Gisborne couples have success ‘on the road’

outside success: Gisborne croquet couples (from left) Per and Ina Elzen and Chris and Dave Newton have done well in outside tournaments. Per and Ina retained the title they won last year at the Married Couples and Long-term Partners Golf Croquet Handicap tournament in Pakuranga, and Chris and Dave were third in the top division of the Whakatane Levels Golf Croquet Doubles tournament. In the level singles at Whakatane, Dave won the top section and Chris was runner-up in the second section.Picture supplied

CROQUET

PER and Ina Elzen retained the title they won last year at the annual Married Couples and Long-term Partners Golf Croquet Handicap tournament in Pakuranga.

The Elzens, of Gisborne’s Barry Memorial Croquet Club, won all five of their games, although two of those wins came only after tooth-and-nail contests that ended 6-5 in the Elzens’ favour.

This year the tournament was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Elzens are looking forward to defending their title again next year but now that Ina’s handicap has dropped a notch because of the wins, their defence may be a little harder.

The Barry club pair of Dave and Chris Newton proved competitive in the Whakatane Levels Golf Croquet Doubles tournament.

They came third in the top division and played remarkably well against some strong players in pairings with handicaps a lot lower than theirs. They had two wins and two 7-6 losses.

Playing in the top section of the level singles, Dave Newton really hit his straps. He was the only player to win all five games and was a deserved winner of the section. He had to fight for three of the wins, though, pulling through with 7-6 scorelines.

His wife Chris, in the second section, battled through to second place. She won three games and lost two close games 7-5 and 7-6.

On Sunday, Barry Memorial Croquet Club in Aberdeen Road will hold a most-hoops tournament that will be open to non-members . . . anyone can enter.

Players will have a different partner each round and the hoops scored by each pair will be credited to both individuals’ score. New players will be partnered with experienced players who can show them the tactics and strokes.

Each game will be arranged with equal pairings. Flat-sole shoes must be worn, and all equipment is supplied.

The entry fee is $5, payable on the day. Prizes are courtesy of Jenny Virtue from Bronwyn Kay Agency.

Bring your own lunch and some drinks to have with the sausage sizzle and social hour to follow the tournament. Entries to be sent to barry4fun.gis@gmail.com.