2012 Nationals - 24/01/2012
Originally Somerset West (SW) was scheduled to host the 2012 Nationals. This has now been changed with the full agreement of all concerned for the following reasons:
1. SACA is hosting the World Golf Croquet Teams Event in Johannesburg from 25 November to 2 December.
2. SW was only able to get their lawns ready for the Nationals in early November
3. This would have meant that many players who would normally go to the Nationals would not be able to because of their involvement in the World GC Teams Event.
4. St Andrews Club (East London) is able to host the Nationals earlier i.e. during the first week of October
5. Therefore SW and St Andrews have swapped years and SW will host during 2013.
6. St Andrews will therefore be hosting the 2012 Golf Croquet Nationals from 1–7 October. Dates regarding the Association Nationals will follow.
Chris Wakeham
President
SACA
24 January 2012
GC Worls Teams in SA! - 22/01/2012
SACA has made a successful bid to host the Inaugural World Golf Croquet Team Championship later this year from 25 November to 2 December, 2012. The event will be played in Johannesburg with the main venue being Country Club, Johannesburg (CCJ) and the secondary venue being Morningside Country Club.
The event will be limited to the top eight ranked countries, so we expect the teams taking part will be (alphabetically) from Australia, Egypt, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, USA. The South African team is currently ranked 5th in the world, so would have qualified anyway, even if they were not the host country.
Reg Bamford has already agreed to play and captain the SA Team. The other members have not yet been announced by the selectors.
The Sponsorships obtained so far are from CCJ (main sponsor), Warwick Wealth, Servest Turf, Homes of Distinction, Gauteng Croquet Association and from 2 croquet playing benefactors. Additional sponsors are still being sought.
There will be a dedicated website for the event which will be linked to croquet websites worldwide. As soon as the event website address is known, then there will be a link on this website.
Spectators, supporters and helpers will be welcome. They will witness some really exciting and dramatic play. Accommodation queries should be addressed to Chris & Christine Wakeham at this stage, although another committee member may become responsible in the future.
Finals WCF Championsohip New Zealand - 27/11/2011
The finals were brilliant and it was sad that there should be a loser. Rachel(UK) finally won in the end with a simple jump - 5 games from 1 pm to 6.20 pm. Both Jenny and Rachel played brilliantly, though it took them both a little time to work how to run hoops, as they were very tight and only runnable from directly in front.
The roqueting, clearing shots and approach shots were really good, particularly as what I would call a 'black south easter" was blowing, (but white clouds.) Rachel is only 22 and her mentality capacity is impressive as she was 2-1 down against Jenny, but that didnt phase her, she continued in a calm and focused manner. The next world is in Cairo in 2 years time, which will give the Egyptians the vantage.
I missed out on the semi finals as I was given the incorrect time at Katikati and spent Friday morning in the salt water pools, arrived at the club, to find the finals just finishing. Gaye (from Aus) won the plate and there was also a consolation prize for those players kocked out in rounds 32 and 16, this was won by Judy Wembridge. One of the Egyptians, who had entered for the qualifier, but did not qualify, was allowed to compete in this competition.
Overall a very impressive competition, particularly the hospitality and helpfulness of the new zealanders. I would have liked to have seen more of the action at Mount Mauganui, but as I was in the plate, we were playing at other clubs. Murray, the NZ technical director gave me about 5 kg of coaching/refereeing material! Most of it has been posted back to RSA. (The post offices close at 4 and not open at weekends).
Last night we had the gala dinner, which was brilliant. The food was excellent,including roast, stuffed snapper (the local fish), lamb etc and desert was pavlova (apparently there is disagreement between NZ and Australia as to who invented the pavlova). We had the prize giving and we were all given a beautiful paper weight with different symbols - mine has the circle of life, and also a medal. It was a fun evening and sad to say goodbye to friends, but planning to meet in Cairo!
CLARE STABLEFORD
Image: Gala dinner, with Rachel, the winner on the left.
