Gloucester Croquet Club

SATURDAY 1 November our courts were alive with players all day for the 4th District Masters Games.

Although storms were predicted in the afternoon, we enjoyed next to perfect weather all day.

Rain gear was only needed briefly.

Thirty players from within our region had entered.

This meant our courts would be double banked all day.

Entrants came from Forster, Taree, Nelson Bay, Maitland, Toronto as well as Gloucester.

Sign-in took place from 8.00am with play starting at 8.30.

With President Ashleigh away on another commitment, Vice President Denise Bruce welcomed both members and visitors.

Bev Murray refreshed the rules of the day, and the first games were called.

Played over 3 blocks, games were 45 min. timed, each team having four games over the course of the day.

Penny Jude from Forster was Tournament Referee and was ably assisted by two others from Taree and Nelson Bay.

Handicaps ranged from 1 to 14 so players and spectators alike witnessed some excellent accuracy and strategy during the day.

To beat any change in weather play continued as participants enjoyed a staggered lunch break.

Tea/coffee and treats were available all day as well.

To conclude, Denise thanked all for their generous contribution to what was another very successful Masters.

She then announced the winners of each block – presenting medals and prizemoney to the winners, with prizemoney to all runners-up as well.

Block A winners: Stephen Dilley Jnr. (Toronto) & Paul Moylan (Forster)

Runners-up: Trevor Black (Nelson Bay) & Jamie McIntyre (Toronto)

Block B winners: Sherry Gordon & Faby Batho (Nelson Bay)

Runners-up: Matthew Rigby (Forster) & Chris Sims (Gloucester)

Block C winners: Robyn Watts (Maitland) & Rosemary Taylor (Nelson Bay)

Runners-up: Carmel Rigby (Forster) & Kath Orton (Nelson Bay)

Congratulations to all winners and participants.

From the Gloucester Club congratulations to Chris Sims who came away with a second place in his Block – his third year of being in the winner’s circle!

Well done too to Greg Bell who was a close third in his Block.

By Bev MURRAY