Twelve of Queensland's finest Association Croquet players will travel to Perth from 15–19 April to contest the Eire Cup, Australia's premier interstate croquet competition.
Back Row (Left to Right): Sarah Widin, Kathie Grant, Elaine Berridge, Jacky Lynch (C), Heather Knight (M), Yuni Rowell
Front Row (Left to Right): Greg Bury, Dave Luxmoore, Chris Borlase, Greg Whymark, Bruce Ford, Shane Davis
The team was selected after a gruelling season of qualifying events, capped by the Steve Jones Cup held at Bribie Island on 21–22 March. That competition was the final trial before the squad headed west.
The Steve Jones Cup saw 16 players compete in two blocks of seven games. By the end of Game 6 on Sunday, any three players in each block could have gone through to the final — the margins in games won and net hoops were that tight. Game 7 was the decider.
Shane Davis from Windsor topped the Blue Block, while Dave Luxmoore from Burleigh Heads/Palm Beach won the Red Block. Their final was an excellent demonstration of controlled ball movement around the court — snooker on grass, as one spectator put it. Shane prevailed 23–21 in a finish where several hoops were made after time was called and either player could still have won.
We wish the entire Queensland team the best of luck in Perth. Bring home the Eire Cup!
Playing in the Queensland Association Croquet team is Southport club member Kathie Grant. Best wishes to Kathie and to all of the Queensland players.