2011 World Women's Golf Croquet Championship Update - 25/11/2011
Friday morning, 25th November, and I am out of the competition. I will go to the club to watch the semi finals between Rosie, Rachel, Shadin and Jenny. Only one Egyptian left in the competition and Sola was beaten in the first round of the knock out by Elizabeth Allen in 2 games! But yesterday the weather was wild and woolly.
The last 3 days have been hectic. Wednesday I played Anna Millar in the morning and beat her in 2 games. I then had a play off for the main competition and narrowly lost to Alison Wall. She had vociferous supporters, which were a slight distraction. I thought it would be games and hoops that would count for the knock out and they were in my favour. But I got another invitation to dinner! We went to the Chines restaurant, which is a self service restaurant, including as many prawns as one could eat for about R70.
24 of us were in the plate and divided into 2 groups. We had to report to the club at 7.45 am to find out where we were playing and my name had been left off the list. Eventually they sorted out who had been entered twice. The first day we played at Tauranga and I didnt do well in the morning, partly due to lack of sleep as I got locked out of my room at 4.30 am (keys inside)and took a while to get back into it. I perked up in the afternoon and won all 3 matches.
We played 6 games from 9 until about 5 and then home, a quick change and out again. Yesterday we played at Katikati (1 hours drive) and the rain came down. The courts were flooded and unplayable. I organised the bus driver to take us into town to look at the murals. We got back at 11 am and the lawns were like a lake. So Gwen took 3 of us to Waihi beach - the scenery is stunning and so green. Beautiful beaches, rolling hills, forest and tidy bungalows.
We were able to play after lunch though the lawns were slightly squishy - had a few more wins - and ended up with 6 out of 11. The games were close, but the standard of play in the entire competition has been higher than Melbourne and my ranking should be a 2 or even a 3. After the games finished Gwen took me on a scenic drive and had a panoramic view of the Bay of Plenty - incredible! I got back about 8 pm. quick instant supper and flopped into bed.
As we have been playing at other clubs we have not been able to see the main action and just got the results. But today and tomorrow I can watch.
Clare Stableford
2011 World Women's Golf Croquet Championship Update - 21/11/2011
In my last report I forgot to mention the school sports day that took place at the same as the croquet and everytime I tried to play a shot, the starter pistol went off, or the loud speaker would shout for the hammer and shot put entrants!
Sunday I played in the afternoon at Mount Maunganui against Gwen Salisbury - marathon, which lasted over 3 hours and I eventually won. The temperature is mild, but blustery.
Yesterday I played at Katikati, which is on the north side of the estaury about 45 minutes drive from the Mount. Not my best day, first up was Soha, the child progidy from Cairo, who is now 21 and a very accomplished players. I did get a few hoops off her, by blocking her ball and only playing one ball! I then played Alison Wall and narrowly lost after another 3 hour marathon - it could have gone either way. the end result was an invitation to dinner!
Three of the NZ players are sharing an apartment next door, Alison, Gwen Falconer and Anne Sharpe and had a very nice meal. Gwen drove us to Katikati, which is known as the mural city as the place is covered in murals depicting the orginal landing, families, life in the town, animal and bird life etc - fascinating.
We then drove to ? to have a panoramic view of the harbour and inland estaury - it is really beautiful here. Today I have one game, then it is the plate, which I will probably be in and that will be taking place at Katikati, which will mean two long days. I am looking forward to time off and seeing the beaches etc.
But the New Zealanders are very hospitable and invitations to dinner, eat out and I am being well looked after.
Clare Stableford
2011 World Women's Golf Croquet Championship Update - 20/11/2011
Greetings from a blustery, coolish Bay of Plenty, but no rain! I played my first two matches yesterday at Tauranga, a bustling coastal town, and the croquet lawns are situated above the harbour and a super outlook. I lost my first match to Deirdre from Australia, 7-4, 4-7,4-7. The first game I played well, the next two, my brains had vanished! The second match I played Gwen Falconer and won 7-1, 7-4. the lawns were quite heavy, with a fair amount of grass.
