instead, it was Lynne Drewitt and Derek Rutter, both from March, who were declared champions, with team prizes going to March Catholic Church and March Lions.

Teams from Peterborough, March, Hunstanton, Littleport, Kings Lynn and Wisbech competed in the championship that raised about �250 to be donated to good causes.

After several rounds of close fought competition, the ladies final was between youngster Isobel Pope from Peterborough and Lynne Drewitt from March. In the men’s final, amid great cheers, Derek Rutter from March Lions Club beat Chris Holt from Hunstanton Lions Club.

March Catholic Church won honours for being the team, that progressed the furthest. After a play-off in the team competition, adjudicated by former Wisbech mayor Nick Meekins, March Lions Club beat Hunstanton Lions Club.

Despite being the organisers and getting in lots of practice, members of Wisbech Lions Club had all had been eliminated by the third round of play.

President Kevin Rodgers said: “I am determined that Wisbech will have enforced practice sessions next year and will do better.”