Croquet Tournament Results

SUMMARY 2014

DETAILED RESULTS 2014

5 and Under Doubles, 15th - 16th February 2014

The ten state team members including the reserves teamed up as mixed doubles as required in the Eire Cup this year and were joined by one additional pair.

It was won by Rosie & Peter Landrebe in a countback from Alix Verge and Stephen Richards.

John Eddes

3 and Under Singles, 8th - 9th March 2014

Golf Croquet Division 3 Doubles and Singles, 10th - 13th March 2014

The CNSW Division 3 GC Doubles and Singles Competitions were conducted at EDSACC, Bateau Bay from the 10th to the 13th March. The enthusiastic team at EDSACC took up the challenge just they had done in 2013 when an integral part of ACA Golf Croquet Nationals and Interstate Shield. They proved once again that they are more than capable of running important GC Events. CNSW thanks all EDSACC members who made the event such a success.

EDSACC originally volunteered for the event to encourage club members to compete and then to travel to compete. This proved successful with many players enjoying the challenge of competition and of improving their handicap.

Due to the new handicap regulations some players experienced handicap changes during the doubles - unheard of previously.

Eleven pairs participated in the doubles where they played 10 matches over 2 days. The winners were John Aldridge and Bryan Clarke (EDSACC) playing in their first competition while the runners-up were Ron Jones and Kathy Porter also of EDSACC.

In the singles there were also 11 competitors. Ron Jones went through the ten rounds undefeated finishing ahead of Gillian Aldridge (8 wins). Both are now keen to take up the battle further afield.

Of the 28 competitors 14 had handicap changes at some stage over the 4 days.

Sincere thanks to all competitors in the Division 3 competitions, to EDSACC members for making their lawns available and the referees who travelled to the Central Coast to assist.

John Compton

Golf Croquet Division 2 Doubles and Singles, 3rd - 6th March 2014

Seven doubles pairs and 11 singles players came to Port Macquarie for the Division 2 Championships. Heavy rain over the previous 3 days had left the lawns slower than expected but they were quite playable and improved as the days passed and the weather became hot and dry.

In the doubles competition, a double round robin of 12 untimed games was played over 2 days. Anne and Greg Freeman and Robyn Compton and Bridget Earle were neck and neck after the first day, but the Freemans continued their strong form the following day, while the other pair fell away in the heat of the second afternoon.

Final standings were :

4th with 6 wins Susan Klecka and Sylvia Andrews (Port Macquarie)
3rd with 6 wins Elaine Coles and Wal Wallington (Forster)
2nd with 8 wins Robyn Compton (Maitland) and Bridget Earle (Port Macquarie)
1st with 10 wins Anne and Greg Freeman (Port Macquarie)

The singles competition was a single round robin of 10 games and was a much tighter affair. Bernie McAlary was the only unbeaten player after the first day. Michael Bone did enormous damage to the leaders during the final afternoon, beating both players who were at the time in first and second places; unfortunately he had too much ground to make up after a disappointing start.

The final result was decided on a countback with 4 players having 7 wins from 10 games. All players had found it difficult to maintain their form over 2 warm and humid days.

4th Bernie McAlary (Wollongong)
3rd Debbie Morgan (Sutherland)
2nd Anne Freeman (Port Macquarie)
1st Herman Camphuis (Port Macquarie)

A highly successful 4 days for the home club, both as players and as hosts. The venue attracted players from the Mid North Coast, the Hunter, Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra. A rolling draw meant that the untimed games were completed before 4pm each day. Club members provided snacks and drinks and enough referees for every game to have a qualified referee in charge. The tournament referees, Trevor Thornton and John Hincks, had few problems to resolve and Jim Hicks was on hand to ensure that the handicap cards were correctly completed. Finally, everyone knew that if Bridget Earle was the venue manager, all would run smoothly ...and it did.

The Port Macquarie Croquet Club thanks Croquet NSW for the opportunity to host a state title; it hopes that other country clubs will follow suit.