Today I play at Mount Mauntani and have a bye in the morning. The club is superb, croquet and bowls, plus a general club, which is big and spacious and includes a gaming room (slot machines) and a tote (horse racing). It overlooks Mount Mauntani and yesterday there was a cruise ship parked at the end of the lawn. I hadnt realised the harbour was at the end of the lawns! I am still getting to grips with jet lag as it is an 11 hour time difference and not used to playing croquet at 2 am!
The first day we had the players meeting and then the opening ceremony and a proud moment to carry the flag, though had difficulty holding it due to the very strong wind. Afterwards we had drinks and nibbles and met friends from previous competitions and new friends. Matches are played at either 9 and 1 or 11 and 3 and no double banking.
The New Zealanders have organised the competition very well and everybody has been very helpful. There are 8 Egyptians and I play Soha on Tuesday. I watched her playing yesterday and she was good - she hit her black ball so hard that it disappered down a rabbit hole and had to be replaced!
The Bay of Plenty is beautiful and I had a super view from the front seat of the little plane I took from Auckland to Tauranga and hope I can get sufficient time off to do some exploring.
Clare Stableford
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New Hermanus Croquet Club
Hermanus Croquet Club was formed in January 2011. With no club house or facilities they can call their own, they use the local cricket field to play on.
This means playing only when there is no cricket match in progress! There is a regular membership of six players boosted by a few “swallows” from overseas.
Most of the players have played association croquet and were very keen to learn all about golf croquet. They soon picked up the rules and tactics of the golf game.
Although playing on the rough and bumpy grass did make it very difficult to control the ball, they showed remarkable skills in running the hoops etc.
They are trying very hard to find a suitable venue to play on and expand their club membership. If anyone can assist them, please would they contact Cecilia Pretorius soonest. Home 0283130441 Cell 0785961488.
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Croquet at Bear Necessities Nursery School
“I thought I would try croquet at my nursery schools.
To my amazement within 5 minutes they were into it
Each child received a ball which had to go through six hoops then hit the centre peg.”
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2011 SACA NATIONALS
The Association week started on Monday, 26 September. The first few days were very hot but cooler weather came in from the Thursday onwards. Strong winds were a factor for the whole two weeks. All the lawns were quite fast. There were 14 players in total with representatives from KZN, W. Province, E. Cape and Gauteng. Three players also spend at least half of the year in England.
In the Open Singles, Drewan Bennett won all his matches but had a close game against Meshack Mazibuko. This meant that the Belcher Cup went to KZN for the first time in many years. Meshack came second and Chris Wakeham, third.
Christine Wakeham won all her games in the handicap events. This meant that she came home with the Riggall Gold Cup for the Veterans’ Handicap event as well as trophies for the Open Handicap Singles and Restricted Handicap Singles. In the Restricted Singles final, Tony Whateley beat Chris Wakeham and the handicap doubles was won by Drewan Bennett and Meshack Mazibuko who edged out Peter and Silvia Dreyer.
The Sunday in between the Association and Golf events had been set aside for lawn mowing and an association coaching clinic. In the event, it poured with rain all day. This meant that the courts were slower for the first few days of the golf week until they were cut mid week.
The wind continued to blow and at one stage, Chris Wakeham and Keith Ketterer were sitting on a bench under the shade of a large umbrella, when suddenly the said umbrella took off and flew over the boundary fence!
Victor Dladla regained the Golf Croquet Open Singles title when he beat Clare Stableford in the final. The Open Doubles winners were Meshack Mazibuko and Thomas More with the runners up being David Boyd and Val Armstrong.
During the Nationals a number of highly successful social functions were held including opening ceremonies, prize-givings, a quiz evening and a braai following the AGM.
Lunches were also up to their usual excellent standard at Port Alfred. All in all, Johan and Noeline Kirsten and their many helpers did an excellent job.
Click here for the results.
Click here for the photos.
Gauteng Open Door
The Open Door was played over the weekend of 5/6 August at Country Club, Johannesburg. The courts were very fast as can be expected during the Highveld winter. All the games were over 19 hoops.
