Croquet Tournament Results

SUMMARY 2016

* detailed results not available

DETAILED RESULTS 2016

AC 5 & Under Doubles, 13th - 14th February 2016

GC Division 3 Doubles, 22nd - 23rd February 2016

CNSW GC Division 3 doubles were played at Nowra on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of February in very hot weather. 26 players representing Canberra Taree, Wollongong, Jamberoo, West Street Nowra and Nowra. The players were divided into two blocks and as there 6 pairs in one block and 7 in the other a cross over round robin was played with players from block A playing all players in block B and vice versa followed by semi-finals with the winners of block A, Graeme Lovell (Nowra)and Ray Hales (West Street) playing the runners-up in block A Simon Fisk (Canberra) and Bob Williamson (Nowra) won by Bob and Simon 7/4 and the Winner of Block B Larry Becroft and Brian Mitchell both of Nowra Playing Sandra and Jeff Howchin of Jamberoo. Won by Brian and Larry. 7/2. The final between Brian and Larry and Bob and Simon was won by Brian and Larry 7/5

Thank you to Robyn and John Compton from CNSW, Rik Mills from Orange and all Nowra members who helped to make the tournament the wonderful success that it was

Photos are here and at nowracroquetclub.com.

GC Division 3 Singles, 24th - 26th February 2016

Under extreme summer conditions, the Tournament commenced on Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th February 2016 The forecast temperature on Thursday was to reach 40 degrees so it was decided to begin play at 7am. Rik Mills was seen with head lights setting up the courts at 6am. By 11am the temperature had reached 36 so Tournament manager Margaret Sawers decided to suspend play and again begin at 7 am on Friday with Rik again setting up in the dark!!

Eight players contested the quarter finals, Brian Mitchell v Terry Hoffman won by Terry 7/6, Sandra Howchin v Jeff Howchin won by Sandra 7/6, Larry Becroft v Maureen McCowan won by Larry 7/2 and Robyn Wilson v Graeme Lovell won by Robyn 7/4

Semi-finals Terry v Larry won by Larry 7/5 and Robyn v Sandra won by Sandra 7/5.

Sandra then beat Larry 7/6

Thank you to Robyn and John Compton, Rik Mills and all Nowra members who helped to make the tournament the friendly event that our club is known for

Photos are here and at nowracroquetclub.com.

AC 3 & Under Singles, 20th - 21st February 2016

GC Division 2 Doubles, 7th - 8th March 2016

The CNSW Division 2 Doubles were played on the 7/8th March at the impressive Bateau Bay complex better known as EDSACC. 13 teams faced the starter representing 9 different clubs, Maitland, Toronto, Sutherland, Wollongong, Sydney, EDSACC, Port Hacking, Mt Sugarloaf, Macquarie City. Play began on Monday in idyllic conditions with all eager to play well. As the temperature rose all players found the going tough but battled on. The top two in each block qualified for Tuesday pm semi-finals. These were Tony McArthur & Sue Booth(Sutherland), Suzy Parfait & John Aldridge(EDSACC), Lynda Toms & Lorraine Hatfield(Pt Hacking) and Cheryl Patterson & Hazel Gibbons(EDSACC). Both semis went to the team that placed second in the block , the teams from EDSACC. The final went hoop for hoop until the youngsters Hazel and Cheryl won at the 13th. This win was very popular as the girls had been beaten in the Division 3 Final 2015 at the 13th.

GC Division 2 Singles, 9th - 11th March 2016

18 players lined up on Wednesday 9th March for the 3 days of singles play, 2 days of block play followed by ¼ finals, ½ finals and best of 3 final on the Friday. The 9 clubs represented were Wollongong, Mt Sugarloaf, Toronto, Manly, Port Hacking, EDSACC, Sutherland, Hurstville and Myall Park. Players were placed into 2 seeded blocks of 9. Unfortunately 2 players dropped out of Block A after play had commenced day 1, one early in the day and the other at the end of play. The first was due to illness and the other for personal reasons. This considerably weakened Block A with now only 7 players.

