Caloundra reports AC doubles, Doug Jones GC and a successful Gateball carnival

Caloundra's AC players competed in a handicap doubles event on Wednesday 9 October. Six doubles pairs played a full day event, with combined handicaps relatively similar and some very close results, including one match decided by the "golden hoop". After three KO rounds the winners were Ted Singleton and Kerry Helmrich, who defeated Murray Tinker and Don Helmrich in the final match.

Golf Captain Sam Oaten organised the annual Doug Jones GC competition for players with handicaps 8-12. There were nine entrants and the top three players had to be separated using net hoops. Faye Carr was the winner, with Richard Walsh and Andy Wingate second and third respectively.

Faye with the Doug Jones trophy.

After normal morning play on Thursday 17 October, members brought food to share for a farewell lunch for Lori Steele and her husband, John. They returned home to USA as John's two year work visa expired. Lori had enjoyed her time at the club, participating in both AC and GC, playing in the GC Plate winning team, filling in for the Shield team as her handicap improved and helping when the club hosted competitions.

John and Lori at Caloundra.

Caloundra hosted its annual Gateball carnival over 9-11th November, with nine teams and 14 doubles taking part. The event was successful thanks to members and sponsors Gregson & Weight and Flex Electrical. Despite warm weather, it ran smoothly under Gateball Captain Robyn Brown, assisted by Tournament Manager Carole Atkinson. The teams event was won by Eildon White, with Rockhampton and Moreton Bay Green second and third respectively.

Gateball carnival participants at Caloundra.

The doubles competition was played in two pools of seven, with the top two teams in each pool playing off for prize-money. The final was an all Southport affair. Kerry Lamerton and Robyn Barlow defeated Lee Wentworth and Julia Tai in the final, while Chris and Steve Kele of Rockhampton were third.

Doubles Finalists Robyn, Kerry, Lee and Julia.

The club congratulated Robert Fletcher for his outstanding play in the World Golf Croquet Championship played recently in the USA. Robert dropped only one game through his pool rounds and in progressing to the final of the Championship round, before losing 3 games to 2 in the final to Blake Fields (USA).

The "Invictus" croquet balls Robert manufactures have been certified for tournament play by the World Croquet Federation. Caloundra thanked Murray Tinker, who generously donated four sets of the secondary coloured "Invictus" balls to the club. The club's Christmas lunch was scheduled for Saturday 7 December after morning play.

By Croquet Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2024. From the Croquet Newsletter, November/December 2024, pages 12-14.