Social games are a big hit

Spectators witnessed some excellent croquet played by 58 players from Rich River and nine other clubs in Victoria and NSW — Albury, Benalla, Deniliquin, Echuca-Moama, Kyabram, Quarry Hill, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Six competitors won all four of their games and the result came down to the number of hoops won over the day’s competition.

There was a mere five hoop difference between first place and sixth.

The winner was John James of Deniliquin with a hoop score of 34.

Tied in second spot were Ian Grant and Russ Smyth of Rich River on 32 hoops.

The "closest to the peg" shoot-out for runner up position was won by Russ by a matter of a few inches.

Also in the top six were Bruce Blay of Benalla and Marg Gleeson and Pauline Phillips of Shepparton.

Hoops in one were scored by Jeff Pumpa of Echuca Moama, Jenny Grose of Shepparton, Dave Maher of Rich River and Carol Becker of Rich River.

Carol also scored a second hoop in one on a short hoop which doesn’t count on the record and she won second prize in the raffle.

A good result for Carol.

On Thursday, March 7 members were joined in golf croquet by eight visitors from Williamstown on their annual visit to the club, and three other visitors from Tweed Heads, Deniliquin and Echuca Moama.

A total of 28 played doubles.

Only two players won all three games.

Russ Smyth took out the day on hoops scores and Bev Floyd was runner up.

Russ, Helen Brierley and Eddie Pickering from Tweed Heads scored hoops in one.

Visitors and new members are always welcome to join golf croquet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am.

Enquiries can be made to Marjorie Grant on 5480 9985 or Bev Floyd on 0400 799 987.

Echuca Moama

On Friday, March 8 numbers were up with the weather not so hot, with some of our members still competing in their club championship games and the others playing king ball before lunch and singles after lunch.

Beryl Ash and John Alstin were neck and neck all day, ending in a draw both having the same amount of hoops. Jan Tracey was runner-up.

Monday, March 11 saw 16 members enjoy their games of croquet, members that have been away when the club started the championships finished their games, three games of singles were played by the rest of the club members, John Alstin having a great run on the hoops winning all of his three games and receiving the Let’s Do Coffee Voucher, Jan Tracy the runner-up.

The highlight of the day was when married couple Peter and Jenny Van der Zande faced up against each other in the club championships.

Jenny had a bit of a nervous start but finally settled in the groove and played some good croquet with lots of encouragement from the gallery.

The final score of the day was seven to Peter and four to Jenny which did not really portray what a great game of croquet they played, well done to you both.

It really was a most enjoyable game of croquet to watch.

On Tuesday, March 12 four of our members had a good day when they joined Rich River Croquet Club for their social day, it was a very well run event.

Croquet is a fun game, why not come and join us at Vic Park.

Free lessons are available.

For information, call John Alstin on 0418 505 614.