However, Bill Kerton playing in his first ever competition and burdened with an initial 6 handicap overcame the odds to place first in Block A. Lorraine Hatfield(Port Hacking) was 2nd , Tony McArthur(Sutherland) 3rd and Edward Lyng(Toronto)4th. Ted was most surprised but ecstatic to know that he was coming back Friday.

Block B was even more competitive with the last match on Thursday determining final positions. Chris Williamson(Toronto) another newcomer to Tournament play topping the block on net hoops from Warwick Hempel(EDSACC). Hardened veteran hooper Bernie McAlary(Wollongong) and a surprised Kevin Parkes(Toronto) rounded out the top 4.

The ¼ finals did not follow the script with all favourites beaten. Kevin defeated a sick Bill 7/2, Tony overcame an unwell Warwick 7/2, Lorraine crushed Bernie 7/5 while Ted defeated a nervous Chris.

The semis went to Tony and Ted - note they both came out of the short Block A finishing 3rd and 4th. Tony won the final comfortably 7/2, 7/6 although there were some nervous moments in the second as Ted rallied from 1/5 down to 6/6.

Congratulations to the winners and well done all players over a very hot/humid week. Thankfully EDSACC is beautifully landscaped and the shade trees were much appreciated and not just by the bird life.

Thanks to all referees who made all matches run smoothly, TR Sylvia and all the EDSACC workers some of whom began at 6am to get the lawns pristine, plus the kitchen workers who ensured all players were well fed.

GC NSW Men's Singles Championship, 2nd - 4th April 2016

AC Platinum Singles, 16th - 18th April 2016

GC NSW Women's Singles Championship, 29th April - 1st May 2016

AC Bronze Singles, 29th February - 4th March 2016

AC Gold Singles, 2nd - 4th May 2016

GC Division 1 Pennants, 31st May - 3rd June 2016

Seven teams entered for the 2016 event - but Cammeray could not field a team - so, the six teams - Canberra, Nowra, Sutherland, Manly, Killara and Maitland were able to meet at CNSW Headquarters (Tempe) for a three-day program of play.

Prior to the three-day program each team had played a preliminary match.

Play on the first day (Tuesday) started in perfect weather (sunshine and not too cool) but then the heavens opened for considerably heavy showers. This meant the players moved faster and we finished mid-afternoon.

Wednesday was even worse weatherwise but the players did well in the conditions.

Last day Thursday was perfect weatherwise. One of the morning matches stopped at "1 game all" since it made no difference to the team outcome - and - it meant we could get the players out onto the lawns for the afternoon matches.

I suppose you want to know the outcome - Canberra took the title from Maitland who fell by the wayside in their match with Canberra.

But, as the players all said... "bring on 2017 Pennants".

Thanks go to the Referees, who, once again gave their time and expertise - Lynda Toms (3 days), Wendy Fothergill ( 2 days), Bill Munns, Ron Johnstone and John Compton.

And yes, thanks to our small band of spectators (all from Sutherland).

Thanks also to Peter Freer et al for entering the results onto Croquet Scores for all the eager eyes to keep informed.

Robyn Compton
GC Pennants Organiser for CNSW Tournament Committee

GC Division 2 Pennants, 9th June 2016

On Thursday 9 June the four teams, Toronto, Mosman Blue, Wollongong White and Canberra assembled for their fight for the Division 2 Golf Croquet Pennants title for 2016.

Congratulations to the four teams for reaching this stage!!

The Semi-Finals pitted Wollongong White (Maureen Waters, Joan Christopher, Rin Draisma, Lenora Everton) against Mosman Blue ( Rob Wright, David Snedden, Lyn Day, Richard Westgarth) whilst Canberra ( Judy Tier, Adrienne Fazekas, Andrew Davies, Gerda Lambeck) took on Toronto ( Ted Lyng, Kevin Parkes, Robert Knox, Chris Williamson).

