The Voice of the Victorian Croquet Association Inc. No. A0001560E December 2018

In This Issue

Australian AC Open Doubles Ch'ships 1

Presidents Report 2

Management Report 3

Jenny Clarke 2018 Australian AC

Open Singles Champion 4

Australian AC Open Singles and Doubles Championships continued 5

More photos from Sgles & Dbles Ch’ships 6

VCA AC Bronze Medal at Shepparton 7

Strong Demand for Croquet in

Whittlesea 8

Australian Government Sports Achievement Ceremony 2018 9

Wimmera Croquet Association Pennant Grand final 10

Murray Valley Croquet Association Pennant Finals 11

Upcoming Events at VCC and around Victoria 12

Patron: The Honorable

Linda Dessau AC,

Governor of Victoria

ASSOCIATION CROQUET GATEBALL GOLF CROQUET RICOCHET

Australian AC Open Doubles Championship

There was a field of nine pairs in the Australian Open Doubles Championship.

The event was held over three days at the Victorian Croquet Centre with 5

rounds of a Modified Block followed by the top 8 pairs going through into a best-of-3 Knockout.

In the Block play the two top placed pairs, Alison Sharpe & Jim Nicholls and

Jenny Clarke & Trevor Bassett, won all their games.

These two pairs won their Quarter Final matches 2-0. In the Semi Finals

Alison Sharpe & Jim Nicholls beat Callum Hyland & Claire Bassett 26-0,

26-14 and Jenny Clarke & Trevor Bassett beat Kevin Beard & Terry Hopkins 26TP(Trev)-10, 26-4 to reach the Final.

The Final was a war of attrition with some very good play and tactics inter-

mingled with many breakdowns from both pairs. Jenny Clarke & Trevor Bas-sett had the best of the play and came out on top in the end 26-24, 16-5.

Jenny has travelled from New Zealand to play with Trevor in this event over

many years and they were very pleased to have finally won it for the first time.

Congratulations to this talented pair.

The complete set of results for all games can be found at:

https://croquetscores.com/2018/ac/aust-doubles

A very big thank you to the sponsors, Parbery Consulting, for providing prize money, for arranging and cooking a BBQ during the Doubles and giving a

commemorative shirt to each player.

Many thanks to Brian Reither for managing the event and Mike Cohn and his team of referees.

Kevin Beard

Winners of the Doubles Championships, Trevor Bassett and Jenny Clarke with

Tournament Manager Brian Reither.

Best Wishes for the Festive Season and 2019

Malletsports Page 2

President’s Report

VCA President - Jim Clement (Sarsfield) email address president@croquetvic.asn.au

In my last report, I mentioned going to Casterton, where I was to update the juniors who are to compete in the ACA U21 GC Championship, in Adelaide in January, on the new Rules which will be in force at that event. That was a

successful trip and Croquet Victoria has arranged for Ian Petersen (Belmont CC) to provide a coaching session for

those juniors, to hone their skills prior to the Championship.

On my way home from Casterton, I called in at Coleraine, where the croquet club, part of the Bowls club, is not

affiliated with Croquet Victoria. I was in time to make up a fourth for a game of doubles, after which I continued to

Hamilton, arriving in time to help the members of the club celebrate the birthday of the club’s doyenne, Doris Lanyon, still playing and coaching AC at 94!

On 6 December, I attended a Vicsport sponsored forum for Child Safety at the offices of Lander & Rogers, Solicitors. Unfortunately, Janet Leckie-Brunton who was to accompany me, was unable to do so due to family

commitments. This was the most informative forum on this subject that I have attended, with speakers from the

Commission for Children and Young People; Gymnastics Victoria, which employs a full-time Child Safe Coordina-

tor; the Institute of Child Protection Studies; and the Centre for Multicultural Youth. All speakers were very good.

On 10 December, Vice-president Kate Patrick and I attended the Sport & Recreation Victoria Metropolitan Councils

Forum where we spoke about our State-Wide Facilities Planning project and how croquet could fit into their com-munity health & wellbeing programs. Afterwards we were approached by representatives of two metropolitan

councils who spoke about the croquet clubs within their areas.

On 13 December, I attended an SRV briefing on the guidelines for the Supporting Victorian Sport & Recreation

2019-22 grants program. Luckily, I was able to attend this one by phone hook-up, which saved by at least 10 hours

of driving.

