THE NSW Division 2 Ricochet Croquet Championship was contested last weekend at the Sawtell Croquet Club.
Play began early on Friday morning, with three days of sunshine and calm weather setting the stage for a series of tightly fought games.
In Ricochet croquet, a player earns free shots by striking another ball or hitting their ball through a hoop.
If a player strikes another ball, or ‘roquets’ it, with their own ball, they can hit it where they please.
Defending champion Phyllis Waters from Lismore showed her class early, confidently ricocheting through the preliminary rounds to secure top spot in the draw.
The final was a best-of-three clash between Ms Waters and Sawtell hopeful Kay Munro.
Ms Waters’ consistent roquets proved decisive as she claimed victory in the final match, 11–5, to retain her title.
“To come back and compete was hard, but keeping cool was the key to the consistent play needed to take out the win,” she said.
Representing NSW Croquet, tournament director Jenny Arnold was delighted with the weekend’s event.
“Hosting a State Championship is a welcome addition to the Sawtell Croquet calendar, as it provides high-level play for our club members to watch and learn from,” she said.
“Hopefully, members can include some of these strategies in their repertoire.”
In the playoff for third and fourth place, Maurice Aplin from Orange played a calm and calculated game to secure third position, while Peter Deeth from Coutts Crossing finished in a commendable fourth place.
The weekend was a showcase of competitive spirit and sportsmanship, with players and spectators alike enjoying the lively atmosphere on the Sawtell courts.
By Andrew VIVIAN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
