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Follow all the results on Croquetscores.

Women’s Event. Men’s Event

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Winning Team: Hall Head 1 Michael Gittens, Inga Rollinger, Steve Robb

Block B

Block A

Full results on Croquetscores. Block A Block B Final

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Why is it called THE OPENSHAW SHIELD ?

It was named after David Openshaw who had a distinguished playing career spanning over 20 years and was WCF President 2004 – 2009.

The Shield was:

Conceived in Britain: When it was decided to have a Teams Event for Golf Croquet along the lines of the AC team event Macrobertson Shield David offered to provide the trophy.

Made in New Zealand: on the recommendation of Chris Clarke, Ray Atkins of Christchurch crafted the shield with the silver work done by Nicola Roake

With an Australian Heritage: The Shield is based on the trophy donated for the AC event by Australian MacPherson Robertson .

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Australian Under 21 Tournaments conclude with singles.

The Championships concluded on 13 February 2025 with the best of three singles final, in which Ethan Gumbrell (Canberra) beat Michael McLean (Golden Square) 7:2 7:3.

Ethan dominated the tournament, with nine wins from nine games in the round robin.

Michael McLean placed second at the end of the round robin. He played exceptionally well, winning seven of his nine games, including defeating three players ranked above him. Although it doesn’t show in the scoreline, he contested every hoop in the final, with some excellent clearance shots and placements.

Third and fourth at the end of the round robin were Jamie Fleming (Kingston, Tas), and James Wombwell (Casterton, Victoria), both on six wins, followed by Ben Bowen (Nowra NSW) and Peter Crook (Woodville, SA) both on five wins.

The range of handicaps in this event was strikingly wide, from -1 to 16, though most of the competitors were playing off handicaps of 6 to 8. It was pleasing that every player in the event won at least one game.

There was a great spirit of camaraderie in this tournament – including some very welcome sharing of watermelon and a surge of activity by everyone to pack up the courts at the end of play. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, including the Croquet Victoria volunteers who set up the courts and briefed the tournament organiser, Terri and Bill Manwaring who provided catering, the referee team led by Graham Smith (including Croquet Australia representative Jacky McDonald), and all the parents, grandparents and siblings who came along in support. Special thanks to Greater Western Water, who donated 50 water bottles. Wonderful to be able to ensure everyone could keep hydrated – these Under 21 events included several very hot days.

We look forward to seeing all the competitors – and hopefully friends they have enticed into the game – at the 2026 Under 21 tournaments in Hobart next January. (Croquet Victoria – Facebook)

Full results on Croquetscores.

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From the Clubs

Forrest Park

The new year has kicked off at Forrest Park with two new competitions – the Beaucott Property Challenge Ladder, and the Summer Sunday Singles comp.

The Challenge Ladder is in place between December to end July, followed by a finals weekend in August. Prizes have been kindly donated by Beaucott Property in Mt Lawley. Forrest Park players challenge someone one or two places above them on the ladder. If the challenger wins, they take that spot; if they lose, no change.

The inaugural Summer Singles competition is being played on Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 January 2025 from 4pm to 10pm, using the recently trialled Advantage Handicap system. Sixteen players, from many clubs, have entered, and attracted A, B, C and D grade players. Spectators welcome.

It’s a great start to the year! Let the games begin!

Follow the Summer Singles progress on Croquetscores.

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Sorrento – Back on the Lawns

“Back out playing Croquet for the new year and what a lovely day. Our croquet family spreads far and wide as we farewell Elaine who has been visiting from the UK.”

You are never too young nor too old to play croquet!

Sorrento Croquet Club is a welcoming community, offering both competitive and social opportunities for members of all ages.

The club’s emphasis is on inclusion, skills development, and social involvement.

With the offer of three free sessions, this makes it a great place for people new to croquet or those looking to engage with a local club.

Winter

Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 12:45 for 1:00pm start.

Thursday 10:00am for 10:15am start.

Summer

Tuesday 16:15 for 16:30

Wednesday and Saturday 12:45 for 1:00pm start.

Thursday 9:00 for 9:15am start.

Ricochet Croquet

Fridays: 10:00 for an 10:15 am start.  Phone Jan 0412482833 to confirm.

For more information on playing croquet at Sorrento, please email us at sorrentocroquet@gmail.com

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York

York Croquet Club members playing under a colourful night sky.

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Southern Hub – Midweek GC Pennants

Fantastic to see so many players lining up to represent their clubs. For many, it will be their first competition experience and so we wish them well.

Southern Hub Midweek Pennants Block A

Southern hub Midweek Pennants Block B

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Malcolm and Robert have both won through to the final of the US Open.

Full results on Croquetscores. Be sure to watch the live stream tonight.

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• Winner: Ethan Gumbrell
• Runner Up: Jamie Fleming

Full results on Croquetscores.

Doubles start today. Singles on Sunday.

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Follow on Croquetscores. Link to streaming in earlier post.

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