I wish to thank our employees, Sandra Kastanaras, Lubi Bosevska and James Hood, and all of the volunteers who

have helped run Croquet Victoria and its activities, all of whom shall remain un-named for I would be sure to miss

someone if I did try to name them, for their dedicated efforts over the past year.

Finally, I urge all members to think safety over the holiday period and to come back to croquet in the new year

refreshed and ready to enjoy their sport for another year.

Malletsports Page 3

Management Report

VCC: Building Inspection/Light Tower Reports after Inspection: Both reports have been received and will be reviewed

and considered by Council.

VCC Access for Brimbank Croquet Club: A quote for the installation of a pedestrian gate off Ken Jordan Drive

for use by Brimbank Croquet Club members has been accepted with Brimbank Croquet Club contributing half the cost of installation. This work should be completed late January 2019.

VCC Signage: A draft design is before Council and a one quote for manufacture of an 1220mm X 2440 mm sign

received. A second quote may be sought.

WHS Report: The Administrator, Sandra Kastanaras, reported that all First Aid Training for staff and Tournament

Manager had been undertaken and all had passed with two yet to register relevant information online.

VCC Interior Lighting: All clubroom and function room lights are now at LED standard. Quote to be sourced to

bring exterior lights to LED standard (under eaves etc). Cost of this upgrade to be included in 2019/20 Budget.

VCA: Policies/Terms of Reference and Job Descriptions Review : The following policies are currently being re-

viewed: Adverse Playing Conditions

Privacy Policy

Provision of Liquor and Catering at VCC Policy Reimbursement of Travel and Accommodation Costs Policy

State Team Allowance Policy

Sponsorship Policy

VCA Child Safe Policy.

It has been determined that the following policies need not be changed: Financial Payments Authorisation Policy

Junior Scholarship Policy.

As per the guidelines in the Croquet Victoria Council Induction Policy feedback has been sought from Directors new

to the role as to the induction procedure/process.

Croquet as a School Sport: The Victorian Teachers Games organisers are currently planning and partnering with the City of Greater Geelong as host of the Victorian Teachers Games 2019/2020. We hope that croquet clubs in the

Geelong region will host events during the September 2019 games. Contact has been made with the organisers ena-

bling Croquet Victoria to communicate directly with some of the teachers who participated in the very successful

events at Ballarat this year, so efforts will be made to emphasise the role croquet can play as a school sport.

VCA Award: If VCA is notified that a club member has made a significant contribution at club level the President

(at their discretion) has been authorised to issue a letter and certificate to that club member acknowledging their

service.

Defibrillator Grant: VCA affiliated clubs located in New South Wales wishing to purchase a defibrillator can now apply to the Office of Sport (NSW) at

https://sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-guidelines-2018-19.pdf

Clubs located in Victoria can apply for grants towards the purchase of a defibrillator at

http://sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/defibrillators-sporting-clubs-and-facilities-program

Premier's Active April 2019: We have confirmed our participation in this campaign for 2019. Clubs who partici-

pated in 2018 will be contacted to confirm their participation in 2019. In addition Croquet Victoria is considering

four double passes to the 2018 Tran-Tasman as guests of Croquet Victoria.

Regional Reports to Council:

Secretary VCA

VCA Secretary - Sarina Cevaal-Hewitt (Twin City) email address secretary@croquetvic.asn.au

February 2019 Wimmera April 2019 Ballarat, Bayside, Geelong

August 2019 EMCA, Gippsland, GVCA

October 2019 MVCA, NDCA, SEMCA

Malletsports Page 4

Jenny Clarke triumphant in all-women Final of the Australian AC Open Singles Championship

Jenny Clarke, a top New Zealand player, has often played in the AC Australian Open Singles and has now won it

for the second time. Jenny beat Alison Sharpe from NSW in the first all-women final since 1958. Congratulations

to Jenny and Alison on this historic achievement.

The event began with 23 entries in a “Burridge Swiss” format to determine the 16 players to qualify for the Finals

Knockout. Players had 10 rounds in which to win 5 games and qualify for the knockout or lose 6 games to be elim-

inated and be eligible for the Plate event. As soon as a player qualified or was eliminated, they ceased playing in

the Swiss.

