29 - 30 Aug 2009
Jamberoo Croquet Club
Members of the Jamberoo Croquet Club held their first two-day Golf Croquet Doubles Tournament on the last weekend in August. Players came from Maitland, Dungog, EDSACC, Toronto, Mosman, Hurstville, Sutherland, Wollongong, Blue Mountains, Nowra and Milton/Ulladulla. As we have only two lawns, we could not accommodate more than thirty-two players. This meant we had to turn away potential players, and none of our own members could play.
Players began arriving on Friday afternoon to register, practise some croquet, catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. An impromptu dinner was held in Kiama on Friday night with 26 attending. Partners had been selected by the home club on the basis of handicaps, and 2 blocks of 8 teams played in round robin format. Games were fiercely contested, with many needing more than the one-hour allocated.
The official tournament dinner was well attended with more than thirty Jamberoo members joining the visitors for a delicious three course meal.
By Sunday morning, the weather had turned a little nasty and play was slow and erratic until the wind calmed down. However, everyone continued in good spirits and all games were eventually completed.
In the Blue block, Graham Dark (Dungog) and Lesley Fransen (Mosman) were undefeated in their seven games, with Runners-up being Dorle Fischer (Sutherland) and John Fransen (Mosman). The winners of the Green block were also undefeated Betty Daniel (Sutherland) and Cynthia Hardie (Toronto). Runners-up were Mavis McArthur (Sutherland) and Bill Hardie (Toronto).
Jamberoo members were out in force throughout the weekend to act as spectators, referees, timekeepers, scorers, waiters, kitchen hands etc. Our "Executive Catering Service" ladies, led by Dot, were busy in the kitchen, keeping up the continuous supply of tea, coffee and lots of tasty treats. They also processed about 60 lunch orders over the weekend and provided delicious sandwiches, with a variety of fillings.
Some special Croquet jigsaws provided interest for players sitting out and these puzzles proved to be more difficult than first thought - keeping people occupied for quite some time! Our Trading Table was well supported, as was the raffle, with prize-winners Bill Haines (Blue Mountains), Marie Keatley (Jamberoo), Mavis McArthur (Sutherland) and Edna Kelly (Young)
Many complimentary remarks were received at the end of the tournament but there are some areas where we need to improve. However, for a first effort, we are very pleased and hope to hold more events in the future.
Brenda Evans
Tournament Manager