Mike Corcoran (ZL) emerged as the winner with Chris Wakeham (CCJ) second and John Hedding (ZL) third.
Results to follow.
Golf Croquet World Champs
This event finished on 24 July. The winner was Mark McInerney from Ireland who beat Hisham Aboesbaa from Egypt in the final. The standard of play throughout the tournament was amazing – sometimes there would be a dozen or more long clearances from both players in a game without any of them missing their mark.
The plate event was won by USA’s Ben Rothman.
Of the South Africans, Reg Bamford did best but lost in the quarter final to Hisham. This game was notable for an amazing long angled bounce jump shot played by Reg which was ruled a fault by the referee in somewhat controversial circumstances. (Anyone wishing to see this shot need only google “Reg Bamford – defining moment”).
William Louw who was suffering from a flu bug, lost in the first round of the knock-out. Victor Dladla , who was drawn in a very strong block, did not get through to the last thirty-two, but did well in the plate event.
26th June 2011, Irish Croquet @ Somerset West
An enthusiastic group of 16 Western Province players gathered once again for the Annual Irish Croquet Day. Grahame Tomes organised the games on half size courts, 4 players on each – wonderful sunny winter’s day. Irish Croquet is an enjoyable combination of Association & Golf Croquet and is accompanied by the inevitable Guinness, Champagne & Irish Stew.
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| Team of 16 including photographer Susan Crole | winners Grahame Tomes (SWCC) and Neil McHardy (KGCC) with runners-up Mariel de Bie & Keith Ketterer (KGCC) |
Click here to go to Somerset West's Home Page
Somerset West invited a team from Kelvin Grove
Somerset West Croquet Club invited a team from Kelvin Grove to join them in a strictly friendly competition Sunday 12th June, 2011.06.12
The weather was perfect. The two clubs mixed players and formed 4 teams playing doubles & singles for points. Winning team won a bottle of wine each for their endeavours.
A Bring and Braai rounded off the day and some enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with some casual games. We welcomed quite a few new members.
Click here to go to Somerset West's Home Page
2011 Highlander Tournament
The ever popular Highlander Tournament was held in early May at the Port Alfred Bowling and Croquet Club and was ably managed by Johan Kirsten.
Despite four seasons during the week, the forty entrants thoroughly enjoyed the tournament. As always, the hospitality and catering of the club members was greatly appreciated. It was great to meet old friends and make new ones.
Mariel de Bie
Our annual sponsored tournament was held from 2nd May to 7th of May. This is a Golf Croquet Tournament and is played in 2 sections. The A-section are players with handicaps from 0 to 5 and the B-section players with handicaps from 6 to 10.
all players could play in all 4 events: Open Doubles; Open Singles; Handicap Doubles and Handicap Singles.
We had a wonderful tournament with good croquet and lots of fun when we did not play. Unfortunately some matches were not played because of very bad weather on the final day. It did not influence the results at all.
During the week we had a quiz evening with supper at the Highlander pub; a Braai and entertainment at the Club and a Prize Giving Dinner at the Highlander - our main Sponsor.
Lots of new friends were made and we think every one that came are such wonderful people. Congratulations to all the winners - especially the Kelvin Grove players - who did exceptionally well. Hope to see you all back next year plus some new faces.
Noeline Kirsten
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Winners of the 2011 Highlander Tournament
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Pat Berry & Anne Oxton
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Thea Lotz |
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2011 SA Masters
The biannual SA Masters Croquet, which has not been held since 2004, was held at Port Alfred at the end of April as there is no SACA Club in Port Elizabeth.
Only Golf Croquet was played because of a lack of entries for the Association Croquet. There were 22 players and the tournament was played over 4 days. Of the 22 players, 8 were from other provinces and the rest were local players. The first 2 days the weather was not that great but the games were all played in a good spirit.
Players could enter into 3 of the 4 events Open Doubles; Open Singles; Handicap Doubles and Handicap Singles. Unfortunately, due to there being so few entries in Association Croquet, only Golf Croquet was played.
A short Prize Giving was held on the Sunday evening where the winners received medals and certificates. Well done to all the winners and a big thank you to those who took part.
