Results alert teams to Barry club ‘threat’

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FOUR players from Gisborne’s Barry Memorial Croquet Club competed with distinction at the Whakatane Golf Croquet Tournament.

John Wilson cleaned up Block B of the golf croquet handicap doubles partnered with Rob Hayes, and the following day was a clear-cut winner in the level singles of Block B.

In the doubles, Wilson and Hayes won all six of their games by convincing margins. They scored 28 net hoops, while the pair who were runners-up finished with only six net hoops.

In the Block B level singles, Wilson won five and lost one. A Whakatane club player also finished the day with five wins and a loss but Wilson took the title because of a superior net hoop differential.

The Barry club’s Chris Newton employed great tactics in winning four of her six games to finish third in the same section.

Newton had earlier partnered her husband Dave in Block A of the handicap doubles and they beat more fancied opponents who had substantially lower handicaps. One of their scalps was New Zealand squad member and former Barry club player Mike Crashley and his partner, from Whakatane.

The Newtons were among three pairs who won four of their six games. They finished third on a countback — creditable result in such company.

In the Block A level singles, Dave Newton executed numerous skilful shots and was unlucky to lose by the narrowest of margins, 7-6, to Angus Coulter from Whakatane.

Coulter is in the New Zealand under-21 squad and is known for his hard hitting. Although he was often hit well away from the hoops, Newton returned with delicately placed shots.

He won four of his games, and finished in third place behind winner Crashley and runner-up Coulter.

Hayes also played in the Block A singles. Although he won only three games, two of his losses were by one hoop and one was by two hoops. These games could easily have gone his way with an ounce of luck.

Gisborne players are now recognised as a threat on the golf croquet scene, thanks to their wins and high placings in tournaments this year. Most of these players have been playing less than two years, which shows how quickly new players can learn the game.

Some members are happy to play club days only. Anyone wishing to try the game is welcome at the club, at 530 Aberdeen Road, on Friday and Sunday afternoons.