It is about time I highlighted the wonderful facilities at Gomm Park Croquet Club. Our courts are in the most amazing shape. No fake grass for croquet. It is all real grass. These photos were taken at our Monday afternoon play, right after a group from North Albany High finished their program. I asked some of the young people how they enjoyed croquet. “We loved it. So much fun”.
Beverley
Our WA State Open Ricochet Singles Championship was held on the 3rd & 4th of May and, in spite of dire warnings regarding a likely drenching on both days, we escaped with perfectly acceptable weather – the merest trace of a shower (and that was at lunch time!).
As well as the old hands, we had some strong new blood coming to the fore to stamp their authority.
The weekend seemed to be enjoyed by all with just the right number of games and change over time. Ultimately, our pinnacle event was reduced to 8 contestants, in fact a very workable number for competition organisation. We had placed a cap of 16 as being the maximum .manageable over two days, as we could foresee the event being oversubscribed, knowing the interest expressed around the State. However, divine intervention meant that many were away or were not in a position to attend that weekend. For example, 2 were in Japan, 2 in Queensland, 1 in Victoria, 1 on the high seas and others had a variety of reasons.
The signs do seem to be there that next year will see the numbers boosted. We did after all attract 16 players to the RC Doubles Championship (but with one couple opting out due to the extreme heat at that time). The event was won by Anthony Nelson from Dunsborough in his first competition, with Vince Sinagra (Cambridge) second on a hoop count from another Dunsborough player (it’s quite a breeding ground) Michael Demonakis.
Consequent to the Championships, I’ll be submitting our first Ricochet Handicap Rankings for publication on the Croquetwest web site. These will follow a similar pattern to the Golf Handicaps which I prepared for many years until the recent hand-over. The Rankings file itself will show the players ranked by Index Points (highest first.). The other listing will have players grouped together by Club membership. I’ll be pleased to receive feedback on the entries here as I’ve included not only active competing players but also those I know who are playing regularly, along with some who have played and may well return. It’s also likely that there are others who may wish to be removed as they are not contemplating being involved at this stage. Perhaps you could let me know if any of the following apply:-
Regarding club activity, I should report that the signs are looking healthy for Geraldton who are seeing 10 to 12 players each week with more potential newcomers in the wings. They are also considering holding their first ricochet championship next year. Very promising. Halls Head too, have assembled a very keen core of RC players. They’ll be playing every week and are keen to enter competitions. I believe Dunsborough will be holding their championship in June. Cambridge have been playing RC on Tuesdays and may well hold their first RC championship this year. Como’s regular Friday morning sessions continue with allcomers welcome. All in all, State RC is looking very promising. Keep up the good work.
On a sadder note we say goodbye to Denis and Dorothy Bull from York. They have been stalwarts of their club and staunch supporters of ricochet here in WA, to the extent of entering the RC Nationals last year. They will be moving permanently to Queensland to join the rest of their family over there. Unfortunately they won’t have much opportunity to continue with croquet as they’ll be a long way from the nearest club. Ah well, the end of an era.
That’s the news for now. Let me know of your club’s progress or activities if you’d like to spread the word.
Cheers.
Peter Hamilton.
The weather in Melbourne has been amazing. It’s not often that one doesn’t get to use a rain jacket!
Plate
Colin was the star at Nedlands today.
Judith playing AC in Bath.
Women: Judy Nicholls, Jennifer Brand, Megan Fardon
Men: Marcus McGavock, Simon Hadlow, Brian Scott, Rob Bowling, Harry Goff.
They’ll be training with the State Coach, Alan Sands, during May to September
East Fremantle Croquet Club along with the Katanning Croquet Club celebrated World Croquet Day this past weekend (3/4 May)with their annual GC Doubles tournament for the coveted “Frog on the Log” Trophy.
The Katanning team of 8 players travelled to East Fremantle determined to regain the trophy. The tournament featured 13 very competitive “trophy” matches along with lots of other games mixing members from each of the clubs together.
The Katanning team was victorious winning the tournament 8-5 over East Fremantle, they were delighted to be taking the trophy south.
All players enjoyed the games played in great spirit & with good sportsmanship. Plenty of time also to enjoy one another’s company & city hospitality, including dinner on the Saturday evening at Carnaby’s Bar & Restaurant situated in the new East Fremantle Community Park adjacent to the Croquet Club.
The photographs include:
1) Combined players of East Fremantle & Katanning
2) Christine Battersby (K)
3) Greg Jessop (K)
4) Dale Petherick (EF)
5) Peter Battersby (K)
6) The “Frog on the Log” Trophy
7) The Winners – Katanning
Full results on Croquetscores.
The East Fremantle Croquet Club held its 2025 Men’s GC Singles Club Championship on 1 May 2025 with 6 players (ready for play as photographed below) competing for the title in ideal weather conditions.
After a series of very competitive rounds the Championship was decided by the narrowest of margins – one net hoop with 4 wins each. David Fardon (3rd from the right) was the winner with Bill Turner the runner-up.
Full results on Croquetscores.
