PORT Macquarie croquet player Tony Croft has finished tenth in the NSW Golf Croquet Open Singles Championship, played in Glendale.
The competition attracted a record field with more than 300 games played at the Lake Macquarie Croquet Centre between 11-14 April.
Canberra’s Mark Scruton won the championship final against Peter Landrebe of Cammeray.
Golf Croquet (GC) is the fastest growing version of the sport according to Croquet Australia, because it is faster-paced and easier to learn.
It is one of three disciplines played at the Port Macquarie Club.
The other two are Ricochet and the traditional and more strategic Association Croquet (AC).
Croquet was founded in England sometime in the 1850’s with the Port Macquarie Croquet Club established 71 years ago by a handful of enthusiasts.
It now boasts 75 members.
The club has an active volunteer committee of six with Jill Drury its president for the past two years.
“Croquet is a hidden gem, and I like every opportunity to promote the game,” she told News Of The Area.
“It is a game of gentle exercise, a great social activity and challenges the brain via interesting tactics.”
Port Macquarie is also part of the Mid North Coast Croquet Council and has regular competitions with Forster, Taree and Gloucester.
The club is located between Westport Bowling Club and The Sea Scout Hall on Buller Street, and is always open to new members and players.
The club offers the first lesson free of charge, with sessions on Monday (3pm-5pm), Tuesday (1pm-3pm), Wednesday (1pm-3pm), Thursday (11am-1pm), Friday (11am-1pm) and Sunday (1pm-3pm).
Further information can be found on the Port Macquarie Croquet Club Facebook page.
By Bill HARROW
