Sport

Gallery | Mallets in full swing at annual croquet tournament

By Daniel Webb

Mar 30, 2022

Good knock: Ian Pitt hits the ball with his mallet. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Numurkah Croquet Club was buzzing with action last week, with the Goulburn Valley Croquet Association’s annual Golf Croquet Open Singles Tournament.

Style: Mick Oliver uses his translucent mallet. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Players came from far and wide to be involved in the competition, with 42 players from 18 clubs descending on Numurkah, including people from as far away as Canberra.

Held over Wednesday, March 23, and Thursday, March 24, the tournament was a great success, with terrific conditions and perfectly manicured courts welcoming competitors.

Straight through: Jason Threlfall hits the ball through the hoop. Photo by Megan Fisher

There were three different divisions played on the day, with each separated into two ‘blocks’ before the winners of each block played off in a play-off final to decide who was the winner.

Lining it up: Shane Downie aims his shot. Photo by Megan Fisher

In division one, Shepparton’s John Young was too strong for Robert Jurey of Numurkah, winning 7-3 in the final.

Good day: John Young took out the top division on the day. Photo by Megan Fisher

Division two was a similarly one-sided affair, with Rod Bensley of Howlong defeating Sale’s Wilma Freeman 7-2.

Eyes on the ball: John James watches his shot roll. Photo by Megan Fisher

In division three, the Howlong Croquet Club took home another title, with Doug Nielsen defeating Helen Brierley of Rich River, 7-4.

These finals were the culmination of two days of strongly competitive action, with 28 matches recording nail-biting 7-6 results across the tournament.