Ross Rillie wins Queensland GC Bronze Medal at Headland-Buderim

Headland-Buderim was elated when club member Ross Rillie won ACA's Queensland GC Bronze Medal, held from 26-28th April. The event was played as best of three games against the other seven players in a Single Round Robin Block over three days. Ross will now represent Queensland in the Gold Medal event, which heralds the Nationals in August.

It was great to see many members come along to watch and offer their support. Grateful thanks go to the volunteers who worked so hard for the successful running of this prestigious event. The actual ACA Bronze Medals will be handed out to all state winners of the Bronze at the presentation of the Gold & Silvers Medals on Friday evening 30th September.

ACA Bronze Medal (Qld) 2024 competitors: Addison Matthews, Mary McMahon, Gordon Giles, Bob Martin, Geoff Hull, Gabby Spencer, Casey de Vene and Ross Rillie.

Russell Robinson, Ross Rillie and Helen Rillie contested both the CAQ Eights and CAQ Open Singles. Helen was happy to win the Plate in the Open Singles.

Robyn Brown presented the CAQ Open Singles Plate to Helen Rillie.

Golf Croquet Pennant and Plate are still up and running, and Headland-Buderim's Ricochet team is on the home run and doing very well at the time of the article's submission. Go teams.

A big thanks goes to grants officer Sherry for gaining a grant through the Queensland Government Depart of Sport & Recreation under the Active Women & Girls Program. Part of the grant enabled the club to replace its very old signs at the entrance of the club house and letter box.

Headland-Buderim hosted the yet to be officially named Queensland Golf Croquet team for practice training on Sunday 19th May. This also gave the players an insight into one venue on the Sunshine Coast for the ISS. Social play still continued on limited lawns that same day, and members were appreciated and thanked for their understanding and support.

Lots of work is already under way at the club for the Nationals, to be held Aug 28-Sept 8. A mesh safety fence was trialed at the Bronze Medal and proved its worth. This fence will be erected again for the duration of the Nationals. Hoop setting kits have been compiled for each lawn, centre pegs have had a facelift, and competition balls have been brought out of their containers and duly checked.

At least four competent hoop setters are required to start setting hoops by dawn, 6.05a.m. at the latest, to be ready for player practice by 7a.m. throughout the events. At least one hoop setter is then required to be on hand each day. Oh, for the luxury of leaving hoops in overnight. All four lawns will also need dressing each day to remove gum nuts and leaves from the lovely but messy gum trees. Training for referees, venue managers and scorers is ongoing using the club as a central venue. Volunteers are sought particularly for the early morning work and end of day packing away.

By Helen Rillie, Headland-Buderim. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2024, pages 18, 19.