McIlwraith Grand Challenge Kicks Off, plus one more from McIlwraith

The inaugural McIlwraith Grand Challenge, an open doubles competition, has begun in grand style. Sixteen teams are set to battle for the Golden Mallet on a beautiful sunny day.

Inaugural McIlwraith Grand Challenge Open Doubles a success

What a wonderful day for the Inaugural McIlwraith Grand Challenge Open Doubles event!

Played on a perfect autumn morning, we were delighted to welcome teams from Burleigh Heads - Palm Beach Croquet Club, East Brisbane, Eildon Croquet Club, Stephens Croquet Club and Windsor Croquet Club, along with a strong contingent of keen McIlwraith members.

In the Grand Challenge final, it was Burleigh Heads Palm Beach versus McIlwraith with the winners Beth Parker and Anne taking the win from McIlwraith’s Charles Mitchell and Steve O’Hare. Congratulations BHPB-ers! Enjoy the prize money while your names are etched on the Grand Challenge Gold Mallet perpetual trophy.

The Plate final for the runners-up was an all-McIlwraith affair, with Rosie Dalton and Lynne Newcombe claiming the win from Kerrie Hodgson and Jennifer Young. Congratulations to all our players!

A big thank you to all of the players who entered and embraced the day with such wonderful sportsmanship, enthusiasm and good spirit — you made the event so special.

A big thank you to our incredibly supportive referees — Liz Fleming (Tournament Referee), Penny Jackson, Greg Kerswell and Willie Silk — for generously giving their time and expertise to keep the games running so smoothly.

And special thanks to all of our wonderful McIlwraith volunteers who helped bring this new event to life in the spirit of our commitment to deliver a great player experience.

The Grand Challenge will now become a fixture on our annual calendar. We can’t wait to welcome players back again next year!