John Hincks

NSW Womens GC Singles Championship, 29th - 30th March 2014

A reduced field of six players fought out the 2014 Women’s GC Championship at Tempe on 29-30 March. The outcome was only decided in the final game - congratulations to Ros Johnstone, who won by beating early front-runner Barb Piggott both times they played in the double round robin. A pleasing feature was the range of participants, from State players through to Dianne Bonnitcha on a 10 handicap. Sutherland CC provided half the field, and a crowd of spectators, which morphed into a GC coaching session by Barb Piggott after play on Sunday.

Thanks to Wendy Fothergill in her first time as a Tournament Referee; John Eddes, Kath Coull & Peter Freer for refereeing; and Peter Freer as Tournament Manager.

NSW Mens GC Singles Championship, 31st March - 3rd April 2014

On Monday 31 March, 16 eager GC male players fronted up early for an 8am start in the Singles. The competition was a round robin within each of two blocks of eight seeded players.

On Tuesday afternoon, after having played 7 hard fought matches, the top 4 in each block headed out for the quarter finals - which, although they were "best of three", none went more than two games - probably all too tired.

Wednesday morning saw the four semifinalists, Nick Macoun, John Levick, Peter Smith and Joe Dimech begin their march to the Final - play starting yet again at 8am with the lawns covered with dew, thus necessitating a brooming.

The Winner was John Levick, Runner Up Peter Smith, 3rd place went to Joe Dimech and 4th to Nick Macoun.

Well done to everyone who participated and congratulations to the finalists, especially to the conqueror John Levick!

There were only two handicap changes - both John Levick and Peter Smith triggered. Well done boys.

Special thanks go to the ever present referees Bev Smith, John Compton, Wendy Fothergill, Ros Johnstone, Kath Coull, Margaret Sawers and Ron Johnstone , who gave up at least one day to help and ensure the game was played in an excellent fashion.

Thanks also to our early morning lawn setter, Nick, who can always be relied upon to have the lawns set up before many of the other players front up for battle.

Thanks again to John Eddes for his development of the draw and for his ongoing assistance at CNSW events.

Obviously we hope that 2015 will have another full field of GC Mens Singles players.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager

NSW AC Championships - Mens Open Singles, 16th - 19th May 2014

Over the four days of the NSW AC Men’s Open held last week Trevor Bassett pulled out a sensational and exciting performance. He won the block format tournament undefeated with 11 wins comprising 1 sextuple peel, 5 triple peels, 1 tpo and 4 boring old 26-something peg-out wins. Seeing this sort of performance is inspiring.

Also notable during the comp was the tight battle for second place between Alan Walsh (eventual runner-up with 9 wins) and Ted Salter, Jim Nicholls and Tim Murphy who all finished with 8 wins and at least one triple peel a piece. Tim’s performance is a welcome return to competition after a long break due to sickness and Ted Salter is a rapid improver playing controlled breaks.

It is good to see enthusiastic higher-handicapped players entering a field such as this. The fact that these players actually made breaks and won some games just goes to prove that it does not matter how fabulous your opponent, if you hit the lift and make a break the mouse can beat a tiger.

Alix Verge
Pseudo Manager

Gold Singles, 20th - 24th May 2014

NSW AC Handicap (Beryl Chambers Trophy), 6th - 9th June 2014

Silver Singles, 5th - 9th May 2014

NSW GC Championships - Open Doubles, 20th - 22nd June 2014

On Friday 20 June, 14 pairs met in good weather for the CNSW Open Doubles (3 Day) Tournament. Each pair played 13 single game matches in round robin format. The games were untimed, and, despite hustling and bustling some games were deferred due to nightfall.

The same thing happened on Saturday when night came too quickly. This meant we had 3 rounds plus a collection of deferred games to be played before the Semifinals and Final. It also meant the Semifinals and Final were reduced from the proposed 19 point games to 13 point single games.

