Wynnum members take on Norfolk Island Convict's Cup

Three members of Wynnum Croquet Club travelled to Norfolk Island with Go See Touring for a week of sightseeing and social croquet in August 2023. There were 73 players from clubs in:

- NSW: Coogee, Jambaroo, Orange, Strathfield, Yamba Bowling Club, Wagga Wagga - CBR: Canberra - Qld: Gladstone, Graceville, McIlwraith and Wynnum - TAS: Eastern Shore CC and Kingston - VIC: Monash, Queenscliff Croquet Club - WA: Belmont, Bunbury Central, Busselton, Cambridge, Dunsborough, Moorabinda - NZ: Henderson

Brian Rubock and Elaine Berridge, with Gordon and Deirdre Giles, managed the tournament on behalf of Go See Touring, while Karen Meates, Robyn Mattner and Pat Woulahan all showed off their croquet skills on the playing fields at Kingston.

The history of sports on the island goes back to the Second Settlement (1825–1856), when sports were played by military and free settlers on these same sporting fields in Kingston. The fields had been prepared for croquet and were a little bit heavier than players were used to, but it was all good fun.

Deirdre, Gordon and Brian were also referees for the tournament, which had 2 blocks using 9 courts, with all courts double banked.

At the end of 15 rounds, the winners of Block A were Brian Taylor (Monash) and Ray Kang (Strathfield), and the winners of Block B were Terry Brown (Belmont WA) and Michael Martin (Coogee).

The final, which was untimed, was an intriguing affair. Terry and Michael were the eventual winners, 7-2, to take out the Convict's Cup trophy.

The weather was beautiful and sunny for croquet, and the social interaction between all the players was a pleasure to watch. Lasting friendships were formed, with many players promising to meet up again next year, when Go See Touring will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Convict's Cup in 2024.

At the presentation dinner, Karen and her partner Sue received a gift from David, owner of Go See Touring, as the best Ladies pair in the tournament. Pat won a lucky door prize.

Congratulations to Terry and partner Michael on a magnificent performance in taking out this prestigious trophy.

All results can be seen on croquetscores: https://croquetscores.com/2023/gc/norfolk-island-convicts-cup-3