Annual comp draws statewide competitors

CROQUET players from throughout Victoria took to the greens at the Alexandra Croquet Club as part of an open tournament.

The four-day singles event wrapped up yesterday with division one and two players swinging their mallets at the start of the week, while those in division three and four had their turn on Wednesday and Thursday.

The event was hosted by the Ballarat and District Croquet Association, and tournament manager Brian Reither said it brought an influx of players to the region.

“We’ve got people here from Eastern Park, Geelong, Macquarie Hill, Queenscliff and the Melbourne Cricket Club’s croquet club,” he said.

“We’ve got representatives from most parts of Victoria and this has been running for about 40 years and used to attract people from the Begonia Festival when it was a 12-day event.”

The winners received cash prizes following their second day of play.

Ballarat Alexandra Croquet Club member Mignon Johnston took part in the division one and two games on Monday and Tuesday.

Next week, she’ll represent Victoria in the annual Eire Cup tournament at the Victorian Croquet Centre in Cairnlea, and said the games have been a great leadup.

“Often this is very good just for the practice and getting your handicaps to go down so you can progress,” she said.

“When you start to play, you’re looking at the speed of the lawn. You’re looking at your shots so you can get your balls in the exact spot you want.

“The courts are really quite nice and it’s a very pleasant atmosphere where most people know each other very well.

“It’s lovely to have people come and join you because it gives these competitions so much more to work through and enjoy playing.”