Stephens members shine at the Women's World Championships in Christchurch

From Stephen’s Croquet Club Heather Knight, Jacky Lynch and Rosemary Newsham competed in the Championship and the story is below. Thanks Heather Knight for providing us with the report and the photos

3rd WCF Women’s Association Croquet World Championships

Five of the world’s six top-ranked women players – Jenny Clarke (NZ), Gabrielle Higgins (ENG), Alison Sharpe (AUS), Debbie Lines (ENG) and Lorna Dewar (SCO) were among the forty competitors who travelled to Christchurch in January for the 3rd WCF Women’s Association Croquet World Championships.

An excellent report was written for Croquet Ireland (Thanks Jane, Nicola and Clair):

“… The main venue was the United Club with 6 fast lawns with satellite venues at Cashmere and St James. The fine summer weather broke overnight and some serious rain continued the following morning washing away any chance of play until late morning at United and even later at the other venues, giving manager Chris Clarke an immediate problem which was ultimately resolved by using the block play-off day catch up on the unplayed and pegged down games.

The weather improved for the rest of the week and the fast lawns combined with the Quadways made for very tricky conditions leading some players to adopt an extremely cautious Aunt Emma style of play which resulted in very slow, low scoring games. One English player reported that it was 1.5 hours into one of her games before either player approached hoop 1. Any peeling attempts were widely regarded as reckless and futile. ….

Congratulations to Debbie Lines of England who defeated Gabrielle Higgins in a best-of-three final. This was a long hot day - the hoops had been further reduced to 0.6mm for the final which resulted in the second and third games going to time. It was a well-deserved victory for Debbie, having defeated reigning champion Miranda, and world No.1 Jenny on her way to the final.

Many thanks to Croquet New Zealand and the three clubs that hosted the event. We were made very welcome at all the clubs and were well watered and fed during the long hot days of play. We renewed and made many friendships with the other players and learned a huge amount from the experience.”

The four Queenslanders, Kathie Grant (Southport) and Heather Knight, Jacky Lynch, Rosemary Newsham (all from Stephens) had a wonderful Croquet adventure. Jacky brought home the beautiful Plate trophy and Heather qualified 3rd in the Round Robin block for the final 16 Knockout and made it to the Quarter Finals (top 8 players). Rosemary was a finalist in the Consolation. A pretty good effort for the three Stephens members!

The WCF report and photos can be found at https://worldcroquet.org/2023-womens-association-croquet-world- championshipchampion-debbie-lines-eng/

Croquet Club - the fastest grass, the hardest ground, the tightest hoops ever encountered.

Heather Knight

TORO Tri flex Mowers Fully Serviced from $9990.00 *Terms Apply

Delivery Queensland * Contact Chris 0418755697

Southport Croquet Club ASSOCIATION DIVISION 4 (HANDICAP 15-20) Friday March 3rd – Sunday March 5th 2023 Enter and have fun in a friendly atmosphere at the Gold Coast Entry Fee is $30 and includes morning and a ernoon tea. southport@croquetqld.org Winner - Money plus Trophy plus badge: Runner up Money plus badge

The 40 competitors from Australia, New Zealand, USA, England Ireland and Scotland - player profiles at https://acworldwomens2023.wordpress.com/players/

Hoop setting at United Croquet Club - the fastest grass, the hardest ground, the tightest hoops ever encountered.

By Heather Knight, Stephens. From the Croquet Newsletter, January/February 2023, pages 32-35.