13 May 2019 | ||||||
Establishment of the Northern Rivers GC Development Squad
A mid October 2018 email from CNSW sparked the formation of the Northern Rivers Croquet Association (NRCA) Golf Croquet Development Squad (the Squad). Initially the Squad's sole objective was to identify players having the potential to reach the standard required for interstate competition. The first squad meeting was held on 15 January 2019 between 9 players from three (3) NRCA clubs. A total of 28 singles games were played on two lawns. The second squad meeting was held on 1 February 2019 between 11 players from 4 NRCA clubs and a total of 30 games (26 singles & 4 doubles) were played on two lawns. At the end of this meet it was decided that the primary objective of the Squad would be to improve the standard of all interested players within the NRCA region. Since 1 February 2019 the squad has met fortnightly and now includes members from five (5) of the six (6) NRCA member clubs. Each club nominates 4 members to participate in each squad meet with any shortfall filled by the host club. Due to lawn constraints within the NRCA region squad meets rotate between Ballina, Casino & Lismore. Players pay a green fee of $6 plus $2 for morning and afternoon tea where there's often a vast array of goodies to feast on during the day, lovingly prepared by members of the host club. Each squad meet now starts with 6 separate practice drills including placement then run hoop, clearing shots, stun shot then run hoop, blocking and running both long and angled hoops. A big thanks to Ray Chapman from Ballina Cherry Street Croquet Club for introducing the drills. Feedback from participating players and their club captains has been positive, the generosity of more experienced players passing on their wisdom to lesser experienced players from other local clubs has been outstanding and based on some NRCA pennant games, many players have improved their standard of play. We are looking forward to the Player Pathway to Excellence (PPEP) Training Session for Golf croquet players at Ballina lawns in July 2019 and hope local coaches who also participate in this training add a further dimension to player development. The Squad is only 4 months old so still in its early days. We're keen for ideas so if you have a suggestion please contact David Scott as per below. Special mention needs to be made of Peter Montague who provided valuable guidance in the squads' early days and continues to provide advice and encouragement. David Scott Coordinator NRCA Golf Croquet Development Squad M: 0414 241 290 E: |
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28 April 2019 - Queanbeyan Croquet Club | ||||||
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9 April 2019 - Nowra Croquet Club | ||||||
PPEP Commences At Nowra
Over 6 and 7 April, 2019, Nowra club had the pleasure of hosting the first PPEP being conducted. Eleven keen croquet players from Canberra, Wollongong, Southern Highlands and Nowra were 'entertained' and assisted by Alix Verge of the PPEP committee. The days consisted of classroom theory and lawn practice for the participants. Great 'tea breaks' and superb lunches were supplied by the Nowra catering members. The weather was fine but hot. and at the conclusion of the activities , Club Captain Margaret Sawers presented Alix with a miniature croquet mallet to use on further visits to other clubs in the programme. The participants have come away with confidence to improve their golf croquet confidence and skills. Bob Williamson
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1 April 2019 - Nowra Croquet Club | ||||||
Nowra raised money for the local Relay For Life event
Under the guidance of staunch member Brian Mitchell who's was the leader, fund raising prior to and during the event was conducted with our club raising just on $1000.00 in total, for the cancer appeal. On the morning of the relay, we were subjected to drizzling rain, which cleared to a bright sunny day allowing participants to 'do the rounds' and also enjoying the days activities. However, Brians intention of being involved during the night part of the days activities were literally blown away, when we were subjected to a heavy wind storm in the afternoon . As a result, we had to pull up 'hoops' and call it a day. Another Club member David Knott, came up with the "Accuracy Challenge", where players purchased balls and attempted to run hoop 2 from the base line for cash prizes. In all over $260 was raised from the challenge. David kindly donated the prize money. This was held at the club prior to the relay Bob Williamson video link 1 video link 2 of some of the "Accuracy Challenge" action!!
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2 February 2019 - Sutherland Croquet Club | ||||||
GC Pennants Preparations
On January 30, members of Holroyd and Blue Mountains Croquet Clubs gathered for a morning workshop designed to provide an in-depth look at all aspects of participating in the Division 2 and Division 3 GC Pennants competitions. Holroyd Club are entering a team in the pennants for the very first time (Division 3). After a break of several years - and following a relocation of their club from lawns at Blackheath to their current location at Leura - Blue Mountains Club is entering a team in both Divisions 2 and 3. The first part of the workshop focussed on the organisational aspects of playing in the pennants competitions. This was followed by an exercise where everyone completed a results sheet for a mythical Pennants contest between teams from Woop-Woop Club and Ship Creek Club. (apologies to AAMI !!) We also looked at details of completing handicap cards for level play in both Singles and Doubles. We then stopped briefly for a chat and some morning tea before embarking on a session about the new GC rules. The players were keen to know the implications of changes for match play and there were some lively discussions about the outcomes of "strokes" made on a whiteboard "lawn" with coloured magnetic "balls". Congratulations are due to both clubs for the interest and enthusiasm they have shown in preparing themselves for participation in the GC Pennants in 2019. Lorraine Hatfield & Lynda Toms |
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9 January 2019 - Nowra Croquet Club | ||||||
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27 October 2018 - Nowra Croquet Club | ||||||
Nowra Spring GC Carnival
16 players from Wollongong, Jamberoo, EDSAC (Bateau Bay), Toronto, Young and Nowra competed in the Nowra Golf Croquet Singles handicap and level play tournament held at the Nowra club on Friday 19th to Monday 22nd October 2018. The games were played in two blocks double round robin format with the first round played as handicap play and the second-round level play, Bock A was won Wayne Worrall (Nowra) who won 11 out of 14 games to beat Bruce Glasgow (Toronto) with 10 wins. Block B was won by Di Milne (Nowra) with 10 wins, When the last game of block B between Brian Mitchell (Nowra)and Barbara Murray (Jamberoo) began both Brian and Barbara had won 8 games each. Brian won to claim the runner up prize. Barbara in third place was awarded an encouragement award as she entered the tournament on a handicap of 11 unaware that she would be playing level games against players on handicaps much lower than herself and managed to win 8 out of 14 games. After the games finished a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by players and workers before the presentation of prizes was made. Article courtesy of Margaret Sawers Photos/video Bob Williamson Video of the dreaded hoop 13
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22 October 2018 - Gloucester Croquet Club | ||||||
Gala Day at Gloucester
On 1st September Gloucester Golf Croquet Club welcomed a pleasant spring day for their annual Gala Day, along with thirty-nine players from nine clubs: Toronto, Manly, Newcastle National Park, Mr Sugarloaf, Forster, Macquarie City, Myall Park, Maitland and Nelson Bay. Lyn Stewart from the Gloucester Club was called upon late on Friday night owing to a last-minute withdrawal. Margaret-Rose Thompson from Nelson Bay once again was our Gala Day Referee-in-Charge. She was ably assisted by Janine Crellin and Jan Sage from Taree and Penny Jude and Tom Adams from Forster. Some players also assisted during the day. This was doubles day. Play was over 4 Blocks, each pair playing four games over the day. Vice President Elaine Leech welcomed the visitors then handed over to Margaret-Rose to deliver the format for the day. Players were treated to our very popular soup and damper lunch, with morning and afternoon tea (home-cooked scones, cakes and slices) available all day. The day concluded with the drawing of numerous prizes followed by the announcement of Block Winners. Block A: Brenda Wild and Carol Goodman. Block B: Cheryl Lloyd and Sandy Tawa. Block C: Anne Johnston and Barbara Moran. Block D: Wayne Johnston & Marion Graff. Beverley Murray
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News Archive | ||||||
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