The results were Wollongong White defeated Mosman Blue (2 Matches to 0, 1 drawn, 5 games to 2, 42 hoops to 35) and Canberra defeated Toronto ( 2 Matches to 1, 5 games to 3, 50 hoops to 39).

This meant Wollongong White played Canberra in the Final.

Canberra's team (Kate McLoughlin, Adrienne, Andrew and Gerda) defeated Wollongong White (Maureen, Joan, Rin and Lenora) - 2 Matches to 1, 4 games to 3, 41 hoops to 42.

Very close and action packed!

Well Done Canberra on your win! This means Canberra has won the 2016 Division 1 and Division 2 GC Pennants.

Thanks once again to the team of Referees - Bev Smith, Wendy Fothergill, John Compton, Peter Freer and myself. The players all appreciated playing their matches under Referee scrutiny and expertise.

Also, we had spectators too!! Thanks for your support of our teams and our sport.

Robyn Compton
GC Pennants Organiser for CNSW Tournament Committee

GC Selectors 1st 8, 11th - 12th June 2016

GC Selectors 2nd 8, 11th - 12th June 2016

AC NSW Open Men's Singles Championship, 20th - 22nd June 2016

There were five initial round robin blocks A to E which qualified 16 players into the main draw in four round robin blocks J to M plus a block N.

The top two players from blocks J to M played the main draw knockout.

GC Division 3 Pennants, 16th June 2016

On a beautiful, sunny Thursday 16 June morning the four semi-finalists, Nowra, EDSACC, Killara and Mosman White met eager for action in their quest for the 2016 Division 3 Golf Croquet Pennants title.

The semi-finals varied in length between 1 ½ and 4 hours.

Killara (Ann Munro, Sylvia Harrison, Lindsay Munro and Ron Bradner) played against Nowra (Marie McLean, Bob Davis, Terry Hoffman and Di Milne) whilst Mosman White (Di Stafford, Anne De Mestre, John Owen and Lynn Snedden) took on EDSACC (Sue Yule, Patsy McCaskie, Peter Holt and Margaret Mellander).

The results were Nowra defeated Killara ( 2 matches to 0, 1 drawn, 5 games to 1, 40 hoops to 28), and EDSACC defeated Mosman White ( 2 Matches to 1, 5 games to 3, 50 hoops to 47).

So, the Final was between the two Red and White, non-metropolitan teams - with each match going the full distance of 3 games.

Nowra ( Bob Davis, Graham Lovell, Terry Hoffman and Di Milne) defeated EDSACC ( Sue Yule, Patsy McCaskie, Peter Holt and Margaret Mellander) - 3 Matches to 0, 6 games to 3, 54 hoops to 44.

Well done to both teams - you kept the spectators on the edge of their seats with your close tussle for supremacy.

Great to see the debutante EDSACC perform so well, and Congratulations to the victors, Nowra, with their keen team, many of whom had played earlier in the year at the CNSW Div 3 GC Doubles / Singles hosted by Nowra on our behalf.

Thanks again to the Referees - Wendy Fothergill, John Compton, John Eddes, Margaret Sawers and myself. Another good day's work!

Robyn Compton
CNSW Golf Croquet Pennants Organiser for the CNSW Tournament Committee

GC NSW Open Doubles, 24th - 26th June 2016

GC ACA Bronze Medal, 2nd - 3rd July 2016

On the weekend of the 2nd/3rd July, the Australian Croquet Association Golf Croquet Bronze Medal was played at Tempe, and it proved a weekend of major upsets, with the three bottom seeds in the tournament upstaging their more qualified rivals to make the finals.

The ACA Bronze Medal is an invitation only event which brings together the state's top players, with the winner going on to represent NSW in the Australian Gold Medal in Perth at the end of August.

