Hervey Bay and Point Lookout save the ACA Ricochet Champi...

“Rain, rain go away, come again another day” almost became the mantra amongst members of the Hervey Bay Croquet Club, especially amongst the green keepers who had the unenviable task of preparing the lawns for the ACA Ricochet Championships held last week (15-21 July). Less than a fortnight before the championships were due to start, the tournament manager received a phone call, ‘we’ll have to cancel the Championships’, said the green keeper. ‘the lawns will not be dry enough for play’. Constant rainy and wintry weather had left the usually well drained lawns very soggy and barely playable.

Cancellation of the Event at such short notice was, of course, not an option especially when Entries had been received from as far away as WA and NZ. An emergency meeting was called to determine ‘the way forward’ considering, first of all, the number of available lawns. Contact was made with our sister Club Point Lookout (Maryborough) and ‘they’ very generously and willingly indicated that ‘they’ were able to provide sufficient lawns for the Event to go ahead.

With now having two venues rather than the one as originally planned, consideration had to be given to how the draw, the catering, the transport etc etc were going to be managed. A logistical challenge in many ways and accomplished by much goodwill and also great cross-club cooperation.

The weather for the competition was chilly but beautifully clear and sunny. The lawns (though not as the Hervey Bay Club would have liked them to be) improved as the week went on and I’m sure that all players realized that playing conditions, though not perfect, were the same for all the players.

Commitment, dedication and much effort from both Clubs ensured that this the Second ACA Ricochet Championship ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all who participated, whether that be players, spectators or all the volunteer helpers.

Through excellent media coverage and support from local dignitaries it was very evident that croquet (in this case, ricochet) was alive and well in this area and was providing a real benefit to the local community. ACA Ricochet Championships 2024 would be one to remember and one which has helped to put croquet on the map.

Now for some of the winners. Doubles Champions: David Scott and Ray Chapman from Cherry Street Ballina Runner up Doubles Champions- Peter Freer &Kate McLoughlin, Canberra Singles Champion- Dave Luxmoore from BH/PB Runner up Singles Champion: Addison Matthews- Laurel Bank All who played for the championship ‘trophies’ played on the lawns in both Hervey Bay and at Point Lookout (Maryborough)

with George Seymour, Mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, and Pat Habner, CAQ President

Those who entered the Plate events (Doubles and singles) played on the Hervey Bay lawns. The winners of the Doubles Plate - Jenny Campbell and Kaye Bain both from the Hervey Bay Club and brought a local flavour to the Event.

George Seymour and Pat Habner Laurel Bank- 2nd in Singles It’s interesting and pleasing to note that the Runners Up (Third and Fourth in Doubles and Singles) came from WA, NZ, ACT and QLD. Ricochet which originated in South Australia is certainly ‘spreading its wings’, so to speak.

The Singles plate is pictured left with the Sara Faraj, the Councillor representing the Division in which the Croquet Club is situated. I think David is wondering what delectable goodies he may be able to put on his plate councillor, Sarah Farah

Prior to the ACA Championships, Hervey Bay and Point Lookout Club members participated in the Margaret Webley annual tournament held in Bundaberg. The photo shows one of the participants Terry Godfrey (Point Lookout) Facebook who was also one of the referees for the ACA Ricochet championships.

With the Championships

Addison Matthews from Laurel Bank- 2nd in Singles

David Scott & Ray Chapman Peter Freer & Kate McLoughlin with George Seymour, Mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, and Pat Habner, CAQ President