Pop Petersen runner-up at Qld Open Women's Singles, Nambour wins Noosa Challenge Shield, and a hot St Patrick's Gala Day

Qld Open Women's Singles

Winner Mary McMahon from Southport. Runner up: Pop Petersen from Nambour. Pop is a member of our Nambour Club so it is quite an achievement for her.

Noosa and Nambour players.

Noosa and Nambour Challenge Shield

This is a trophy for new players played between Nambour and Noosa on a challenge basis. The shield was held by Noosa from 2022. Nambour challenged and was bested by Noosa in November in the first leg of the home and away challenge. In the second leg, Nambour prevailed and won the shield 11 games to 9 games. Our team was Martin Maynard, Ruth Jamieson, Nigel Read, Rhonda Tulk and Ann Hutson.

Winner of SCR Championship Bill Habner from Nambour Club, Runner Up Jenee Molyneux from Bribie Island.

The Windsor Brooch

The Windsor Brooch is an event held at Windsor Club every month. All players are graded as per their ability. Being best dressed is popular and merits points. Pop Petersen was the winner, presented with the brooch by Terry Ericson.

Winner Pop Petersen being presented with the brooch by Terry Ericson.

St Patrick's Gala Day

It was certainly a day to remember, blistering hot about 36 degrees C. A special thanks to the players who competed in rather difficult conditions. Bill Habner organised the players into four teams: The Shamrocks, Limericks, Shillelaghs and Leprechauns. The outright winner was the player who won the most hoops. Usually seven matches are played but because of the heat only five were played. It was unusual to see a ball being hit and then the player rushing to find a bit of shade.

Those on court four were lucky it was mostly in the shade from the adjacent trees, lots of iced water was available and used. The clubroom was decorated with Irish Flags and a patchwork of Shamrocks and the Irish Travellers blessing in the centre. The tables had a very colourful Irish theme placemats. I brought my CD player with a good selection of Irish music.

Morning and afternoon tea was provided organised by Pat Habner.

And the winner: Mick Young with 31 hoops, runners up Pop Petersen, Maggie Lawson and Sue Green with 30 hoops. The best team was the Shamrocks with a total of 164 hoops. We usually announce the best Irish outfit but everyone rushed for an air conditioned car before it was mentioned. Despite the weather it was a great day and a sincere thanks to all who made it possible.

By Patrick Farrell, Publicity Officer and resident Irishman, Nambour. From the Croquet Newsletter, March/April 2023, pages 24, 25.