Noeline Kirsten
3rd Old Mutual Doubles Challenge
A fun filled all day event with 32 players from Clubs in the Cape Peninsula. Many prizes were awarded for individual achievements - even for a 'hole in one' and jump shots.
Despite a powerful wind which whipped up a hazardous fire overlooking the courts, everyone enjoyed the day of croquet and the special braai & selected wines supplied by the Wine Registry.
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| Prizes for jump shots (Left to right front) - Caroline Trengove-Jones, Marilyn Pentz, Peter Johnson, (Back row left to right) Richard Prosser, Silvia Dreyer, Godfrey Masawi with Gary Hughes and Alan Broadhurst Old Mutual |
Prize-winners Louis Crole SWCC & Colleen Browne KGCC |
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| Richard & Margot Prosser Kelvin Grove - prize-winners with Old Mutual's Alan Broadhurst and Gary Hughes |
Prize winner WP President Anne Oxton with Alan Broadhurst & Gary Hughes of Old Mutual |
Gauteng Golf Croquet Tournament
The tournament was held over the long weekend of 19-21 March. Twenty-six players participated in extremely variable weather. The mornings were sunny and hot, but by lunchtime the thunder clouds gathered and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons play had to cease due to lightening and the courts were both flooded and covered with hail stones.
The tournament manager (John Woolcott) kept calm and arranged extra playing sessions to start at 8 am and through lunch.
Luckily Monday was a fine day and we managed to catch up the backlog and finish the finals on time. The usual number of silly errors were made when wrong balls were played but perhaps the best was when for about 10 minutes one competitor was seen playing the brown and white balls while his opponent played green and pink!
Click here to see results
Click here to visit Country Club Johannesburg's page
False Bay Challenge
The False Bay Challenge was played at Fish Hoek Croquet Club on Sunday 3 April 2011. Teams were invited from all affiliated WP clubs to join us in celebrating the restoration of our lawns, and in that spirit the whole day progressed, truly one of the most sociable events this year.
The purpose of the False Bay Challenge is to give new players and higher handicappers the opportunity to compete, and amidst much laughter, chatting and bantering this was achieved on Sunday. Congratulations must go to all the new players, not only did they play well, they knew and discussed the etiquette of the game like seasoned veterans!
With dark clouds threatening the final play-off between Rondebosch and Fish Hoek, the Fish Hoek Whales team, Beryl Joseph and Eve Oosthuizen managed to win the trophy for the first time since the inception of the competition in 2003.
Click here to go to Fish Hoek's Home Page
Photo:
The False Bay Challenge Shield presented to Beryl Joseph and Eve Oosthuizen by Jean Gruner (President) and Pam Gloster (Vice President)
Western Province Association Croquet 2011
Another successful Western Province tournament under our belts. The weather was kind to us and the play exceptional. Once again we saw familiar faces from the UK and a number of new visitors joined them for a super week of sunshine, friendship and well fought games. The lawns were in great nick and well appreciated by all, judging by the standard of play.
The open players, as always, made the games look so easy and effortless to the class players and the fun and banter in the class events always the envy of the open players. The South African competitors did well this year against their overseas compatriots and managed to “bag” a number of the trophies for a change – well done SA.
We look forward to next year’s event with the hope of enticing some more top players from the UK to visit this special part of the world.
Click here for the results
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| Entrants to WP Association Croquet 2011 in Somerset West |
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| Winners of the Handicap doubles event Sue Strong and Johnathan Edwards with runners up Dianne and Richard Stevens |
Winner of the Open Handicap Singles X Judith Hanekom and runner up William Louw |
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| Winner of the Open Singles William Louw with runner up Mark Avery |
Winners of the Open Doubles Mark Avery and Dave Mundy with runners up Lionel Tibble and Mike Town |
Western Province Golf Croquet 2011
Rondebosch Croquet Club hosted a very successful Western Province Golf Croquet Tournament from 7 - 11 March. RCC with few members had worked hard to prepare the lawns (with the valued assistance of Brian Chetty of Kelvin Grove) for the event.