Rapidly improving Nowra player David Hanbidge was a late inclusion, invited at the last moment to replace Peter Smith, who withdrew on Friday 1st July. He received his invitation Friday afternoon and had to be at Tempe to start play at 8am Saturday.

David slotted in as the lowest seeded player in the competition and said he felt honoured just to be asked to fill in.

The format was two blocks of four players, with the top two players from each block proceeding through to semi-finals.

David showed signs early that he was playing well when he upset the event's no. 1 seed John Levick in block play. John later beat Peter Montague to allow David to pass through to the semi-finals. Trevor Thornton from Port Macquarie joined David as the qualifiers from block A.

In block B, the upsets continued with the bottom seed in that block, David Woods from Sutherland, going through block play undefeated. Steven Harden finished runner-up in the block, and that pair moved through to Sunday's semi-finals.

Sunday's first semi-final saw a battle of the two Davids, with David Hanbidge beating David Woods 7/5, 7/5.

The second semi-final was also won in straight games by Trevor Thornton over State player Steve Harden from Tamworth.

On super slippery fast greens, the final turned out to be a thriller. With games locked at one a piece, Trevor looked like he had the medal in his keeping with a handy 5-2 lead in the third and deciding game. But David showed great tenacity to hang-in and won the remaining five hoops in a row to snatch a 7-5 win.

The result is even more significant, given David only started playing golf croquet a little over a year ago. He recently participated in NSW GC development squad coaching at Tempe run by Peter and Rosie Landreabe and Alix Verge. He credits the advice and encouragement from these top players, and coaching from his friend, former Australian representative Max Donati, for his rapid improvement.

GC NSW Junior Championship, 8th - 9th July 2016

The CNSW Junior Championship was held at Tempe on Friday and Saturday 8/9th July. These dates were set in the middle of the school holidays in an effort to encourage more school age competitors.

There were six competitors and they played a round robin best- of- three thirteen point event.

Four of the competitors are in the Under 21 Development Squad in preparation for selection to play in the World Under 21 Under 21 Championships next February. Certain events and practices have been set down for them to attend so that we can check on their progress. It is pleasing to see the improvement in their skills and approach to the game from all of them.

I was really pleased to see two new faces - Bill and Roy Nelson from Cammeray. I thought they played well and was impressed with the improvement from both of them on the second day.

The winner was Jack Williams from Traralgon club in Victoria who was undefeated over the five rounds and his handicap triggered to 1. Lana Sexton (Manly) was runner up with Jamie Gumbrell (Canberra) third on a countback. Anthony Dask from Elsternwick Victoria was fourth and Roy and Bill Nelson fifth and sixth.

All players certainly had practice in playing in difficult circumstances. Friday was wet and cold and Saturday was just cold.

At the conclusion of the competition the development squad members had a coaching session with Alix Verge, Barb Piggott and Peter Landrebe. They all found that well worthwhile.

My thanks to Barb and Bev Smith for refereeing and to John Eddes for setting up the Croquet Scores on the computer and Rosie and Peter Landrebe who administered it.

Jacky McDonald
CNSW Director of Junior Croquet

GC NSW Open Singles Championship, 15th - 17th July 2016

AC Pennants, Finals 26th - 28th July 2016

The AC pennants for 2016 attracted entries from 16 teams, 6 each in the Bronze and Silver divisions and two each in the Gold and Premier divisions. Unfortunately, one of the Premier division teams, Nowra, was unable to come up with a team to play Cammeray, so that competition did not go ahead.

In the Bronze division, there were once again two teams from Cammeray, plus a team from each of Chatswood, Killara, Mosman and Strathfield. Chatswood went through the season undefeated to win the title, closely followed by the Cammeray B team, with just the one loss.

Congratulations to Chatswood players Torben Albaek, Kirt Fanning and Ted Woodley, all relatively new to the game. Torben played five games, three doubles and two singles, and won them all. Kirt played three singles games and won them all, and Ted won four of his five singles games. Team captain Jan Miley did a good job of leadin her team of relatively new players, and also won three of her five doubles matches.

