Eildon hosts the Australian National U21 GC Competitions

• AGM, new management committee for 2023, plus welcoming many new faces in coordinating roles • New fee structure vastly simplified collection of membership fees, improved budgeting and almost (!) eliminated weekly handling of cash • Relationship with BridgeFM provides opportunities to promote the Club & croquet, and to invite community members to experience the game

Continuing with upgrade of grounds & facilities • Scarifying of lawns • New shade shelter erected • Painting external shelter • Plans to install sunscreens on western side of verandah • New smart TV already proving to be a great resource during tournaments, and as a training aid for accessing videos

Club was well-represented in tournaments & pennants competitions in 2022: looking forward to competing in 2023

• Three Australian National U21 GC Competitions held January 2023 at Eildon

1. Gold & silver medal with representatives from all states except WA. Ages ranged from 14-20. Tasmania, represented by Curtis Mead, won the gold medal, with Queensland, represented by Addison Matthews playing very competitive croquet to win the silver medal

2. Australian U21 Doubles won by Curtis Mead (Tasmania) & Ethan Gumbrell (NSW); runners up Addison Matthews & Tim Wright (Qld)

3. Australian U21 singles won by Addison Matthews (Qld); 2nd – Ethan Gumbrell (NSW); 3rd – Curtis Mead (Tas); 4th – Tim Wright (Qld)

Winners & place getters off to New Zealand to play international U21 tournament in February, with Gold medal winner, Curtis Mead, taking part in the NZ U21 competition in April ECC thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the club and the state; even the weather was welcoming & relatively mild for January.

Queensland needs to develop strategies for encouraging more young players to take part in the sport.

Penny Verrall (Welcome to the group of news correspondents)