Gracemere hosts first AC 14 Point Event since 2019, surprise winner David Young

Gracemere Croquet Club hosted a weekend of Association Croquet on 30 and 31 July 2022. This 14 Point Event is the first that we have been able to hold since 2019 due to the restrictions during the Covid pandemic. The weekend was attended by 17 players from Gracemere, Mackay, Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone, Maryborough and Brisbane.

We were able to make several prizes for the event, with thanks to our Sponsors: CQ Podiatry; AMA Maintenance Alliance; Sunbrix Sand and Soil; Frenchville Sports Club; Bunnings; LiveLife Pharmacy Gracemere Shoppingworld; Trevor McCubbin; and Councillor Ellen Smith from Rockhampton Regional Council.

A total of 69 games were played over the weekend, keeping the courts filled with players at all times. There were several players with little or virtually no prior experience competing in this Code of Mallet Sport before this weekend. Experienced players were very supportive of these players, coaching and assisting with tactics, allowing them to learn and have a very enjoyable weekend.

Egyptian format handicap scoring allowed the beginners to compete with the very experienced (and some world-class) players participating. The surprised winner of the weekend was David Young, taking home first place prize and the winner's trophy. All prizes were presented by our Patron, Councillor Ellen Smith, and Club President, Don Close.

Players attending included: Robyn Lyon (Cap Coast MSC); Paul Lanigan (Mackay CC); Trevor McCubbin (Gracemere CC); Dave Young (GCC); Rob and Kay Robertson (Point Lookout CC); Loretta Young (GCC); John Leinster (Gladstone CC); John Dargel (Rockhampton MSC); Coral Walsh (RMSC); Don Close (GCC); Ann Kajewski (GCC); Greg Bury (Windsor CC); Logan U21 (GCC); Kylie Dwyer (GCC); Peter Kajewski (GCC); Francesca de Wytt (WCC).

The group of players from across Queensland who attended the Gracemere AC 14 Point Event.

Greg Bury and Don Close.

By Gracemere Croquet Club. From the Croquet Newsletter, October 2022, pages 13, 14.