At the end of the rounds and lots of close games the four pairs left to do battle were: Alison Sharpe and Chris Lavina, Joe and Lyn Dimech, Peter and Rosemary Landrebe, and, John Eddes and Debra Morgan (who emerged from the pack ahead of the Compton / Smith combination).

In the Semifinals - Pete and Rosie defeated Joe and Lyn (7/6) and Alison and Chris defeated John and Debbie.

The Final was an interesting battle with Alison and Chris the victors over Peter and Rosie. Congratulations!

Congratulations to all 14 pairs on the standard of play, tenacity, and for their helpfulness in ensuring the competition proceeded smoothly.

Special thanks and appreciation to those who: came bearing food, helped set up and clear the lawns and chairs, and, who worked hard keeping the Concordia children off the lawns.

Our 3-Day referees Bev Smith and Wendy Fothergill were kept very busy and did their usual great job. Ingrid Cohen assisted on the last day and her work was appreciated.

Obviously the timing of this event was popular as it offered a lead-in to other division 1 events. But, we may need to allow four days in the 2015 Calendar to overcome the problem of the late finishings.

Thanks again to everyone for their help and sportsmanship.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager and Tournament Committee Chairperson

Golf Croquet Division 2 Pennants - Finals, 19th June 2014

The Division 2 GC Pennants for 2014 involved 12 teams from 3 geographical regions. At the end of regional play the four teams Maitland Black, Manly, Nowra and Sutherland were to meet in the Finals Series. However, Maitland was unable to field a team and Mosman accepted the invitation to become the fourth team.

So, on Thursday 19 June, the warriors arrived at CNSW Headquarters (Tempe) to do battle. In the first Semifinal the Nowra team (Phil Pickard, David Turvey, Wayne Worrall, Mike McKenzie) played against Mosman (Mary Gibson, Bill Knight, Richard Westgarth, Lyn Day). Nowra won 2/1 and thus proceeded to the Final.

The other Semifinal involved Manly (Natalia Dunkley, Don Dunkley, Annette Du Preez, Roseanne White) and Sutherland (Tony McArthur, John Cole, Debbie Morgan, Gareth Denyer). Sutherland won 3/0 - so, into the Final.

The Final was a real tussle with the Doubles going to the Sutherland team and both Singles going to 3 games and victory in both to Nowra.

Congratulations to the winners, Nowra, and the runners-up, Sutherland, for your excellent play and sportsman (person)ship.

Thanks go to all players who fought out the rounds. The competition was, in the main, a close tussle in each region.

Special recognition and thanks go to the Referees (Bev Smith, Peter Smith, John Pace, Margaret Sawers and John Compton) who spent most of the day on the lawns.

I would also like to thank David Stanton for his dedication and expertise in collecting and collating the round results whilst I was overseas. Without his work the results would have been a mess. Thanks David!

CNSW hopes that 2015 is as successful as, and even bigger than, 2014.

Robyn Compton
GC Pennants Organiser and Tournament Committee Chairperson

For detailed results visit croquetscores.com.

Golf Croquet Division 3 Pennants - Finals, 26th June 2014

In 2014, 12 teams from 3 geographical regions participated in the Div 3 GC Pennants. At the end of play the four teams to meet in the Finals Series were Canberra, Mosman Blue, Mosman White and Nowra.

So began a very busy day... Thursday 26 June, when they came by car loads to CNSW Headquarters (Tempe) ready for Semifinal action.

In the first Semifinal, the Nowra Team (Fay Marks, Ann Worrall, Glyn Williams and Terry Hoffman) played against Mosman White (Ron Barratt, John Owen, Michael Morton-Evans and Tim Stafford), with Nowra proving too strong and winning 3/0.

The second Semifinal (played concurrently with the first semifinal) was between Canberra (Margo Davies, Gerda Lambeck, Andrew Davies and Judy Tier) and Mosman Blue (Jenny Willis, Marjorie Lehmann, Rob Wright and Ralda Kirton). After many hours play, Canberra won 2/1 in a really close tussle.

The Final was equally enthralling, with the winners being determined late in the afternoon on completion of the Doubles match.

