Maitland Mutual Heritage Association Carnival 13-15 Apr 2009 Maitland Croquet Club | |
Maitland Croquet Club’s annual association singles tournament was held over Easter Monday 13 April to Wednesday 15 April, 2009. The event attracted 26 players from Cammeray, Milton-Ulladulla, Newcastle, Toronto, National Park, EDSACC, Strathfield, Forster, Taree, Mosman and the local club Maitland.
Brian Manton concentrates while Fred Harvey watches on Handicaps ranged from -0.5 to 18 and were drawn in four blocks; blocks A and B containing 7 players each, and blocks C and D 6 players. Those players participating at Maitland for the first time were very impressed with the lawns and the hospitality of Maitland Club and have vowed to return next year. Early registration was available on the Easter Sunday afternoon and the lawns were open for practice at the same time. Half a dozen players took advantage of the balmy afternoon for a try out of the well-kept lawns in a picturesque setting. Max Wiltshire from National Park runs a tidy hoop Play began at 8:30 am each day and after three, two and a quarter hour sessions, was due to finish at 4:30 pm. This allowed twenty four games to be played each day and a total of 72 games over all. A lot of competition in anyone’s language. Pam Gentle certainly enjoyed playing well on her home lawns Following play on the second day quite a few competitors tried their hand at a game of "jet". Competition was fierce and enjoyable with many keen to introduce that branch of croquet to their club. It seems croquet players simply cannot get enough of their favourite sport. Part of the crowd at the presentation on Wednesday Martyn Prins from Mosman was the eventual winner of Block A with an undefeated six games under his belt and a very controlled exhibition of association croquet to his credit. Block A winner.. Martyn Prins Tournament Manager, Joan Boyle listens to Pam Ingham’s presentation acceptance speech Maitland player Peter Smith won Block C with an undefeated 5 games closely followed by Jill Manton from Toronto who won 4 games and was unlucky not to have defeated Peter in their match. MCC president, Lynn Dooley presents Trevor black with his award for winning Block D A number of handicap changes resulted from the tournament and all players seemed to have had en enjoyable experience. It is hoped the tournament will grow even more next year and if the quality of the field is matched in 2010, competition should be excellent. Joan Boyle Tournament Manager. |