The knockout was best-of-3 for the round of 16, the quarter finals and the semi-finals. It was a best-of-5 for the

final.

There were no surprises in the round of 16 players, but Jenny Clarke (the top seed) was the only one of the top four seeds to reach the semi-finals.

In the first semi-final, Jenny beat Nick Chapman (SA) quite quickly 26-10, 26-3. In the other semi, Alison Sharpe

(NSW) and Alan Sands (WA) played their hearts out over almost a full day with both players having chances to secure a win in the match. Ultimately it was Alison who won 21-15, 23-24, 26-20 and reserved a place in the final.

The best-of-5 final was very exciting. Alison Sharpe won the first game against Jenny Clarke in a very close en-

counter 26-22. This was the first time that Alison had ever beaten Jenny. There were some tough battles after this but Jenny proved too strong as the match went on to win the next three games 26-14, 26-0, 26-20.

Alan Sands won the playoff for 3rd place beating Nick Chapman 6-26, 26-12, 26-4.

The Z event (5th place) was won by Jeff Newcombe (WA) over Trevor Bassett (NSW) 26-9, 26-10.

The Y event (9th place) was won by Chris Grant (Victoria) over Murray Baum (SA) 24-20, 25-9. The W event (13th place) was won by David Johnston (Victoria) over Kerri-Ann Organ (Victoria) 22-8, 21-13.

The Plate was won by John Arney (SA) with 5 wins from John Piggott (NSW) with 3 wins in the 6-player round

robin. The AB Morrison Trophy for a player on a high handicap who won the most games over the whole event was won

by John Piggott (NSW).

A very big thank you to the sponsors Parbery Consulting, for providing prize money, for arranging and cooking a BBQ during the Singles and giving a commemorative shirt to each player.

The complete set of results for all games can be found at: https://croquetscores.com/2018/ac/aust-singles. There

are also commentaries of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th games of the final at that web site.

Very many thanks to Brian Reither for managing the event. And thanks to Mike Cohn and his team of referees for

their very professional contribution to the tournament – particularly on the 2 or 3 very wet and cold days. It was

recognized and much appreciated by the players.

Also, thanks to the players for clearing the courts for mowing, and moving and setting hoops for the knockout play.

It was great to see everyone chipping in.

Kevin Beard Tournament Referee

Left to Right;

Brian Reither, Tournament Manager

Jenny Clarke, Singles Champion

Mike Cohn, Tournament Referee

Malletsports Page 5

More photos on page 6

Singles ‘Y’ Winner Chris Grant Singles ‘Y’ Runner up Murray Baum

Singles Runner up Alison Sharpe

Singles ‘Z’ Winner Jeff Newcombe

Singles 3rd Place Alan Sands

Singles ‘Z Runner up Trevor Bassett

Australian AC Open Singles and Doubles Championships continued

Tournament Manager Brian Reither and Tournament Referee Mike Cohn are pictured here with all of the winners and runners-up

Malletsports Page 6

Singles ‘W’ Runner up Kerri-Anne Organ

Singles ‘W’ Winner David Johnston

Singles Plate Winner John Arney Singles major prize winners

Australian AC Open Singles Championship continued

Malletsports Page 7

VCA Bronze Medal (AC) at Shepparton

For the second year in a row the VCA Bronze Medal was held at Shepparton. The courts there are in excellent

condition and the members of the club made us all most welcome. The large spectator group was treated to some

excellent croquet. Robert Fletcher was in fine form on Saturday and executed 3 triple peels and one sextuple peel in his four games. Some tactical games between the other players held the attention of the onlookers. The weather was

hot, the courts were in great condition and the players thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to show their skills.

Unfortunately Robert was forced to withdraw after his first game on Sunday which left the result a contest between Simon Watkins and Stephen Forster. Simon was in peerless form against Stephen in their game early on

Sunday. He hit everything he aimed at and ended up winning that game 26-0. Simon and Stephen were now level

on games won and lost with Simon having been beaten by Elaine Coverdale on the first day. An extremely tight finish – going into the last round Stephen had a bye and Simon was playing Chris Grant, with Simon guaranteed a

win as long as he won by 13 hoops or better!! He beat Chris 26-6 and thus wins his first Bronze Medal and the right

to represent Victoria in the ACA Gold Medal in Perth next March. Congratulations to Simon and to all the players

who put on some excellent croquet.

