Joint effort as croquet clubs across the region host state championships

THE Northern Rivers has reinforced its reputation as one of the state’s premier croquet venues after hosting the NSW Golf Croquet Advantage Doubles and Advantage Singles Championships.

The five-day championships were co-hosted by Cherry Street Sports and the croquet clubs of Ballina, Byron Bay and Lismore.

Tournament manager David Scott said the championships continued to attract strong fields and showcased the region’s growing reputation for hosting state-level competitions.

“This is the sixth consecutive year we’ve hosted a NSW state event in the Northern Rivers,” he said.

“Most of the competitors are visiting from outside the area. We get players from Queensland, the ACT and right across New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney.

“We’ve had good numbers this year, with 16 pairs in the doubles and 24 players in the singles.”

The Northern Rivers has state representative players who helped run and compete in the event with Ray Chapman assisting Scott as the tournament referee.

Cherry Street Croquet Club Ballina hosted the Advantage Doubles Championship, while the singles competition was played across three locations.

Golf croquet continues to grow in popularity across Australia, attracting players of all ages and abilities with its blend of strategy, precision and tactical play.

Often regarded as the more social version of the sport, it has developed a strong following among people who enjoy the tactical challenge of games such as chess and snooker.

“Golf croquet can be very competitive, but it’s generally more social,” Scott said. “Everybody’s out on the lawn at the same time and the games are quicker, usually taking between 50 and 70 minutes, whereas association croquet is often two-and-a-half hours.”