Southport reports a busy MSOB season and more club activity

Southport Croquet Club is always busy at the end of June and beginning of July. Since 2007, the club has held three tournaments under the title MSOB, Mallet Sports on the Broadwater: Ricochet, Gateball Teams and Doubles, and Golf Croquet. MSOB is held before the Gold Coast Tweed Regional Association Croquet competitions to encourage interstate and overseas players, particularly from New Zealand, to stay longer on the Gold Coast.

The MSOB Ricochet winner was Ruth Mulvaney from Toronto Club, Newcastle. She was a visitor who stayed locally to play Ricochet, Gateball and Golf.

There was great excitement for the Gateball presentations. Southport teams placed first and second in the Teams Competition, a feat not achieved previously at this competition. The winning pair in the Gateball Doubles travelled from Rockhampton: Steve and Chris Kele.

Southport Red team receiving their trophy from a representative of sponsor Michael Hare-Eye Vision.

Steve and Chris Kele being presented with their trophy by Club Patron Dawn Crichlow.

The Golf section of MSOB ran over five days. First was the Golf Doubles competition, won by Gabby Spencer from Southport and Sid Bates from Stephens CC.

Charlie Ernst, Gabby Spencer, Sid Bates and Southport Golf Captain Donna Phillips.

Division 1 of MSOB Golf Croquet was won by Southport's Gabby Spencer. Division 2 was won by Dianne Michels from Twin Rivers CC. Division 3 was won by Southport member Winnie Manning. The club thanked the referees and catering volunteers.

Gabby Spencer with Charlie Ernst.

Mary McMahon with Dianne Michels.

Gabby Spencer presenting the trophy to Winnie Manning.

In July, the Division 4 Association Singles Competition, part of the GCTR Association Croquet program, was won by Maria Barrett from Broadbeach. She was presented her prize by Southport AC Club Captain Julia Vickers.

Southport also reported that members need to book playing time on club days, while still leaving times available for visitors and party bookings. A recent group booking celebrated a 29th birthday with cake and BBQ food at the club. Southport will hold Come and Try Days on one Sunday each month under a Gold Coast Council initiative.

A 29th birthday celebration at Southport Croquet Club.

By Barbara Northcott, Southport. From the Croquet Newsletter, July/August 2025, pages 28-30.