The social side of the event was also a success. Most of the players and officials went to dinner together on the

Saturday night. The constant supply of food by the Shepparton members was much appreciated as was the afternoon

tea on the final day.

Our thanks to Kevin Beard. Kevin was forced to withdraw from the event due to an injury he sustained in the

Australian Open the week before. But true to his dedication to our game he offered to be Tournament Referee for

the two days. And they were long days and he was basically referring all four courts all day. A fantastic commitment.

It was also great to see both Kevin’s mum and Kenn Boal’s mum as spectators on the Sunday. Both ladies have

been long time supporters of their sons and croquet in general. Along with Kevin’s two sisters and Margaret Gunn – former Chairperson of the VCA AC Selection Committee – a nice family feel about the event.

A great weekend enhanced by some excellent croquet.

John Grieve Tournament Manager

Simon Watkins (left), Stephen Forster (right).

Pics: Noel Dealy

One of the two bumper stickers available from Croquet Victoria

Malletsports Page 8

Strong Demand for Croquet in Whittlesea

Whittlesea's Positive Ageing Team received over 100 enquiries and 90 bookings for a "Let's Play Croquet" morning

at Mernda Retirement Village recently.

This was an initiative by the Positive Ageing Team and the Manager of the Stockland, Mernda Retirement Village,

who approached Peter Forster, Barbara Vaughan and Heather Hyatt about having a “Let’s Play Croquet” morning to

coincide with Seniors Month – October.

Flyers by the City of Whittlesea were printed and distributed throughout the local area of Doreen, Mernda,

Whittlesea, Wollert, South Morang and Epping. Flyers were also given to members of Probus Clubs in Mernda and

Doreen plus the Doreen Seniors Club to hand out to anyone who was interested in playing croquet or wanting to find out more.

Wednesday 31 October 2018 was the date selected. The Positive Ageing Team provided Morning Tea and a light

lunch.

On the day, Con from the Positive Ageing Team explained the format of the morning and Michelle from Stockland,

Mernda explained that there would be three sessions and everyone would rotate through the groups.

The three sessions were:

• Answering questions that participants had regarding croquet eg fees, uniform, cost of a mallet. • Watching a You Tube Video on how to play croquet.

• Outside to try swinging a mallet, hitting a ball and trying to run a hoop. Peter set up 2 mini courts on a small

area of ground. I was approached by a number of people with questions which I answered. These questions were regarding the cost

eg fees, uniforms and how often could they play, just to name a few.

Most of the people were more interested in going outside to find out how the game is played and to try hitting a ball and trying to run hoops. This part of the morning was the most popular. Everyone I spoke to was very interested in

playing croquet.

Participants included:

About 10 residents from the Life Style Retirement Village in Wollert. They play croquet in their Village. One resident had played croquet in NSW before she moved to Victoria and resides at the Retirement Village.

A group of ladies at Mernda Retirement Village who play a form of backyard croquet on a Monday morning at

the village.

Twenty of so members from Mernda Probus who attended the activity at Mernda Village. They play croquet at

Kew Croquet Club once a month and are very keen to play more often and would like to form a club in the

Mernda Doreen area. They have also been offered to play at Ivanhoe Park Croquet Club once a month.

A team member from the Positive Ageing Team spoke to a couple of people from Life Style Retirement Village and

Arilla Retirement Village regarding vacant land close to both villages. The team member stated they would look into

both areas.

We're now waiting to hear back from Con from the City of Whittlesea to find out the next step.

Heather Hyatt Ivanhoe Park CC

Making a start Waiting for a hit

Malletsports Page 9

Australian Government Sports Achievement Ceremony 2018

On Thursday, 22nd November 2018 Judith Stewart was presented with a Sports Achievement Award for Community

Contribution by an Individual at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, Ararat. Judy was nominated by Warrnambool

City Croquet Club for her achievements with Golf Croquet.

