Gisborne players travel well, succeed at recent tournaments outside district

Brothers-in-law Murray Woods (left) and Maurice Allan.

Barry Memorial Croquet Club members have enjoyed considerable success at recent tournaments outside the district.

Playing in the Mt Maunganui Golf Croquet Second Division Doubles, Chris and Dave Newton won five of their six games. Their net hoops score of 14 was easily the best in the field.

Chris Newton also played in the second division singles, and her great form continued. She played some drawn-out games over the two days of the event, winning six games out of nine and being placed third.

In the top division, Rob Hayes won seven games out of 11, Dave Newton won five and John Wilson won three.

Playing in the second division of the Morrinsville Golf Croquet Doubles, father and son Ross and Rick Thomson won their first four games, albeit by narrow margins sometimes.

If they had won the fifth and final game, they would have won the division.At the end of a hard-fought game the scores were locked at 5-5, so they had to play another hoop. In a nailbiting finale, their opponents took the victory, and Ross and Rick had to settle for second place.

Finally getting to play in his first big tournament, Murray Woods — partnering brother-in-law Maurice Allan — was outstanding in the second division of the Whakatane Golf Croquet Doubles.

Having seen two previous tournaments he had entered being cancelled because of the weather, Woods was enthusiastic about being able to play this time.

Woods showed great skill, running hoops from several metres with ease and leaving opponents dumbfounded.

Allan was also in his best form to date, and the Barry combination won game after game, faltering only in their fourth game. However, the result of five wins and only the one loss earned them the title.

The second round of the local Jenny Virtue Tuesday Twilight Golf Croquet Mercantile Competition finished with Ball Knockers winning again and further extending their lead.

Their competitive natures are showing through. Their top four players amassed a total of 75 points, easily outscoring Agfirst, on 59, and Sunshine Tigers, who had only three players and scored 38pts.

The overall individual winner was David Stevenson from Ball Knockers, on 21pts, followed by last week's winner Jacques Van Wyk also from Ball Knockers, on 19.

The surprise of the night was first-timer Megan Harris from Agfirst. She was not only top woman but was also fourth-equal overall.

Naturally enough, she struggled in her first game, not knowing how to grip the mallet or strike the ball properly. Then, with some coaching, she improved dramatically in the last two games, which was quite remarkable to see and frustrating for her opponents.

The ease with which Harris picked up the sport is inspiring for any new player. Those club members present agreed that if she took up the game she would travel quickly through the handicap grades and be a player to watch.

The last night of the twilight competition is on Tuesday.