The latest NSW club news

 
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:
 
28 April 2019 - Queanbeyan Croquet Club
 
"Come & Try" at Queanbeyan Croquet Club

The Queanbeyan Croquet Club conducted three successful "Come & Try" days in February and March this year.

The days coincided with the Senior's Weeks in both NSW and the ACT. The age-range of those who acted on the advertisement were certainly not all seniors.

The club received a grant from the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council for the NSW Senior's Week to assist with costs including printing, refreshments and any incidentals.

Advertising was part of the Senior's program in the local newspaper, community radio and the weekly magazines. Also, for the ACT Senior's Week there was promotion on the local ABC radio station.

For the NSW Senior's Week the club held the "Come & Try" days on the Thursday and Saturday in that week. Saturday proved to be the more popular but both days were successful with the number of people turning-up beyond the clubs expectations.

However the number increased for the March "Come & Try" day. Not only was there an increase in numbers but the age range was remarkable. There certainly was the mature age people but this was certainly balanced out by the under 35 years in attendance. The youngest was eight years old. She was with her five siblings as well as her parents.

The club members who assisted with the coaching of new players and helping with meeting and greeting and socialising were very happy with the promotion. Even better, many of the new people signed up to join the club and others took advantage of free games after the coaching day to see if they were still enthusiastic about croquet and will join up next financial year.

This was the second year of "Come & Try" promotion and it was much more successful so it will more than likely be held next year during the Senior's Weeks in Queanbeyan.
 
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

Teacher and Students
Drills
Question time
Little mallet
 
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!!

Brian Mitchell with his well appointed raffle table with prizes donated by club members
Brian watches as participants "ran the hoop" for a small donation
 
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
 
9 January 2019 - Nowra Croquet Club
 
Nowra Club joins in the fun of Entertaining Young Children over the Holidays

Nowra welcomed 16 young boys and girls aged from 5 to 13 on our courts during the school holidays. Four of our members undertook the 'challenge' of enjoying some ball skills with the younger players whilst our member Marie Mclean showed the older players the fundamentals of G.C. The group has an enjoyable 2 hours

All photos and this article were approved by the head staff in attendance.

Bob Williamson

video link 1
video link 2
video link 3
video link 4
 
A happy group of children with a happy group of Club members
Karen James club treasurer shows how to 'skittle'
Nola Windley club secretary shows how to 'climb the ladder'
Club Captain, Margret Sawers watching 'great follow through'
Social Secretary Marie Mclean 'golfing'
 
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

Block A winner Wayne Worrall, club captain Margaret Sawers, runner up Bruce Glasgow
Block B winner Di Milne, and runner up Brian Mitchell
Encouragement award Barbara Murray Jamberoo with Margaret Sawers
Pat Moroney, Jamberoo, having a successful jump over blue.
Bernie McAlary, Wollongong having successful jump over yellow
Nice to catch up with old friends
 
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

L-R: Vice President Elaine Leech, Margaret-Rose Thompson with Block A winners Carol Goodman and Brenda Wild
 
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