ISSN 2208-4924

Croquet Newsletter

Queensland & Northern New South Wales

Issue 2, Volume 26 — March / April 2026

Welcome to the March/April Croquet Newsletter. Lots of events are on so it's great to receive news from everyone. We appreciate it's a difficult time with floods further North and now the fuel issues adding to our woes. Our thoughts are with everyone as we work through these difficult times. To everyone who has written in with their news and photos — a big thanks.

Cover Story

Queensland Heads to Perth for the Eire Cup

Twelve of Queensland's finest Association Croquet players travel to Perth from 15–19 April to contest the Eire Cup, Australia's premier interstate croquet competition. After a gruelling selection process capped by the Steve Jones Cup at Bribie Island, the squad is match-fit and ready.

April 2026

Read the full story →
Q. Why was the mobile phone wearing glasses? A. Because it lost its contacts.

Competition Results

Competition · Bribie Island

Davis Edges Luxmoore 23–21 in Steve Jones Cup Final

Shane Davis and Dave Luxmoore produced an excellent demonstration of controlled ball movement — like watching ‘snooker on grass’. Several hoops were made after time was called before Davis finally pegged out.

Gwen Connolly

Community & Clubs

Milestone · Toowoomba

West Toowoomba Celebrates 100 Years of Croquet

The Mayor spoke of the importance of clubs like this in the community fabric. Channel 7 screened an excellent report. Russell Belz presented the framed jacket and medals of Mrs Betty Belz as a memorial.

David Watherston
Award · Rockhampton

Kele Named Rockhampton Sportsperson of the Year

Steve Kele received the honour at this year’s Australia Day Awards, postponed due to flooding. His passion for Gateball and Croquet makes him a truly deserving recipient.

Cara MacPherson
Growth · Tweed Heads

Friendship Days and Come & Try Events Boost Tweed Membership

Tweed hit the New Year running with Friendship Days welcoming players from four clubs. Two Come and Try days in March helped boost membership numbers. St Patrick’s Day drew a great turnout.

President Janet & Secretary Danae
Club News · Brisbane

Eildon Members Log the Kilometres as Numbers Surge

Eildon has started 2026 with an increase in numbers leading to extra sessions. Members have visited Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and Wynnum. Desley took out the SC Open Singles.

Di Leahy
Club News · Sunshine Coast

Widin Leads The Range Charge as Regional Season Gathers Pace

Sarah Widin and Dianne Horsman took first and second in Division 2 Ricochet regionals. Wallace Roy achieved his first two-ball peg out. Vale Stuart Craig — a style on and off the courts that will be missed.

David Kerr

In Memoriam

Vale

Remembering Betty Adam: A Century of Croquet and Community

Former President of Burleigh Heads/Palm Beach (2001–2004), Mrs Betty Adam passed away peacefully on 8 February. She celebrated her centenary on 23 October 2022. Many newer AC players will remember her patience, precision and unmistakable enthusiasm.

Holli Edwards


Features

History · The Range, Maleny

Tom Howat: Nine Australian Championships and a Place on the Wall of Fame

A trip to the Australian Sports Museum revealed almost nothing about croquet — except the name Tom Howat on the Wall of Fame. Born in 1912, he won nine Australian Championships between 1955 and 1968, a total which remains unmatched.

David Kerr
History · Coolangatta

Croquet — A Curious Pastime: Challenging the Orthodox History

Peter Singh challenges the orthodox interpretation that croquet has Irish and French origins, emphasising instead the evidence of Spanish and Italian influence. Based on formative research and hypothesising.

Peter Singh, Coolangatta CC
Q. Why did the computer go to the dentist? A. To get his Bluetooth checked.