Caloundra pennants underway, a new TV and line marker for the Queensland Open

Play has commenced in the SCRCC competitions and our Golf Croquet pennant (handicap 8 and lower), shield (handicap 8-11) and plate (handicap 11-14) teams played their first matches against Bribie. The pennant and shield matches were played at home while our plate competitors travelled to Bribie. Our pennant team was humbled by Bribie losing 6 games to 4. The shield team had a convincing win, 9 games to 1 while our plate team won on net hoops after the event was tied 5 games each. In the Lochwood Shield Competition (AC Division 1&2), we had a 2 games to 1 win over the Range.

Our Gateball players travelled to Deception Bay to participate in Moreton Bay's carnival on Saturday-Monday, 9-11 March. We entered two teams in the teams competition, and although not winning, it was pleasing to see our newer members participating and enjoying the experience. When the two Caloundra teams clashed it was a very even contest, with scores level at the end of time. The result was determined by a count back.

In the doubles event Robyn Brown paired with Don Helmrich and Howard Williams & Kerry Helmrich played together. Kath Hayes played with her friend, Robyn Lyons from Rockhampton. There were two blocks of nine pairs in this competition, with the top two pairs in each block playing off for the prize money. Sadly, none of our Caloundra players featured in the final playoffs.

Sam Oaten and Carole Atkinson played in the "Traditional Funerals" (Divisions 3&4 AC event), at Bribie. Congratulations to Sam for winning this event and gaining enough index points to reduce his handicap to 9. Sam is now a Division 2 player. Carole finished runner up in the plate section. Howard and Murray Tinker also played at Bribie in the "Merry Masters" (normally a Division 2 AC event). There were only four entries, so it was the best of 3 games knock out event. Howard ended up runner up to Ian Carr (Bribie), and in the process reduced his AC handicap to 8.

The club also congratulates Alison Oatway, who some weeks ago finished third in the Women's State Singles Golf Croquet event held in Brisbane. Alison was previously a member of Stephens and has moved to Caloundra.

The club thanks Leigh Sampson, Don Helmrich, Sam Oaten and Mike Bertram who under the stewardship of Murray Tinker, have re-marked our courts, and reset the hoops, in preparation for the Queensland Open Golf Croquet Singles that was played here and at Nambour over this past weekend.

There were 24 entries in this event including Alison Oatway, our only Caloundra participant. On Saturday the field was shared between Caloundra and Nambour however, on Sunday, all 24 players played at Caloundra. Alison Oatway had 5 wins in the plate section and missed out on second place on net hoops. Congratulations once again Alison. It was pleasing to hear the positive comments made by players regarding the courts and the management of this event.

We have recently purchased a new TV with stand and a new line marker which were used for the first time for this event.

Tournament Manager Robyn, with our new TV displaying Croquet Scores.

I sincerely thank the Caloundra members who assisted in any way, in particular, our tournament manager, Robyn Brown, for a job well done. The event was a success with the following results:

- Championship winner: Bob Martin (Eildon), with Steve Lockhart (Coolum) Runner Up - Consolation Winner: Gordon Giles (Wynnum), with Addison Matthews Runner Up - Plate Winner: Helen Rillie (Headland), with Dennis Green (Bribie) Runner Up.

Sarah Widin congratulates winner Bob Martin with Howard Williams.

Pat Habner with Steve Lockhart and Runner up Plate.

By Howard Williams, Caloundra MSC. From the Croquet Newsletter, March/April 2024, pages 6-9.