Close finishes and new lights mark Stephens events

At the Annual Easter Carnival for both Association Croquet Singles and Golf Croquet Doubles, there were some new faces as well as the many friends from other clubs who have supported the events over the last few years.

Some returned in May to compete in the Ernie Melville Trophy. In 2013, the inaugural event was held to mark Stephens' 90th Anniversary. Now the club is in its second century and this is still a great event for beginner and less experienced Association Croquet players. Clubs from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast and west to Toowoomba were represented. Several of the competitors have only played Golf Croquet until recently.

2024 is certainly the year for close finishes at Stephens. The Division 3 competitors went in to the final round with several in a position to take home the trophy. It came down to nett points. The trophy went to Cameron Unwin from Wynnum, who was just ahead of Kevin Hamilton-Reen from Twin Rivers.

Division 4 had a clear winner in Alan Anderson from Merthyr, who won 5 out of 6 games and has now moved into Division 3. Well done, Alan. He has not long made the decision to give Association Croquet a try after starting with Golf Croquet.

Ernie was on hand to give playing tips during the weekend and presented the trophies to Cameron and Alan. A special thank you goes to Greg Kerswell from Merthyr, an enthusiastic supporter of improving players, who refereed.

The new court lighting was needed to finish each day with good illumination. Stephens is fortunate to have received Lord Mayor's Better Suburbs grant funding.

Stephens loves to welcome visitors from other clubs. Why not come and enjoy playing at night? The club plays both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet on Tuesday evenings.

Division 4 winner Alan Anderson with Ernie Melville and Stephens' new lighting.

Division 3 winner Cameron Unwin with Ernie Melville.

The newsletter also pictured presentations from CAQ events held at Stephens.

CAQ AC 8 winner Mike Giddings from Ballina with Helen David, CAQ Treasurer.

Winner Heather Knight from Stephens and runner-up Keith Williamson from Eildon.

CAQ Second 6 winner Geraldine Trivett from Stephens and runner-up Lynette Evans from The Range Maleny.

Heather Knight was also named on page 29 before the following Gateball advert, which contained no further Stephens article content.

By Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2024. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2024, pages 26-29.