Several players from Port Alfred entered and the Open Doubles title was carrried back to the Eastern Cape. Somerset West and Kelvin clubs both fared well.
The weather was kind - not too hot and not too windy - what a treat after some very hot weeks. The main thanks must go to the two ladies (not so young) at RCC who were up early each day to set up the lawns (with Peter Johnson's assistance), make the tea and generally look after friends both old and new. All in all a good time was had by everyone.
Thanks also go to our tournament manager and the WP secretary for their hard work.
Click here for the results
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| Peter Johnson Winner of WP Open Singles 2011 |
Noeline Kirsten & Alan Wilson Winners of Open Doubles |
2011 SA Masters Information
The SA MASTERS will take place in Port Alfred 4 days before the HIGHLANDER TOURNAMENT. Association as well as Golf Croquet will be played during the Masters competition but the Highlander will be a Golf Croquet competition only.
Gail (Highlander owner) has offered a special rate for Croquet players. R185 per person per night - accommodation only.
- General Event Information HERE
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Entry Forms HERE
A Players view of the S.A.Nationals 2010
Natal has always claimed the title of being the last outpost of The British Empire. Our view is that the Johannesburg Country Club is the rightful claimant.
We stayed at The Lodge for a full week and the experience was nothing short of a visit into a bygone era where the socialites hosted lavish parties,played fun cricket matches and picknicked forever under the shade of the old oak trees. The landscaped gardens,magnificent lawns and secret hideaways are very special.
From every aspect it was a great tournament, a beautiful venue, excellent weather,efficient catering and wonder ful fellowship.The standard of play was at times breathtaking and it is not often you get the chance to meet and play against some of the best players in the game.
Our thanks to Chris Wakeham and his team for hosting a memorable event and making it possible for enthusiastic learners like ourselves to be part of the action.
Annette and Keith Ketterer.
St. Andrews Day tournament - by Pat Erskine, Vice President
A St. Andrews Day tournament was sponsored by Club members Graham & Jean Bradshaw on Sunday 28th November. The tournament was played on a doubles format with each of the 24 competitors playing with a different partner for the three matches.
Hi and low handicapped players were paired and each player kept their own score card. Due to the generosity of the sponsors – everyone won a prize – highest scores having first choice – the liquor prizes ranged from whisky, gin, champagne, wine,Babycham and chocolates.
The morning was a great success and ended with a “bring and share” lunch. The entry fee of R25.00 went to towards our “lawnmower fund”.
Click here for their webpage.
Click on the images to enlarge.
SA Golf Croquet Nationals
Click here for more images from this event
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 Newly elected president - Chris Wakeham |
Kelvin Grove's annual Handicap Doubles News - by Mariel de Bie.
Last Saturday in lovely cool conditions, Kelvin Grove held their annual Handicap Doubles Competition. It was really good to see so many new members there. This is a competition where an experienced player is teamed with a relative beginner.
It takes the format of a knock-out and couples who loose in the first round go on to play for the Plate.
The winners of the main event were Marilyn Pentz who was teamed with John Longworth. Emelia Binnewald and Bob Crane were the runners- up.
Mariel de Bie and Peter Trengrove-Jones won the Plate from Di Schuurman and Jill Pitman.
Judging by the amount of people who arrived for drinks paid for by the winners, a great day was had by all.
The Handicap Singles will be played in early December. Results to follow.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Somerset College Preparatory Croquet News - by Dianne de Villiers.
Our Prep croquet players are still laying claim to a corner of the rugby field. Our final 2010 tournament was held over two weeks, with the players competing in a Pairs competition and a Singles competition.
It was tense. Competition was fierce. Tempers got a little frayed, but everyone remembered their manners. It was great fun!
Some amazing croquet shots were played. Keenen Fitzhenry played a skilful in-off shot to win a point and managed to score another spectacular point, sending his ball up the entire length of the croquet lawn to run the hoop.
Robert Bergh’s jump shots are almost 100% successful. These kids make this difficult shot look so easy!
