Club tournament results

Association Croquet Carnival
4-8 Nov 2013
Bathurst City Croquet Club
 
Bathurst recently held its annual Association Croquet Carnival over five days, Monday 4th - Friday 8th November. We had 24 entries from 12 clubs (Cammeray, Killara, Manly, Narooma, Milton/Ulladulla, Mosman, Newcastle National Park, Nowra, Orange, Toronto, Wollongong and Bathurst). Unfortunately a few players had to withdraw at the last minute due to illness and we hope that they are well on their way to a full recovery. However players from the home Club were able to step in and play in their place.

Acclaim and thanks must go to Annette McManus from the home Club, as the Tournament Manager, and to John Cook, the Referee/Handicapper. Together they spent many hours planning the draw, with competition organised into blocks, all playing advanced handicap. Because of the number of players, all games were double banked and a new format was trialled this year - Doubles blocks started at 8am every morning, before players moved on to Singles for the rest of the day. This proved to be very successful, giving players a chance to meet each other and 'warm up' before their later games. Thanks also to all those who refereed and to Rik Mills for his computer skills.

RESULTS : DOUBLES

BLOCK A WINNERS : John Gilhooly (Miltojn/Ulladulla) and Margaret Craig (Killara)
BLOCK B WINNERS : Michael Strickland (Mosman) and Diane Scott (Wollongong)
BLOCK C WINNERS : Margaret Sawers (Nowra) and Rik Mills (Orange)



RESULTS : SINGLES

BLOCK A WINNER : John Gilhooly, RUNNER-UP : Jim Elston
BLOCK B WINNER : Annette du Preez, RUNNER-UP : Margaret Sawers
BLOCK C WINNER : Helen James, RUNNER-UP : Helen Owen
BLOCK D WINNER : Jeanette Testoni, RUNNER-UP : Rik Mills

An ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD was presented to Yvonne Zavasky (Manly).

The HIGHEST BREAK AWARD was presented to Graham Cullen (Nowra)

We were fortunate to have perfect spring weather for most of the Carnival, with rain only after play on the final afternoon. Special thanks goes to those who worked to make our Grounds ready for play each day. Everyone had an enjoyable time, renewing friendships and often sitting around for lunch provided by the volunteers in the kitchen (our thanks to them). On Monday night about half the group gathered at Marigold Gardens for a Chinese meal. Tuesday had the added highlight of a Melbourne Cup sweep. That night saw a group staying back at the Clubhouse for an informal get-together over chicken and pizza. On the Wednesday night twenty nine people enjoyed our 'official' dinner at Pantano's Restaurant. Thursday was left to the players to discover something local for themselves (...some of the girls lived it up at Jack Duggan's Irish Pub). And to round off the week the Bathurst Club put on a Sausage Sizzle (thanks Denny) plus salad (thanks Margaret).... just as the rains came down! Thank you to others who also helped on this evening.

Over the 5 days we held daily raffles which were very well supported - thank you to all who bought tickets. A major raffle was drawn on the final afternoon. This was won by Annette du Preez (pictured below left).



We'd like to thank all our sponsors for their kind donations: Pro Wash, Travel World, Matt's Car Wash, Pantano's, Tyres and More, Churches Garden Centre and Hoselink. Also many thanks to the members of our Club who donated cash and/or prizes.

Many thanks to all those who contributed in any way towards the success of the Carnival - from the pre-planning, printing, purchasing of supplies, provision of goodies each day, daily helping with the lawns and in the kitchen, organising dinners, helping at the BBQ ---and any others I have missed. Without the support of all these people, the Carnival would not have been the success that it was. Already we have received numerous compliments and thanks for a most hospitable and enjoyable Carnival.

We look forward to another Association Carnival at the same time next year (2014), and already some bookings have been made for this. Hopefully we will see YOU there too!!!