Success in debut tourney

SECTION WINNERS: Barry Memorial Croquet Club members John Wilson (left) and Dave Newton won Section 2 of Mt Maunganui Croquet Club’s Winter Handicap Golf Croquet Tournament last weekend. Picture supplied

GISBORNE croquet players Dave Newton and John Wilson won a section of the Mt Maunganui Croquet Club’s Winter Handicap Golf Croquet Tournament last weekend.

They and fellow Barry Memorial Croquet Club members Ross and Betty Thomson travelled to play in the tournament.

The Gisborne contingent were among 18 pairs drawn from the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Thames Valley, as well as Gisborne.

The tournament was divided into three sections.

Playing outstanding croquet in their first open tournament, Newton and Wilson won Section 2, with five wins and no losses.

Both players’ long shots and hoop-running left the others in their section struggling.

Time and again, opponents played their balls to within easy reach of winning a hoop, only to see their ball knocked away by Newton and Wilson from many metres with pinpoint accuracy.

They revelled in playing on lawns of such quality that they were recently used for the world championships.

If Newton and Wilson continue with this type of form, their handicap will come down quickly.

Ross and Betty Thomson were in the same section as Newton and Wilson. They finished the tournament with two wins and three losses.

Over the next few months, Barry club members are entered in golf croquet tournaments in Whakatane, Tauranga and Wellington.

The Barry club is rebuilding membership, and the results in Mt Maunganui last weekend are encouraging for members.

The club is in Aberdeen Road and anyone wanting to try the game is encouraged to come along to the club days on Friday and Sunday afternoons.