For the third year in a row, the second Cammeray team finished ahead of the first team, much to their delight.

Overall, 40 players took part in this competition, which begs the question “why do we have so much trouble getting players for events such as the Bronze Singles, the Bronze Brooch and the Bronze Handicap Singles?”. I would like to see clubs really encouraging their pennants players to take the next step by entering a Croquet NSW singles event.

The Silver division had teams from Cammeray, Chatswood, Killara, Maitland, Manly and Mosman. Cammeray and Maitland each only lost one match, with Cammeray taking the title with an 11-4 games margin to Maitland's 8-7.

For Cammeray, David Surridge played five games, four singles and one doubles, and won them all. Georgie Ofner played three games, two doubles and one singles, and won them all. For Maitland, captain Wal Mills, a relative newcomer to AC, played five games of singles and won four of them.

Thirty-six players took part in these games, yet it is almost impossible to get enough players for CNSW Silver events (Silver Singles, Silver Doubles, Silver Handicap Singles, Silver Brooch) to be run. Why is it so?

Only two clubs took part in the Gold division, Cammeray and Killara. They played a best of three match series, with Cammeray winning both matches and the title. In the first match, after decisive wins by Sue Nichols (Cammeray) in the singles and Peter Montague and Ron Humpherson (Killara) in the doubles, a tense battle between Annette du Preez (Cammeray) and Ron Buist (Killara) resulted in a close win to Annette after the bell.

The return match at Cammeray once again saw Sue Nichols win comfortably, and Peter Montague outlasted Steve Miles to leave the singles games at one each. In the doubles, Annette du Preez and Barbara McDonald had a very tight golden hoop win to win the match and the title.

David Stanton
CNSW Tournament Committee

GC Division 1 Doubles and Singles, 14th - 18th August 2016

Forster Croquet Club was the perfect venue for this year's Golf Croquet Division 1 Doubles and Singles, with its immaculate four lawns and dedicated members who worked hard covering all aspects of hosting an event for CNSW. We, CNSW and the players, thank Forster for being the perfect hosts. This is the second time Forster has hosted this event - no mean feat! Well Done and Thanks!

In the Doubles, 9 pairs hotly contested their single game round robin with the top two pairs playing a best of three Final - 16 of the 18 players came from country clubs. At the end of the round robin phase, five (5) teams had each won five of their matches. The top two pairs - John Levick / Peter Smith and Peter Coles / Elaine Coles proceeded to the Final. The other three pairs( in finishing order) John Compton / John Pace, Lesley Easton / Tony Hall, Joe Dimech/ Barbara McTiernan had to join the group of around 40 spectators to watch Peter and Elaine Coles defeat John Levick and Peter Smith, 7/4,7/6 in a tightly fought match which lasted for 1 ¾ hours. Congratulations to the Coles team.

The Singles had two blocks of 11 players (a total of 22 croquet addicts) each trying to produce their best Golf Croquet and proceed to the best of three games SemiFinals and Final. Again the groups were hotly contested. In both blocks the top players had won 7 or 8 of their matches. So, after the countback was employed the SemiFinalists were John Levick, David Woods, Peter Freer and Tony Hall. Over 30 spectators watched John Levick defeat David Woods and Peter Freer defeat Tony Hall. The Final went to three games with John Levick the victor over Peter Freer ( 7/4,2/7,7/3) after 1 ½ hours. Congratulations to all players and especially John and Peter ( both of whom will be representing NSW in the upcoming Australian Mens and the Interstate Shield).

Special thanks to the team of Referees, ably coordinated by the TR, Pat Johnston, who ensured all courts were ably refereed. Again, Well Done to everyone concerned in making this event such a resounding success.

Robyn Compton
Tournament Manager on behalf of CNSW Tournament Committee