The Winners of Div 3 GC Pennants were Nowra... 2 matches to 1, and close on games and points.

Congratulations to both teams on their success in 2014.

It is of note that Nowra will be collecting both Div 3 and Div 2 Golf Croquet Shields at the end of the year. Well done!!! A feat not often achieved.

Thanks to the Referees (Bev Smith, John Compton, Margaret Sawers and myself) who spent many hours officiating.

Congratulations go to all players who took up their mallets to compete in Pennants for 2014. Obviously we hope to see you in Pennants in 2015.

Robyn Compton
GC Pennants Organiser and Tournament Committee Chairperson

For detailed results visit croquetscores.com.

Golf Croquet Division 1 Pennants, 7th - 10th July 2014

Seven (7) teams - one down from the original eight registered - took up the challenge of the Division 1 GC Pennants program.

The teams were Maitland Black, Killara, Cammeray, Sydney, Sutherland, Southern and Canberra.

Some matches were held earlier than the three-day carnival which was held at both CNSW Headquarters (Tempe) and Sutherland.

Despite the coolness of winter, the three day program was, again, highly successful. Each team was out to show their croquet expertise and to defeat the opposition.

Special thanks goes to the Committee and Members of Sutherland Club for allowing us to use their three lawns for the three days. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. Thanks also for the provision of all day food.Thanks also to the "helpers" from the Southern and Canberra teams who ensured the necessary "paperwork" was in operation. Also, to the "lawn magicians" who, each day, set up the lawns ready for action.

Once again the team of referees who presided over the matches - Bev, Wendy, Jacky, Rayna, Fay, Kath, Lynda, Lorraine - and the player referees who found the time to do some refereeing - were greatly appreciated by the players and the Tournament Committee. Referees are essential at all levels of competition. Your enthusiasm and commitment to croquet is great!

So, what happened??

Well, after six consecutive years of winning the Div 1 GC Pennants, there was no joy of winning the seventh for Maitland Black. The foursome was toppled by the Canberra team who played too well throughout the whole Pennants program. Congratulations and well done Canberra! Your unbeaten results reflect the quality of your play.

Commiserations to the other teams, especially the dethroned Maitland four.

The results can be found at croquetscores.com.

We hope to see all 2014 participants (and more) in 2015.Thanks to everyone who assisted in the running of the program though their involvement and cooperative effort.

Once again, congratulations Canberra.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager, GC Pennants Organiser

AC Champion of Champions, 11th - 13th July 2014

Platinum Singles, 27th - 30th May 2014

NSW Golf Croquet Bronze Medal, 18th - 21st July 2014

Originally 10 players had accepted their invitation from the Selection Committee to play in this event. However, there were 2 late scratchings and the Magnificent 8 arrived ready for an 8am start on Friday 18 July.

Each player had to play a "Best of 3" match against each of the other players.

On Day 1 - Friday - 3 matches were played by each player - finishing close to dusk. Saturday (Day 2), the players had 3 more matches each - this time we finished earlier. On Sunday (Day 3) the players were all keen for their final match and we were finished before Noon.

The standard of play was, as expected, of high quality - with no-one wanting to lose their matches. Such was the tenacity and the desire for points and games!

We were fortunate to have good weather, albeit cold weather, for the three days of play.

The players appreciated having referees - John Eddes, Wendy Fothergill, Stephen Howes, Jacky McDonald, Ros Johnstone, Kath Coull, John Bennett and Robyn Compton. Sincere thanks for giving at least one day to referee.

The results can be viewed on croquetscores.com and it can be seen that there were many close tussles, quite a lot of 7/6 or 7/5 games - reinforcing the quality of play by the 8 combatants.

Peter Freer (Canberra) was the victor and will represent NSW at the ACA Gold Medal in Adelaide from 3-5 September. John Levick (Newcastle) was runner-up, with Joe Dimech (Taree) finishing third from John Compton (Maitland).

Well done to all 8 players - 7 of which were from the country and 3 of which were from Maitland Club.

