Bribie Island players brave Tasmania tournament weather

Bribie Island players have been travelling to play croquet around the Sunshine Coast and beyond. One group recently went to Norfolk Island, and this month seven players set off for Tasmania.

Players came from South Australia and beyond for the tournament. The flight itself was an experience, with masks required the whole time. There was a technical problem that required a stop in Sydney to fix before continuing.

Bribie were warmly welcomed by the Mayor and the tournament began. Everyone commented on how smart the Bribie team looked in their uniform. They were the only people in uniform - some players were wearing ski pants and jackets, which should have warned them for what was to come.

Day one the sun shone, day two the wind was bitterly cold, day three was not much better and day four it poured with rain, was bitterly cold, and apparently it snowed on the hills. The Bribie players missed the sunshine and blue skies, and do not play in the rain at home. They were playing croquet in a paddling pool. When the balls were hit spray came off them and when they hit a pool of water they just stopped. Some contestants chickened out, but not the Bribie Bunch. Two of the players were the last two on the courts in the pouring rain and did win the game.

Two Bribie players made it to the finals in their group and played off against each other, so they were winner and runner-up. Well done Sandy and Dolly.

Sandy and Dolly, winner and runner-up in their group at the Tasmania tournament.

The doubles were a different matter as Bribie were playing State players who were far more accomplished. But they all played well and were complimented on their standard of play, and they gave them a run for their money but did not make it to the finals.

Why not come along to the club and give it a go? Just call the club house and leave a message. Join in the fun.

By Kathy Vincent, Bribie Island. From the Croquet Newsletter, June 2022, pages 4, 5.