Southport success in Golden Mallet, Bronze Medal, Championships and Gateball

The competitions in all codes are plentiful now that we are into the beautiful autumn weather of late. For Golf Croquet players Southport held the annual Golden Mallet Tournament for Division 2 and 3 players which was won by Malcolm Campbell (BHPB) and Chris Parker. Competing in the ACA Bronze Medal Championship Mary McMahon was placed first with Wade Hart from Eildon in runner up position. Then Mary competed in the QLD Golf Croquet Championship's First Eights along with Gabby Spencer from Southport Club. It was a very good tussle between these two top players with Mary prevailing. It has been a very successful few months for Mary and for Gabby.

Mary McMahon (1st) and Gabby Spencer (2nd).

Kathie Grant ventured into NSW territory to play in the NSW Women's Open Singles in Association Croquet at the end of May. It was a good challenge for her to play against high ranking players. Kathie secured runner up position which was a very good result.

Peter Landrebe presented Kathie Grant with her prize.

Entering in local Association Croquet competitions were 3 Southport players who competed in the Division 3 and 4 Singles Competition held by Stephens Club. It was another successful result for Southport players who won the Ernie Melville Trophy in Division 3 and Division 4. Coming second in other recent competitions enabled them to improve their knowledge of competition play. Congratulations to Julia Tai who won the Div. 4 section and to Dennis Backer who won the Div. 3 section.

Ernie Melville with Dennis Backer who won the Div. 3 prize.

Ernie Melville with Julia Tai who won the Div. 4 prize.

The annual Gateball Competition held in Rockhampton at the start of May was very well supported. Southport sent three teams to compete. The Red team was placed second by being just scoring 1 gate less than the winning team from Moreton Bay.

Southport Red Team were placed 2nd out of 11 teams.

The Doubles Competition was popular with 17 pairs competing. Playing off in the tense final, Kathie Grant and Barbara Northcott won that event 12-8. Also held at the venue was the CAQ Pennants Competition which again saw Southport placed second.

Barbara Northcott and Kathie Grant.

By Southport. From the Croquet Newsletter, May/June 2023, pages 24-26.