Byron Bay celebrates an undefeated pennant season and strong Northern Rivers results

Greetings from Byron Bay, where rainbows have favoured the club. Stuart Elliott captured a double rainbow over the lawns early in June.

Byron Bay Croquet Club has enjoyed a perfect season in the Northern Rivers Croquet Association pennant competition, which included teams from Lismore, Cherry Street, Alstonville, Ballina and Casino. Defending the title won last year, Byron won all ten matches in the home and away series. The club became the first in the association's history to complete an undefeated pennant series, and used 11 players across the season as early success took some top players past the handicap limit.

Less experienced players trained by club coach Max Donati stepped up as the season progressed. The depth of talent reflects local enthusiasm for the sport, with two NSW state titles scheduled for the Northern Rivers area.

Byron Bay hosted the NSW Ricochet Division 3 Championship, attracting players from as far away as Sydney. Jeffery Regan from Strathfield defeated Ballina Cherry Street's Nolene Barnes in the final. Dennis Cummings from Byron and Penny Scott from Cherry Street Ballina also competed in the semi finals.

Social Sunday continued with July birthdays celebrated by Sue Hart, Dennise Simmons, Lyn Mickelborough and Werner Borkhardt.

Members sharing food and refreshments at the Social Sunday celebration.

The NSW State Division 2 Golf Croquet Championship was shared with Ballina clubs in June. Byron member Stuart Elliott came third in the semi-finalist play-off. Newly certified referees from Byron, Max, Dennise, Jed and Denis, were called upon for the games. Denis has also been certified as a ricochet referee.

Stuart Elliott playing at the NSW State Division 2 Golf Croquet Championship.

In early July, players from the six NRCA clubs enjoyed the fellowship and friendly rivalry of the annual Golf Croquet championships. Byron successes included Geoff Young as Novice Singles champion, with Jude Wassell third; Denis Cummings and Richard Buxton winning the OBE doubles; Jed Hart and Geoff Leach winning the Advantage Doubles; Dennise Simmons runner up in the Ladies Advantage Singles; and Helen Mackay from Lismore, also an Associate Byron member, winning the Advantage Open Singles with Jed Hart runner up.

Referees Max Donati and Dennise Simmons.

Werner Borkhardt back on the lawns during recovery.

Dennise Simmons assisting with hospitality.

On 19 July, Byron hosted a PACE coaching clinic, which quickly filled to capacity. Participants gained skills and knowledge from visiting coaches from NSW Croquet.

Denis Cummings and Barbara Barrett visited Bribie Island for the Terminator Mallets Ricochet Competition over 19 and 20 July. The competition gave them excellent experience and a chance to catch up with friends and make new ones.

Barbara Barrett and Denis Cummings at Bribie Island.

Other members have also been travelling: Jed Hart in Melbourne refereeing at the Australian National Doubles; Max Donati in Europe playing games and attending coaching clinics; Gerd and Inga Modlich travelling up the Queensland coast to Port Douglas; Colin and Jeanette Beaton in Adelaide; and Stuart Elliott at Wimbledon, where he politely enquired about playing croquet on the lawns. Visitors from Port Macquarie and Sydney clubs have also called in.

By Colin Beaton & Barbara Barrett, Byron Bay. From the Croquet Newsletter, July/August 2025, pages 9-12.