Croquet is thriving

Trophy winner Cher Boyd.

Noosa Croquet Club Continues to thrive in its attractive setting at Seashell Place Noosa Water with membership hovering around the 70 mark, and playing numbers are quite high even though the weather has been so hot. And wet. Players like their croquet so much they play through the rain.

The Club has just finished running its internal Golf Croquet Singles competition, the Jan van der Linden Trophy played on a round robin over a number of Saturday afternoons. The competition honours one long serving and hardworking member who passed away unexpectedly a few years ago. The first level contested was for those on higher handicaps, i.e. mostly newer players, and was keenly contested. Cher Boyd won through this level – congratulations.

The lower level handicap players have just completed their section of the competition and the winner was Rob Moncrieff with John Dark as runner-up. A close finish.

The Club was to host one event of the Regional Golf Championships in late March for players from all over the Sunshine Coast but unfortunately the heavy rains meant a cancellation. This may yet be rescheduled.

We are preparing for the interclub competitions which begins in April at three different levels – once these start we will be busy for a few months. In particular, the new Plate level of interclub competition looks to be exciting – this is particularly for newer and higher handicap players and is to be run with an emphasis on being an introduction to competition with a bit less strain and stress for the more serious competitions. Or so it is said! Nevertheless, social play continues on most days at the Club and fresh faces are always welcome.

This Sunday 3 April Noosa will be hosting a friendly competition against Nambour Croquet Club which is for newer players. This Haber-Gugich Shilled is an annual event for players who are just beginning and are not yet playing in serious competition. It introduces newer players to the rules and regulations of competitive play and has been quite successful. Currently Nambour holds the Shield but Noosa looks threatening.

Remember, Sunday mornings are always Come and Try mornings from about 8.30 a.m. so everyone is welcome to join in. Enquiries, ring Niven Gugich on 0428 799 987.