Since arriving in Warrnambool in February 2016, Judy Stewart has made a significant contribution to the Warrnam-

bool City Croquet Club. Her most notable achievements have been as a Golf Croquet referee, when she officiated at

the 2017 Golf Croquet World Championship and the Under 21 Croquet World Championship held in Melbourne in February 2017. Judy refereed the Grand Final, a best of 5 contest that went to 3-2 and took a marathon 5 hours. She

is currently the club Golf Croquet (GC) coach, referee and handicapper and has represented the South West Region

in the Regional Division 2 GC championship.

Judy has played croquet for 10 years and has enjoyed participating both on the lawn and off at a coaching, refereeing

and administrative level. Before moving to Warrnambool, Judy served on the South Australian GC Management

Committee for 3 years as the State Coordinator of Handicapping. Since gaining her GC Refereeing Accreditation in 2013, she has officiated at National Tournaments in South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland and

Victoria.

Considerable dedication to her sport has been shown in making the 3 plus hour return trips to Melbourne and

interstate trips for refereeing commitments of up to 15 consecutive days

Margaret Kelson Secretary Warrnambool City CC

From Left to right: Special Guest – Kerry Manning (Australian horse trainer-driver, world champion reins-

woman), Judy Stewart – (Warrnambool City Croquet Club),

and The Hon Dan Tehan MP (Federal Member for

Wannon.)

Never let your computer know when you are in a hurry

Computers can smell fear.

They slow down if they know that you are

running out of time

Malletsports Page 10

auscroquetco@gmail.com

Dawson 2000 International MKII Croquet Balls

1ST/2nd/3rd Sets

Association Clips

1st/2nd/3rd Sets

Now Available

Mallets

Corner Flags (set of 4)

- Plain

- Embroidered with club name

(photos available on request)

Coming Soon

Golf Clips

Centre Pegs

Wimmera Croquet Association Pennant Grand Final

Wimmera Croquet Association Pennant Grand final was

held last Monday. There was some very exciting and close

games throughout the day with Horsham Banksia defeating Dimboola Green 10 games 87 hoops to 4 games 72 hoops.

Horsham Banksia had two players playing Pennant for the

first time, so winning a grand-final was very special to them.

This is the first year Dimboola has made the grand final, so

that was a great achievement by them.

Donna Frost President Wimmera Croquet Association

Left to Right; Winning team is June Werner, Glenn Price, Dawn Scott and Neville Pope Captain

The Whittlesea flyer...story on page 8

Malletsports Page 11

Murray Valley Croquet Association

The results of the 2018 Murray Valley Croquet Association (MVCA) Pennant competition, in both Association

Croquet & Golf Croquet, were very close.

In Golf Croquet the teams played 8 rounds with Swan Hill being very narrow winners. Results: Swan Hill 5 matches 58 marks 53 games 529 hoops

Boort 5 matches 55 marks 50 games 526 hoops

Although Charlton did not win many matches they had an impressive 505 hoops.

In Association Croquet the teams played 9 rounds. Swan Hill played Charlton Green in the last round and at that

stage both teams had won 6 matches. Swan Hill defeated Charlton Green so won the Pennant.

Results: Swan Hill 7 matches 31 marks 24 games 611 hoops Charlton Green 6 matches 30 marks 24 games 609 hoops

Boort and Charlton Gold will be hoping for better results in 2019.

Pennant break up was held at Charlton on Tuesday 4th December with players from Boort, Charlton and Swan Hill

competing. The winner in Golf Croquet was Alan Puttick (Boort) and Anne Kenny (Charlton) was the Association

Croquet winner.

Anne Kenny Charlton CC

AC Winners L to R: Julie Notting

and Lois Munro

(Absent: June Proctor)

GC Winners L to R: Margaret Ryan, Peter Lowe, Ron Whykes, Julie Barber and

Sheila Wilkinson (Absent: Lanie McAlpine)

Break up winners L to R: Anne Kenny and Alan Puttick

One of the two bumper stickers available from Croquet Victoria

MSV______________________________________________________________ Opinions expressed in MSV do not necessarily reflect those of VCA. Victorian Croquet Association Inc. E -mail:

