Downs tournament prizes presented at Toowoomba Croquet Club

Trophies won at the Downs croquet tournament, which was brought to a successful conclusion on Saturday, were presented by the Mayoress, Mrs. J. D. Annand, at the Toowoomba Croquet Club on Saturday afternoon. During the tournament, which continued for 10 days, 196 games were played on the lawns of the Toowoomba, West Toowoomba, and Laurel Bank Croquet Clubs. The finals were played at the Toowoomba Club. Players from Brisbane and other Queensland clubs were among the 200 competitors.

Mrs. Gerard Boyce, president of the Toowoomba Croquet Club, and of the Downs Tournament Committee, who introduced Mrs. Annand, expressed appreciation to all who had assisted in making the tournament a success. She complimented Mrs. V. Stuart, secretary of the tournament committee, on her efficiency, and presented her with a gift in appreciation of her services. Mrs. Boyce also referred to the ability of the referees, and complimented Mrs. Sandberg. She congratulated the winners, and hoped that those who were not successful this year would be among the top scorers at the next tournament.

Mrs. J. Gibson, president of the Queensland Croquet Association, expressed pleasure at being able to attend such a happy and enjoyable tournament. She congratulated the organisers on the way the tournament had been conducted. Other speakers were Mesdames E. A. McConachie and P. S. Priest, presidents of the West Toowoomba and Laurel Bank Croquet Clubs respectively.

Mrs. Annand, who added her congratulations to the winners, wore a burnt brown cloth coat over her figured frock in autumn tonings. Her hat of mustard wool felt showed ribbon trimmings on the rolled brim. Mrs. Boyce favoured London tan for her light woollen frock and close-fitting hat, and she added a tailored coat of brown flecked tweed.

The winners were: Downs championship (trophy donated by Mrs. J. M. Fisher, Brisbane), Mrs. N. Fox; runner-up, Mrs. M. Dean. Open championship (trophy donated by Mrs. J. Gibson, president Q.C.A.), Miss M. Crowther; runner-up, Mrs. J. McConachie. Championship doubles (trophies donated by Mesdames N. Fox and G. B. Mackay), Mesdames D. H. Milne and J. Gibson; runners-up, Mesdames Margetts and Massie. Handicap doubles, Mesdames E. A. McConachie and F. Bullock; runners-up, Mesdames W. Cooke and K. Bedwell. A and Junior A singles handicap, Miss V. Campbell; runner-up, Mrs. R. Starling. B and C Grade doubles handicap, Misses A. Crowther and C. Clay; runners-up, Mesdames Hoey and Cramer. B and C Grade singles handicap, Miss A. Crowther; runner-up, Mrs. G. Martin. C Grade, novice (trophy donated by Mrs. G. Fogarty), Miss D. Trail; runner-up, Mrs. N. E. Clowes.

Competition in the tournament was keen and some fine games were witnessed. Junior players have learned much and the experience gained will stand them in good stead in future tournaments. Gusty winds were upsetting to the players during the past few days, but the happy time spent by all compensated for this.

Result of Saturday's play.—Downs championship: Mrs. N. Fox 26, 26 v. Mrs. M. Dean 17, 8. Championship doubles: Mesdames D. Milne and J. Gibson 26 v. Mesdames Margetts and Massie 7. Handicap doubles: Mesdames E. A. McConachie and F. Bullock 26 v. W. Cooke and K. Bedwell 19. A and Junior A singles handicap: Miss V. Campbell 20 v. Mrs. E. A. McConachie 18. Final: Miss V. Campbell 26 v. Mrs. P. Starling 23.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 9 May 1949. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)