ISSN 2208-4924
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
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.
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.
A full field of 12 players produced a thrilling final. New Reynolds trophy introduced honouring 20 years of Golf Croquet stewardship. GC now the most popular code — 34 singles and 48 doubles entries.
Werner and Dennise won the George Hartman Metropolitan GC Challenge Tier 1 Doubles, then claimed the Tier A Doubles Title at the Darling Downs. Werner also finished runner-up in the Tier A Singles.
Murray managed to peg out in all games and drop his handicap. Yes, he did win, with Sarah Widin coming second. Tournament Manager Wallace Roy made for a perfect two days of play.
Beth’s skill and endurance was awe-inspiring. She beat three State players and one former State player in the space of two days at Wynnum. Chris braved the heat to help out as referee.
Perfect conditions for two days of play in the Association doubles handicap. Gavin Clarke and Eunice Frater led Southport to victory with Coolangatta close behind at 43 points.
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.
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.
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.
It’s so good to give a positive comment on the playing surface after all the concerns of recent years. The Pennant season has commenced and Wednesday afternoon golf croquet remains popular.
Mary McMahon placed 2nd in the NSW Women’s Open Singles Championship. With a huge stadium going up for the Olympics nearby, keeping people on the lawns has never been more important.
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.
David Scott’s Development Squad focuses on players credibly aiming for State selection. Cherry Street’s all-ladies Pennants squad has two outstanding wins under Robbie Allen’s captaincy.
Julie Kiessling won the Division 3 Ricochet Singles at Toowoomba. Back home, Grounds Director Ken Clarke and his small team of volunteers keep four quality courts in superb condition.
President Ann Rawding won the Plate at the NSW Women’s GC Tournament. The Bunnings BBQ raised valuable funds. Division 2 Pennants saw competitive matches and good sportsmanship on home lawns.
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.
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.
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.
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.