While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information, no Victorian Croquet Centre. administraion@croquetvic.asn.au

responsibility is accepted by MSV or VCA for errors that may 65 Nobel Banks Drive. Website: www.croquetvic.asn.au

occur inadvertently. CAIRNLEA 3023 Facebook.com/CroquetVictoria

PH 8361 8887 https://twitter.com/CoquetVictoria

Malletsports Page 12

Upcoming Events at Victorian Croquet Centre

Dec

27-28 AC Victorian Open Doubles; range -3 to 20 ) Kevin Beard

29-1 Jan AC Vic Open Singles; range -3 to 20 ) 0417 572 232

Jan 12-13 VCA AC Silver and Bronze Medals John Grieve 0424 362 935

23-23 “Australia Day”; range -6 to 20 ) Lorraine

24-25 VCA GC Doubles; range -6 to 20 ) Gutcher

26-27 VCA GC Open Singles; range -6 to 20 ) 5134 4990

Feb

2-9 WFC GC Women’s World Championships NZ

9-10 VCA AC Gold Cup, Silver & Bronze Shields TBA

15-17 ACA GC President’s 8s; range -6 to 20 ACA

23-24 AC Victoria v Victoria A & Cairnlea Classic TBA

Association Tournaments around the State

Jan 7-10 Portland Tournament; range -3 to 20 Meg Gallpen

0428 350 239

12-13Traralgon Open (H’cap) T’ment; range -3 to 20 Margaret Fraser

0418 614 633

21-24 Warrnambool Open T’ment; range -3 to 20 Margaret Kelson

0418 614 937

27-29 Brunswick (Elect Light) Open T’ment; range 12 to 16 ) Kate

27-29 Brunswick (Elect Light) Open T’ment; range 18 to 20 ) Patrick

30- 1 Feb Brunswick (Elect Light) Open T’ment; range -3 to 5 )0403 108 215

30- 1 Feb Brunswick (Elect Light) Open T’ment; range 6 to 11 )

Feb

2-3 Terang; range -3 to 20 Aileen Bell 0409 438 284

18-20 Phillip Island; range -3 to 20 David Mann 0412 485 913

20-21 GVCA @ Shepparton; range -3 to 20 Sue van Lunenburg 5798 9563

Golf Croquet Tournaments around the State

Jan

19-20 Sale Level Singles; range -6 to 20 Wilma Freeman 5144 2950

26-26 Morwell Open T’ment; range -6 to 20 Sue Elliott 0408 564 712

Feb

10-10 Drouin Open T’ment; range -6 to 20 Helen Bullen 5625 3250

13-14 GVCA Open @ Shepparton; range -6 to 20 Bev Floyd 0400799987 23-24 Traralgon Club T’ment; range -6 to 20 Margaret Fraser 0428 647 633

CONTACTS: Fixtures & Tournaments

John Grieve (Williamstown CC) (03) 9397 2632

Email jfgrieve@netspace.net.au

State Coordinator - Association

John Grieve (Williamstown CC) (03) 9397 2632

Email jfgrieve@netspace.net.au

State Coordinator - Golf Croquet

Lorraine Gutcher (Morwell CC) (03) 5134 4990

Email golfcroquet@croquetvic.asn.au

State Coordinator - Gateball Philip Brown (Kew CC)

(03) 9571 4395

Email gateball@croquetvic.asn.au

State Coordinator - Ricochet Terry Wilson (Wangaratta CC)

03 5721 4014

State Coordinator of Referees - AC

Brian Foley (Sandringham CC) (03) 9584 8405

Email acreferees@croquetvic.asn.au

State Coordinator of Referees - GC John van der Touw (MCC)

(03) 9803 3433 Email gcreferees@croquetvic.asn.au

State Coordinator of Coaching Ruth Duffy (Corowa Civic CC)

(02) 6033 3864 - 0418 415 368 Email coaching@croquetvic.asn.au

State Handicapper - Association

Doron Gunzburg 0419 616 563

Email dgunzburg@hotmail.com

State Handicapper - Golf Croquet

Jim Clement (Sarsfield CC) (03) 5156 8149

Email handicapsgc@croquetvic.asn.au

Association & Golf AHS1's: following Association and Golf

tournaments, and handicap updates, please send AHS1 forms to Ian McKee

PO Box 359W Ballarat West Vic 3350 Email anneianmckee@ozemail.com.au.

Malletsports Editor Rosalie Newman (Ballarat Western CC)

Email malletsports@croquetvic.asn.au

Next edition closes 15th January