Croquet Victoria
Advancing Croquet in Victoria

News

Earlier news

2023-09-10

Association Croquet – Brian Reither Challenge Cup 2023

The Victorian Croquet Centre at Cairnlea hosted the Brian Reither Challenge Cup on the weekend of 9th and 10th September. This is the third year the event has been run and it is named in honour of Croquet Victoria Life Member, Brian Reither.  Brian kindly offered to be Tournament Manager this year.

There was a field of 10 playing in two round robin blocks of five.  In Block A, Robert Fletcher won all four of his games while Greg Hill lost only one game, which was to Robert.  In Block B, the 3rd seed Lachlan Berryman was the standout winning all his games.  Second place getter in the block was Greg Fletcher with 3 wins from 4 games. Greg completed two triple peels whilst Lachlan completed one.

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2023-09-07

Robert Fletcher success in England

Croquet Victoria congratulates Robert Fletcher on taking out the 2023 British Golf Croquet Open. Robert defeated Reg Bamford of South Africa, 7-0 & 7-5 in the final.

 Robert began his Championship campaign with wins over Richard Bilton and Aston Wade of England before beating Stephen Mulliner, also of England 7-5 & 7-5 to qualify for the final.

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Current news

News Date: 2023-11-05
Posted by: Kate Patrick
Posted on: 2023-11-08
News Type: Golf

Excellent field for Owen Edwards Cup

The Owen Edwards Cup was held at Cairnlea on the 4th and 5th November. Sunday for the final turned out to be a beautiful day which only added to the delight of this event. It was wonderful to see a sunny and warm day with all players decked out in their whites.

Entry was by expression of interest as the aim is to keep this event as a prestigious event to showcase Victorian players. Interstate interest was accepted but our interstate entries had to withdraw for personal reasons.  The 16 players who competed had a handicap range of -4 to 4.

 

16 players completed in a round robin event, consisting of 2 blocks of 8 players – blocks being selected by world rankings. The top 4 from each block went through to the finals- The remaining players continued on in a round robin event.

The entire event had high class games with skill and strategy on display at the highest level.

 

All players incurred wins and losses throughout the tournament which is testimony of the class of croquet on display. The highlight for me was the competitive but friendly manner in which all games were played. Croquet Victoria and indeed Australia needs to be commended for the way in which games were conducted by players with good grace, manners and a sportsman like approach to winning and losing with accolades, encouragement, positivity and appropriate acknowledgement of  the opponents good shots . As an on looker listening to players discussing games, how opponents could improve play or alternative strategy considerations etc for future games makes me wonder what other sport would be as generous in encouraging opposition players to improve and  reach for their goals.???

I believe this is what Owen Edwards himself would want for the future of croquet. Owen was a person who spent many hours of his life involved with croquet as a player, referee, rule maker and advocate for advancement of the sport. I believe he would be extremely proud of what his work has achieved when viewing the standard of play and sportsmanship on display last weekend.

Thanks must be extended to the referees who did a wonderful job over the 2 days – Thanks particularly to Terry Wilson (Tournament ref), Janet C, Tom Dixon, Ian Matthews, Kate Patrick, Graham Smith and 2 new refs Murray Howlett and Bob Quayle. Also many thanks for the beautiful and fast courts thanks to the ongoing work of the volunteer maintenance green keepers/ hoop setters   under direction of Lester Hughes- Kevin, Owen and Chas

Unfortunately, Owen Edwards and his wife Maureen were unable to be present for the final day and presentation. Kate Patrick presented the winning cup and medals to the players on Owen Edwards’ behalf.

The best of 3 final was a great event to watch with Greg Fletcher defeating Owen Dickinson 2 games in 1 in a lengthy best of 3 final.  It was a great to have Greg competing as he is currently back in Australia from Germany where he is working.  Greg conceded only 1 game in the entire tournament; hence a worthy winner. In his speech Greg recalled the input Owen Edwards had provided in his early career. This cup provides both sentimental value and reward for Greg’s current skill level. At present Greg is a -4 handicap. Both players had to work extremely hard to win hoops in the final and there were many amazing shots witnessed by all who stayed to watch

Commendation needs to go especially to Andy Barbero (Wangaratta) and Helen Gammon (Ivanhoe Park) who played extremely well to be 3rd and 4th.

We hope to see all these competitors again next year and to anyone who may be interested in watching, this is a showcase  of the best Vic croquet has to offer!!

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Later news

2023-11-04

WIMMERA V BALLARAT & DISTRICT ANNUAL CHALLENGE MATCH

was played at Horsham Croquet Club on Friday 3/11/2023

The match consists of each team providing 8 members from both Regions to play 4 level play 13-point games first to 7 hoops. Every member plays 2 singles & 2 doubles. (2 in the morning 2 after lunch)

A pleasant day was enjoyed by all, the weather was warm 25 degrees, , a lot of chit chattering took place, catching up with old croquet friendsĀ  & also meeting new members. The home team excelled in supplying afternoon tea with cream cakes, slices, savouries etc.

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2023-11-13

Ballarat Open Singles Championships

Ballarat Open Singles Championships were held on Saturday 11th November 2023 at Ballarat Alexander Croquet Club. Section 1 Winners Owen Dickinson (Essendon) and Phillip De Arugo(Bendigo) 6 wins +16

Runner Up Richard Hingst(Williamstown) 6 wins +13  What a great competition .

Section 2 Winner Rod Bensley (Howlong) 2nd George Train 

(Drysdale) 3rd Virginia Rowe (Ballarat Alexander). A great day and great country hospitality with a lovely afternoon tea. Tournament Manager Brian Reither

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