Noosa coaching program begins, Sunshine Coast Regional Championships heat up, and membership hits 70

Competitive play is heating up, literally, at the Noosa Croquet Club. The hotter humid weather has players on the courts with sun hats and sun cream but lots of enthusiasm. A new program of coaching for less experienced players has commenced, with those taking part pleased to be able to learn and practice some of those skills that they may have neglected during ordinary play. This program, organised by coaching coordinator Ed Boyd, will continue with short sessions each week, some on skills, some on rules. This innovation will hopefully see a general improvement in play.

Some competitive play has begun. The Sunshine Coast Golf Croquet Championships have been under way during March, being held at different clubs on the Sunshine Coast. Noosa club hosted the Division 2 Singles Championships on Saturday 11th March. This was very well organised and ran like clockwork with a good team of helpers. Again, the Noosa Club provided a well organised framework for this event. The day was won by Sam Oaten from Caloundra Club, second was John Dark from Noosa.

The Division 1 Singles was held at Nambour on Wednesday 15th March, won by Bill Habner from Nambour, and Noosa then hosted the Division 3 Singles on Saturday 25th March. This was a very busy day with a number of participants, many who have not played competition before. Referees were on their toes! The day was won by Lorry Ryan from Noosa with William Godsall from Noosa as runner up.

The Regional Doubles tournament was held at Caloundra Club on the 9th and 10th March. The Open Doubles was won by Rob Moncrieff and John Dark from Noosa, while the 14+ Doubles on 10th March the runners-up were John Dark and Lorry Ryan from the Noosa Club.

The Doubles team Sunshine Coast Regional Champions in March, Rob Moncrieff and John Dark, Open winners.

Our own competition season of Interclub commences at the end of March and those members willing to play are hoping for selection to one of the three levels of competition, the Pennant, Shield and Plate teams. Of these, the top level of Pennant is always of great interest, but the recent influx of newer and highly competitive members will see a lot of interest in the Plate team and its doings, there will be competition for places in the team here. We will report regularly on these competitions as the season progresses.

The year has started with a few new members already and the membership has hit the 70 mark, a good sign for this early in the year. Once again, those who wish to try out the growing sport of Croquet, we welcome visitors at our attractive grounds at Seashell Place Noosa Waters. Sunday mornings (8.30) in particular are open for Come and Try public members, just have a look, no commitments. If interested ring Niven on 0428799987. Hope to see you there.

By Colin Hindson, Publicity Officer, Noosa. From the Croquet Newsletter, March/April 2023, pages 26, 27.