Now the weather has improved, the interclub golf croquet competition is well under way. The three levels of play, Pennant (low handicappers), Shield (middle handicappers) and Plate (high handicaps) have all played in recent weeks. Results have been mixed, but promising.
On 6 June, our Pennant team travelled to Headland/Buderim to play. This is a tough competition with a number of highly skilled players, some at the state level. Noosa lost the day 7 games to 3. Rob Moncrieff had a good win against one of the top players in the competition in the singles, then teamed with Niven Gugich for a win in the doubles. This team then had a good win on Monday 4 July at home, beating Nambour very closely – games were even at 7 all, but Noosa won by 7 hoops. John Dark won both his singles, Galina Makarova won one singles and her doubles. At that point Noosa was third overall, on points difference behind Bribie Island. However on Monday 18 July, Noosa played Bribie Island at Noosa and won 10 – 0, a convincing victory. All Noosa players played very well. They are now running second to Headland/Buderim by one match, but well down on hoops.
On 13 June, the Plate team played a home game against Headland/Buderim at the Noosa courts. The result was 6 games to 4 to Noosa, but the result was closer than it looked. Headland played two players in their first competition, and the final doubles game had to be forfeited by Headland due to player illness. Unfortunate but in these days of Covid, something like that is always on the cards. Lorry Ryan of Noosa won both her singles games and teamed with William Godsall for a win in the doubles
On Monday 20 June the Plate team competed against Caloundra at home and won a very close contest where the final scores were five games to each team and the result went to hoops won, where Noosa was ahead by five. A close day and everyone enjoyed the competition. Teresa Martin stood out with three wins – her two singles and partnering William Godsall in the doubles. On Monday 11 July, the Plate team travelled to Bribie Island and lost narrowly 6- 4. Lorry Ryan had two wins in the singles and Lorry and William Godsall won their doubles. The team is currently second to Bribie Island, behind by one game.
The Shield team also played on 13 June, against Coolum at Coolum. This resulted in a win 6 games to 4. Sally Stopps won both her singles games and Richard Bawden and Cher Boyd teamed for a good win in the doubles. Well done to all here. On 11 July the Shield team had another good win against Caloundra at Caloundra 6 games to 4. Scores were level after the singles, but two wins in the doubles meant a good result for Noosa. Richard Bawden and Cher Boyd had three wins each. On Monday 2 July the Shield team played Nambour at Nambour, the result being Noosa 6 to Nambour 4 – a good win. Sally Stopps won all three of her games and Richard Bawden won 2 and lowered his handicap – well done. This win will keep the Shield team in a competitive position for their competition.
Overall the Club is in good form. Some newer members are making our games more interesting, and the colder weather makes for a different approach to preparation – difficult to recognise some members in long pants and jumpers. The greens remain in excellent condition and visitors, and there are a few, always comment on their reliability. Noosa is a popular spot for visitors from down south, and we have our regulars from New Zealand and Tasmania with us at the moment, escaping the colder southerly climes. Remember, Sunday mornings is always open to newcomers – come down and have a hit – lots of patient trainers to help you out. If interested, four free lessons are available before you need to make a decision about joining. Follow the road signs in Noosa Waters to Seashell Place. Queries to Niven on 0428799987.
