Ross Rillie's winning streak, the Headland Cup and a centenary civic reception

CAQ Men's GC Open Singles 2022 saw Ross Rillie win the event undefeated in all games on 12-13 March at Stephens CC. Ross won the final match (best of three games) against Dennis Green (Bribie). Ross reduced his handicap to -1 during the tournament.

Ross Rillie, winner of the CAQ Men's GC Open Singles 2022 at Stephens CC.

Congratulations to club member Lorraine Stott who teamed up with Mary McMahon to win the Windsor GC Doubles on 20 February.

Lorraine Stott and Mary McMahon with Greg Bury after winning the Windsor GC Doubles.

In ACA's Qld Bronze Medal GC tournament, member Ross Rillie was Runner Up in the closest of games to Greg Bury in a round robin, untimed, best of three matches event held 25-27 March and hosted at Caloundra Croquet Club. Greg will now play the other states' Bronze Medallists for the ACA Gold and Silver Medals over 7-9 September, leading into the National Men's and Women's Singles followed by the Inter State Shield. Congratulations to all players and to Caloundra who provided a well-run event with great lawns and good weather, and thanks especially to all volunteers.

Greg Bury (winner) and Ross Rillie (Runner Up) at the ACA's Qld Bronze Medal GC tournament.

CAQ's GC Mixed Doubles, held 29-30 January at Eildon CC on both days plus Toombul CC on the Saturday, saw Headland-Buderim members Helen and Ross Rillie take out Consolation in a five untimed games play-off against Geraldine Trivett and Casey De-Vene. Helen and Ross received CAQ medals and a certificate from tournament manager Dianne Lahey. Eildon was commended for their hosting. Ultimate winners were Eildon's Megan Stuart and Wade Hart. It was great to see so many new faces entering for the first time.

CAQ's GC Open Singles on 9-10 April saw members Helen and Ross Rillie participate. Ross came equal third to winner Gordon Giles (Wynnum CC). Helen won the Pam Shepherd Plate presented by Hedi Trask (President/Secretary Toombul and TM). Host clubs for this prestigious and selection event were Wynnum and Toombul. Thanks went to CAQ, host clubs and all volunteers seen and unseen who made this event so successful.

Helen Rillie with Hedi Trask, winner of the Pam Shepherd Plate at the CAQ GC Open Singles.

CAQ's GC The Sixes Block A, B, C and D was held at Caloundra on 12-13 February, followed by Block E at Headland-Buderim on 17 February and Block F on 18 February. (The Sixes is an extension of the Eights, initially known as the Qld Medal, morphing into The Tiers, then The Eights, and now The Sixes added). Our member Pam Shepherd presented trophies on behalf of CAQ. Pam was instrumental in introducing GC into Queensland. Club members who played included: 1st Eights Ross Rillie (Winner); 2nd Eights Doug Houston (Runner Up); Sixes Block A Helen Rillie; Sixes Block D Colin Beckett; Sixes Block E Lorraine Stott (Runner Up) and Arch Morrison; Sixes Block F Russell Robinson (Winner).

Russell Robinson (Sixes Block F winner) presented with his trophy by Ross Rillie (CAQ 1st Eights winner).

Sincere thanks to members who helped in hosting The Sixes Block E and F in some way. In particular Robyn Leadbetter (Convener), Kevin Leadbetter (Greens Director), Colin Beckett (Croquet Scores Recorder), Helen Rillie (Venue Manager), Ross Rillie (Deputy Referee and Hoop setter), and support staff Don Murray and Russell Robinson. Thanks also to those who provided food items.

Sunshine Coast Regional Championships in three codes were held from 16 March to 5 April. Club members who contested these events included: GC Div 1 Singles Doug Houston; GC Div 2 Singles Fred van Vugt; GC Div 3 Singles Russell Robinson (Winner), Colin Beckett, Lorraine Stott and Cheryl Moodie; GC 14+ Handicap Doubles Colin Beckett and Jim Noskoff (Winner), Lorraine Stott and Russell Robinson, and Carolyn Aldrich and Fred van Vugt; RC Div 2 Singles Dianne Horsman (Winner), Lesley Johnston and Cheryl Moodie; RC Div 2 Doubles Dianne Horsman and Lesley Johnston; and AC Div 3 Singles Lesley Johnston. Congratulations to all players.

Sunshine Coast Regional Championships entrants in 2022.

Winners at the Sunshine Coast Regional Championships.

