Headland Buderim hosts strong events and welcomes Fendalton visitors

Headland Buderim has had a busy stretch as events ramp up. The Headland Cup was held on Sunday 6 April after a change from handicap to level play using handicap cards. A full field took part, including many club members. Dennis Green from Bribie Island and Graham McLean from Windsor had a close 6-5 win over Headland Buderim members Carolyn Hodgins and Ross Rillie.

The club thanked referees Sue Green, Deirdre and Gordon Giles, and Steve Lockhart, all from other clubs, for generously helping out. Casey de Vene was the raffle winner.

Two Headland members, Russell Robinson and Colin Beckett, competed in the Croquet Queensland GC Open Singles at Caloundra on 25 to 27 April. Ross Rillie refereed for two days.

The Fendalton Croquet Club from New Zealand made a second visit to the Sunshine Coast. Headland Buderim hosted them on Tuesday morning, 6 May, for friendly play, welcome bags and an evening meal at Maroochy RSL. The club received a kiwi designed plate and tea towel.

Fendalton Croquet Club players with Headland Buderim players.

In the Croquet Queensland GC Men's Singles, Ross Rillie and Colin Beckett both entered, with Ross making the knockout and narrowly going down 6/7 in the third game. Bob Martin from Eildon won.

Headland Buderim again hosted the ACA Queensland Bronze Medal from 23 to 25 May. Ross Rillie was one of the eight highest ranked GC players to accept an invitation and finished a respectable fourth. Addison Matthews from Laurel Bank won, with Bob Martin from Eildon runner up. Croquet Queensland President Michael Eddiehausen presented the certificates and badges.

Queensland Bronze Medal players: S. Bates, G. Giles, R. Rillie, G. Spencer, B. Martin, A. Matthews, M. McMahon and G. McLean.

Ross also refereed Ricochet pennants at home and at the CAQ GC Open Singles. The GC pennants team led after round one.

Among the groups trying croquet recently was a Family Picnic on Sunday 4 May, enjoyed by enthusiastic children. Tony Masche celebrated his 90th birthday and is still playing a good game of Golf Croquet. The club also farewelled Donny Griffiths, a popular member of the afternoon social GC group and convenor of the Tuesday wine group, as she moves to Hervey Bay.

By Helen Rillie, Headland Buderim. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2025, pages 25-27.