Victoria wins the 2026 Interstate Shield
Victoria won all matches to win the 2026 Interstate GC Shield coming from 6th place in 2025 at Newcastle to 1st place yesterday at Cairnlea (VCC)
Pictured from left to right Julie Beasley (non playing manager), Helen Gammon (Ivanhoe Park), Elaine Coverdale (Essendon), Jack Williams (Vice Captain-Queenscliff), Claire Keating (Captain - Williamstown), Owen Dickinson (Essendon) rear- Chelsea Williams ( Queenscliff), Shane Downie (non playing coach), Mary Cockett (Drysdale), Felix Gelman White (Williamstown), Richard Parks (Williamstown), Richard Hingst (Williamstown)
A great effort by all players to win the 2026 Shield.
This is the first time any team has gone from 6th place to 1st in a one year period!! An amazing effort.
Credit must also rest with the coach Shane Downie and Vic Selectors for consolidating this team who worked together to enable this success.
Mention also to players Janine Sisson , Phil Shattock, along with many others who have assisted in providing a huge amount of support to this team.
Volunteer support at VCC was vital to ensure this event went smoothly - we thank each and every volunteer for their assistance
A big thankyou to Essendon, Brunswick and Williamstown for hosting 3 days of play - 5th,6th,7th September to complete block play for the Australian Men's and Women's Open Singles.
Without the support of the clubs and volunteers this event would be unable to occur.
Player feedback re all venues was positive and Croquet Vic thanks all club members for making their courts available for this tournament.
Special thanks to all volunteers who assisted in making the 2026 Aust Open Men's and Women's Singles so successful. It is a massive task with groundsmen, referees, hoop setters, caterers, score recorders & cleaners all pulling together to ensure these events are successful. Without each one of you and the club players availing their courts for the 3 days this event would not be possible.
A very special mention to venue managers - Peter Spruzen (Willliamstown)
Bruce Macgregor and John Compton (Brunswick)
Gail Hopkins and Marie Spokes (Essendon)
Great work everyone and the Victorian Team who showcased croquet in such a positive, competitive and professional manner.
Livestreaming allowed Interstate viewers and International viewers what Victoria could achieve on and off the field.
Sam Gumbrell (NSW) a special thanks for your livestreaming and continual assistance from 6am - 8.30 pm each day to ensure viewers had great coverage and highlight reels.
Thank you all from Croquet Victoria