Rich River
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The Rich River Association Croquet Anzac Classic was a great success.
Run over six days, it attracted many of Australia’s top AC players, including some who are placed high in the world rankings, including world number one Robert Fletcher.
As expected, spectators were treated to a high level of play.
Event one for handicaps three to 3.5 was played on the weekend in two blocks with the block leaders playing a decider.
Block one was won by Greg Hill of Brunswick with seven wins out of seven games and a nett hoop total of 101. He pegged out in all but one of his games.
Robert Fletcher of Ballarat-Alexandra was runner-up with six wins and 121 nett hoops.
In block two, Dwayne McCormick of Norwood and Chris Grant of Ringwood tied on six wins, with Dwayne taking winning position with 97 nett hoops against Chris’ 59.
Greg was the winner of the play-off, and division one, pegging out to beat Dwayne 26 hoops to 13.
Monday and Tuesday saw eight players compete in event two with handicaps of four to nine.
The winner was Chris Eiffert from Quarry Hill Croquet Club.
Chris played exceptionally well over both days, only losing one game out of seven, pegging out five times in her six wins, and with a nett hoop score of 97.
Runner-up was Paul Ryan of Melbourne Croquet Club. Paul won five out of seven games, pegged out three times, and had 72 nett hoops.
Close behind was Cheryl O'Dwyer of Yarrawonga who also won five games and pegged out three times, but lost the runner-up position with 51 hoops.
Event three for handicaps 10 to 14 and event four for 16 to 20 were played on Wednesday and Thursday.
Results weren’t available at the time of going to print and will be reported next week.
Players from the Goulburn Valley represented the region in the Victorian Croquet Association Regional Championships last weekend.
Russ Smyth of Rich River was third in division one where four players won seven games and had nett hoop scores of 15, 14, 13 and 12.
Peter Whittakers of Deniliquin was runner-up in division two, missing top spot by one game although he scored more hoops than the winner.
In division three Graham Tyack of Numurkah came fifth out of 12 after some close games.
Goulburn Valley was also the proud recipients of the perpetual Lefel Shield for the team scoring the most hoops in the competition.
On Thursday, April 29, 16 members were joined by Jan and Keith from Coutts Crossing Croquet Club for golf croquet doubles.
At the end of play there were three players on three wins. Our winner for the day was Sandra Retallick with a nett hoop score of +11.
Runner-up was James Gunn with nine hoops, while Leon Koch was just behind with eight.
The GVCA end of season closing event will be held at Euroa Croquet Club on Monday, May 10 when presentations will be made to winners of events during the year, followed by the association’s AGM.
Visitors and new members are always welcome to join golf croquet on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, or association croquet on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Be there at 9am for a 9.30am hit off.
Enquiries can be made to Marjorie on 5480 9985 or Helen on 0428 307 200.
Echuca Moama
What a way to start the week off, with 14 members coming out on the courts at club day to show what skills they have.
With everyone back in the swing of it now, there was plenty of laughter and opponents telling each other what a great shot or ‘oops you missed, better luck next time'.
That’s what club day is all about - people are there to enjoy the game, meet new friends and have some fun, though they can be serious when they have to.
There will be 12 members travelling over to Swan Hill on Friday, May 7. Good luck to all that are going.
Now for the winners for this week.
John Alstin was on fire and won all his games with a nett hoop score of 11. Not far behind was Jack Clee with a nett hoop score of six. Well done.
Jump shots were won by Mavis Peters with one, while Trevor Peters went one better and got two.
Hoops-in-one were hard to get this week, with every player trying to get them but were just off line.
Jill Graham and Sandy played against Dave Hocking and Dave beat them 7/2.
The King Ball this week was won by Vince Jessen with six. Vince played against Sandy, Lyn, and Mavis, who all want a rematch next week.
Anyone wishing to learn how to play the game of croquet can come on down to the Echuca Moama Tennis and Croquet Club.
Contact John Alstin on 0418 505 614.