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Storm clean-up at Stephens and Julie and Ernie win Horse & Plough play-off

Sunday's big storm left some clean-up work at the Stephens club, though it was milder than the November 2014 super-cell. Julie and Ernie also won the 2025 Horse & Plough play-off against Annette and Maude.

2 min read28 October 2025
Storm clean-up at Stephens and Julie and Ernie win Horse & Plough play-off

Sunday's storm leaves clean-up work at Stephens

Hailstones scattered across a grassy lawn with fallen branches, near a playground and red building

unday's big storm has created some clean-up work at the club.

Not as bad as the super-cell storm of November 2014.

From Louise, our "intrepid reporter":

Only a few stayed when the storm was looming, deciding to sit it out in the clubhouse. I almost wish I'd done the same, as I drove into the teeth of it and it was frightening. Arrived home before the hail however.

Cr Nicole Johnston, Mark Bailey MP, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Croquet Talk, Croquet Queensland, Croquet Australia

A hand holding a large, irregular white hailstone with a gold ring on the finger, on a wooden surface
Flooded grass field with rain falling on standing water, palm trees, and a small pavilion with benches; no croquet equipment is visible

Play-off decides 2025 Horse & Plough event

Rectangular white sheet cake with colorful balloon decorations and blue text reading "Stephens Croquet Club" on a blue tablecloth

Tied on games won and hoops made, there had to be a play-off for the 2025 Horse & Plough event.

Fuelled by 102nd birthday cake, Julie and Ernie played Annette and Maude for the trophy and prize money, generously sponsored by Alex Gow Funerals.

The spectators were treated to a skilful game of Golf Croquet in which Julie and Ernie were victorious.

In the spirit of all good birthday parties, there was even prize money for the wooden spooners, Gaye and Ann.

The day finished off with pizza and lots of good cheer. Thanks to President Jacky for organising the celebration.

Why is it called the Horse & Plough?

Stephens Shire Chairman, Mr Stimpson and his horse and plough were the high-tech earthmoving equipment in 1923 when the first sod was turned to construct our beautiful club in Yeronga Park.

Stephens Croquet Club members celebrating at the 2025 Horse & Plough event at Yeronga Park
Four people pose beside a tall Alex Gow Funerals banner in a clubroom; two women wear white polo shirts with blue trim
Three smiling people stand in a clubhouse beneath "Metropolitan" croquet pennants, one holding a wooden box and papers
Stephens Croquet Club members celebrating at the 2025 Horse & Plough event at Yeronga Park
Two smiling women in white Stephens Croquet Club shirts exchange an envelope indoors, one name badge reading "Ann Brown."
Group of smiling club members gathered around a cake in a clubhouse, with croquet mallets and balls mounted on the wall
Four older players in white and hats watch a croquet ball on a green lawn beside a hedge and court marker 4
Players in white and hats play croquet on a grass lawn before a striped-awning clubhouse marked "STEPHENS."
Older players on a grass croquet lawn: a woman in white strikes a yellow ball while two women and a man watch by hoops
Four players on a grass croquet lawn, one in a navy hat striking a ball with a blue mallet near a wicket
Four older players on a croquet lawn, one in a white hat mid-stroke with a mallet near a wicket
People sit on benches and chairs outside the "STEPHENS" clubhouse beside a bowling green, watching play
Croquet players on a green lawn with hoops and balls, while spectators sit under a striped awning nearby
Three players in white on a croquet lawn; one strikes a red ball with a blue-handled mallet near a black ball and hoop
Four players on a green croquet lawn, one in a blue hat striking a ball with a mallet beside a hoop
Players on a croquet lawn under a striped awning, one striking a ball while others watch from benches
Players in white attire play croquet on a sunny green lawn lined with palm trees, with a blue equipment cart nearby
Four people play croquet on a green lawn, with a striped ball near a hoop and parked cars beyond the fence
Older players in white clothing and hats play croquet on a green lawn with palm trees and shelters behind them
Black-and-white group of people in early-1900s dress standing with a dark horse and a plow in a field; no croquet visible
Stephens Croquet Club members celebrating at the 2025 Horse & Plough event at Yeronga Park
Read nextIn memory of Peter Byrne, beloved club captainCommunity · 13 October 2026

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