Headland Cup, the club's popular GC Handicap Doubles event, was held on Sunday 1 May. A final field of 14 pairs competed for the Pam Shepherd Cup and Pam's very generous prize money for both winners and runners up. Fourth Wave Wines were once again very generous with their donation of wines. A 7-5 outcome in the finals saw victory to Tim Wright and Addison Matthews (Toowoomba West CC) against the daughter and father combination, Bonnie and Noel Stoddart (Nambour CC).

Although the day was overcast, there was no rain and perfect conditions for a busy schedule. Tournament Manager Helen Rillie and Tournament Referee Ross Rillie were very appreciative of players' cooperation in keeping to the tight schedule. Interestingly, only 7 out of 42 games went to 7 in the 45 minute time frame, even when there were no holds up or double banking.

The raffle was well supported and won by Cloreen Van Der Sluis. The main management team members were thanked and presented with a bottle of wine from our generous donors. Special mention and sincere thanks to Robyn and Kevin Leadbetter, Colin Beckett and Leigh Long (scorer extraordinaire), and all other volunteers who played their part. It was great to see supporters come along including our Patron, Gordon Matthews, coming to watch the final.

The Lord Mayor's Civic Reception to mark CAQ's Centenary was held on Friday 6 May. Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner welcomed the group in the Balmoral room at Brisbane City Hall. Invitations were extended to many including state team members and past Presidents, and were accepted by our members Pam Shepherd, Helen and Ross Rillie, who were honoured to be invited. It was an enjoyable event, especially catching up with so many friends and acquaintances within the croquet community and celebrating this special CAQ 100th birthday.

The Darling Downs Regional Croquet Tournament in Toowoomba was held over 26 February to 6 March. Players from our club who took part in the GC Handicap Doubles at West Toowoomba were Lorraine Stott, Helen and Ross Rillie. Lorraine and her partner Cathy McBrien (Caloundra) won B block with 8 games, going through to the semi-finals held at Toowoomba Club, but unfortunately went down. Helen and Ross offered their support by refereeing the GC Singles at West Toowoomba on Friday 4th. Ross then refereed the doubles finals at Toowoomba CC on Sunday afternoon. A special thanks to Tournament Manager Joy Wright who not only played but ran such a successful event.

Golf Captain Colin Beckett has put on his entrepreneurial hat and organised the Family and Friends Picnic Croquet on Sunday afternoons. The first, on Easter Sunday, was very successful with groups filling most lawns. This once-a-month event is an opportunity to invite friends and/or family members, especially if they are still in the workforce, to come along and enjoy the club's amenities, have a picnic, whilst also introducing them to the wonderful game. Start time is 12 midday.

Maroochy RSL hosted a morning tea for recipients of their funds on Thursday 3 March. The club was represented by Helen and Ross Rillie, who were able to thank in person Ashleigh Holmes (RSL Marketing Coordinator) for RSL's continuing support. In his speech, Maroochy RSL President Mike Liddelow said they gave back more than $1.7 million to the Sunshine Coast community. This included sporting groups such as ours.

Recipients of Maroochy RSL community funding at the morning tea on 3 March.

A CPR Demonstration and Presentation was conducted by member John Hickey on 9 March to club representatives from all codes and sessions. John's presentation was excellent and well received and appreciated. John also organised alarm devices to be kept close to all lawns for quicker response from club First Aiders should the need arise.

The SCRCC Steering Committee for National GC Championships 2024 saw Terry Ericson (Lawn Assessor) visiting all host clubs and filing reports with recommendations. The steering committee held a meeting at the club on 4 April. Terry took time to meet with Greens Director Kevin Leadbetter and liaison Ross Rillie to give positive feedback on current conditions of our lawns. The national events over 12 days are as follows: Bronze and Gold medals, Men's and Women's Singles, and Interstate Shield.

Car Park Upgrade: New asphalt was laid by Sunshine Coast Council on 3-4 May, making for a tidier aspect to our club and neighbouring Gem club, and smoother access and parking for vehicles, although an area directly in front of the main entrance was not touched and left many scratching their heads over the reason given.

Katelyn Inch, a bowls player at Club Kawana, is in the Bowls New Zealand Team to play in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, England during July and August 2022. Because the northern hemisphere bowling greens are significantly slower and bumpier and more uneven than Australian greens, the squad were advised to train on croquet lawns. Australian bowls representatives Brett Wilke and Julie Keegan had also trained at our club in 2009-2010 prior to the Delhi Commonwealth Games. We again wish Katelyn every success at the Games.

By Helen Rillie, Headland Buderim. From the Croquet Newsletter, June 2022, pages 12-18.