Congratulations Peter and best wishes and good luck for a successful foray in Adelaide.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager

Golf Croquet Division 1 Singles and Doubles, 27th July - 1st August 2014

In perfect weather the CNSW GC Division 1 Singles and Doubles were held at Forster Croquet Club from 27-29 July, and 30-31 July respectively.

Forster had applied in 2013 to host and help run the events for CNSW in 2014. CNSW has found that by taking some events to country centres there has been increased participation in the events.

So, on Sunday 27 July, 22 Golf Croquet players began their quest for the Singles Trophy for 2014. The players represented Toronto, Taree, Urunga, Canberra, Newcastle, Sutherland, Forster, Mt Sugarloaf, Maitland, Port Macquarie, Sydney and Killara clubs. Two groups of 11 players played a group single game round robin with the top two players from each group playing Best of 3 Semifinals and Finals.

After two days of battle the semifinalists were: Joe Dimech (Taree), John Levick (Newcastle), Ron Johnstone (Sutherland) and Peter Freer (Canberra). Semi 1 saw John Levick defeat Ron Johnstone, and in Semi 2 Peter Freer defeated Joe Dimech. The defeated semifinalists were keen to play off for 3rd and 4th places - this does not happen very often. So, in front of a crowd of more than 50 spectators, battle began on two lawns. And the outcome - First, was John Levick; Second, Peter Freer; Third, Joe Dimech with Ron Johnstone fourth. Congratulations to all 22 players, especially to the finalists.

Hard on the heels of the Singles, the Doubles event was held on 30th and 31st July, with 11 pairs competing in a single game round robin format. Once again, the competitors came from Canberra, Maitland, Taree, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Urunga, Forster, Toronto, Sutherland, Mt Sugarloaf and Killara Croquet Clubs. Again, in front of over fifty spectators each day, competition was focused and fierce for the Doubles Trophy. The winners were Peter Freer (Canberra) and Stephen Thornton (Maitland), who by winning their final match, beat John Compton (Maitland) and Peter Smith (Maitland) for the title. Once again, congratulations to the winners and especially to all players.

Special mention should be made of the tremendous ways in which Forster Croquet Club helped ensure the events were extremely successful. The friendship and assistance given was superb - just what we had hoped for. Thanks also to the fourteen referees who assisted over the five days, especially the group from Forster who took to the lawns every day for the whole series. Obviously thanks go top those referees who travelled to assist.

There were several handicap changes - not unexpected since there were 176 games of croquet played during the events. Full results can be found on croquetscores.com for the Singles and Doubles events or on the CNSW website in the Results section.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager and CNSW Tournament Committee

NSW AC Championships - Open Singles, 1st - 4th August 2014

NSW GC Championships - Open Singles, 9th - 12th August 2014

Twelve players in the 2014 NSW GC Open, after some encouragement from the NSW Office to boost the initial field. The need to save leave for the coming GC Nationals deterred people who were working. The threatened rain held off, and it was fine clear sunny weather for all 3 days. Peter Freer (Canberra CC) was the undefeated leader after the first day, with no losses, but being pressed by Goffredo Giacomini (Sydney CC) and David Woods (Sutherland CC) who both played well above their handicap. David triggered from 4 to 3 during the tournament, with a net 70 index point haul; and Goffredo picked up a net 109 index points.

However the four into the knockout were the top 4 seeds, leaving Goffredo to take out the Plate from Pam Gentle (Maitland CC) who recovered from a very slow start in the block round. John Levick (Newcastle NP) and Peter Freer lost their semi-finals, despite each winning their initial game in their bo3, and John won third from Peter in another good bo3. Alison Sharpe (Killara CC) won the final against Nick Macoun (Killara CC) 7-5, 7-5 with a superb display of clearing balls from anywhere. Nick confirmed his steady return to form, with his typical careful play, and exuberance after pulling off a difficult shot/jump.

Gareth Denyer (Sutherland CC) gave a solid performance in his first major GC tournament, and will improve further. Richard Christian (RSGC) and Ros Johnstone (Sutherland CC) had mixed results - some great wins, and close losses. Ron Johnstone (Sutherland CC) had a dissapointing tounament, and was often looking frustrated. Bernie McAlary (Wollongong CC) kept the rest of us honest.

Thanks to Wendy Fothergill as TR, and for helping run the event w/o a TM; the other referees; Nick Macoun for setting the hoops every morning (and chasing off illegal dumping in the car park); and Peter Freer for putting the results into croquetscores. The Sunday afternoon crowd at the Concordia Club was boisterous as usual (my favourite was the 4 year old boy repeatedly trying to place kick a glass beer stein off a long run-up, while his parents ignored the loomimg disaster until I couldn’t stand it and intervened) - but the new fences worked pretty well in keeping kids & balls off the courts.

The results can also be found at croquetscores.com.

Peter Freer

Selectors 10 (Rita Johnson Trophy), 22nd - 24th August 2014

NSW GC Handicap Doubles, 23rd - 25th August 2014

Doug Leabeater (Young CC) and Paul Nelson (Canberra CC) combined to win the 2014 NSW H'cap GC Doubles title, with 9 wins from 14 games (double round robin format). Three more pairs were close behind, each on 8 wins - one win off the pace. Robyn Compton & John Pace (both Maitland CC) were runners-up on net points. Eight pairs played, in mostly clear conditions for all 3 days despite rain on some nights. Lawns were dormant in the Canberra winter but very fast and fairly straight, and Atkins quad hoops were used.

Thanks to John Compton as TR; Hilary White and a host of helpers/cooks for the excellent catering; local MHR Andrew Leigh for lending us 2 marquees; Ainslie IGA for donating wine, cheese & fruit for the major raffle prizes; and Peter Freer & Adrienne Fazekas for managing the event (with help from Robyn Compton & John Eddes). Thanks to everyone who pitched in setting up the courts, tents, water points, etc

Peter Freer
Tournament Manager

NSW GC Handicap Singles, 26th - 28th August 2014

Fourteen players in the 2014 NSW GC Handicap Singles, after efforts to boost the initial field. Fear that Canberra would be too cold in August, and/or accommodation too expensive, were the common excuses. The rain actually held off, and it was mostly fine clear sunny weather for all 3 days. Lawns were dormant in the Canberra winter but very fast and fairly straight, albeit with some bobble despite treatment by a heavy roller just before the tournament. Players also enjoyed tackling Atkins quad hoops, which Canberra CC has used on all courts since February 2014.

Format was a single round robin with all 14 players in a single block to give players as many different opponents as possible. Double banking on the 3 courts meant that 2 players had a bye each round, but 6 rounds/day meant that play was finished by 3-4 pm each day. Players were quite adamant after the event that 6 games/day is the maximum acceptable for double banked handicap play; especially since we were lucky with the weather.

The results were nicely balanced after the first day, but Peter Coles (Forster CC) was the clubhouse leader after day 2 - hotly pursued by 4 more players only a single win behind. Peter however successfully defended his NSW H'cap GC Singles title, with Doug Leabeater (Young CC) runner-up also with 10 wins from 13 games, but a few less net points. Doug triggered from GC 2 to GC 1 during the tournament, with a net 70 index point haul. Brenda Wild (Mt Sugarloaf CC) was third; and newcomer Andrew Davies (Canberra CC) was fourth, playing particularly well off GC 8.

Thanks to Tony Hall as TR; Hilary White and a host of helpers/cooks for the excellent catering; local MHR Andrew Leigh for lending us 2 marquees; Ainslie IGA for donating wine, cheese & fruit for the major raffle prizes; and Adrienne Fazekas for actually running the event as Deputy TM and letting me play. Adrienne also bore the brunt of the refereeing; with help from the players and Bob Gingold. Thanks to everyone who pitched in setting up the courts, tents, water points, etc

Peter Freer
Tournament Manager