The Pairs champions are Josh Smit and Keenen Fitzhenry. Tim Coxon is our 2010 Singles champion. Well done to ALL players. You were a fantastic group of players. I really enjoyed coaching you. Tim Coxon is our man of the season, displaying exemplary manners on and off the field, as well as wonderful sportsmanship. Croquet is new to Somerset College, but it’s here to stay.
Now if we can just persuade those touch rugby players in the Senior school to take off their spikes…
Click on the images to enlarge.
Somerset House School, Somerset West - by Judith Hanekom.
The school fourth quarter is well underway and we were allocated a "croquet club" as part of our Wednesday afternoon clubs - this was exciting news! Being extremely brave, I agree to take up to a maximum of 12 children for the inaugural "croquet club" and am fortunate enough to fill all twelve places - with boys (not a girl in sight) ranging from 10 to 13 years of age.
Our first lesson developed into a bit of a riot, as we were all so excited at the prospect half the lesson was spent trying to dampen our exuberance just slightly. Anyhow, since then we have developed at a rate of knots and the boys are doing a wonderful job of picking up the nuances of the game very quickly. We have been using the smaller of the sports fields since our first lesson and have tons of space to make lots of noise and get very excited when one of our teams scores a hoop.
The boys have been divided up into four teams of three each, choosing a Captain for each team and giving their team a name. We have The Vipers (who are the youngest three boys), Tribute, Sphere and the Gabllabs (don't ask me what that is, I have yet to work that one out). Each week we have been playing matches and keeping score and at the end of the quarter the winning team will be awarded a surprise. So far the youngsters are doing a good job against their older compatriots and are in the lead.
It's just so heart warming to see these 12 boys having such fun on the lawn
and learning so much at the same time.
A special thanks goes to the Somerset West Croquet Club for the loan of some
equipment to make all of this possible.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Alice in Wonderland 21st Croquet Party.
Robyn Williams celebrated her 21st birthday party by having an “Alice in Wonderland” mad hatters tea party on 3rd October 2010.
Inspired by the recent remake of the movie (Robyn is an avid Johnny Depp fan), it was decided to include croquet to keep guests amused.
The Somerset West Croquet Club kindly rented out some of their equipment for the occasion, thereby saving on the costs of importing flamingos and hedgehogs.
Her father and brother mowed a square of turf on Rustenburg Girls High school’s hockey field until it was a relatively even surface.
It required several cuts, but eventually was even enough to play a reasonable game. And so the games began. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and the game was enjoyed by both young and old.
We thoroughly recommend it to others for a fun filled afternoon of gentle competition.
CCJ Hosts The Gauteng Golf Croquet Champs.
Over the weekend of 31 July and 1 August the Gauteng “Open Door” tournament was held at CCJ, Auckland Park. The intention of this tournament is to get the top 10-12 players in the province playing each other level over 19 point games to determine the best player in Gauteng.
In the end nine of the invited players were able to play both days.
The result was a close battle between Victor Dladla and Chris Wakeham both from CCJ. Out of a maximum score of 80 points, Victor got 78 and Chris 75, so Victor retained the trophy he won last year. As a result of the winter conditions, the lawns were very fast but played well.
Immediately after the weekend, spring treatment of scarifying and top-dressing commenced on two of the lawns in order for all the lawns to be ready for the Nationals in November.
Photo:Henry Watermeyer who managed the tournament handing the trophy to Victor Dladla
The 2010 World Team Championship Results
Results of Tier 2.1
The 2010 World Team Championship consists of four separate competitions involving four groups of teams, namely Tier 1, Tier 2.1, Tier 2.2 and Tier 3.
Tier 1 is the competition for the MacRobertson Shield. The other tiers were competed for by Association Croquet teams representing different groups of countries:
Each test match consists of 6 individual matches (4 singles and 2 doubles). Each individual match is best of three games.
Overall Positions in Series
| Position | Country | Tests | Matches |
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| 1 | Wales | 2 | 11 |
| 2 | South Africa | 2 | 10 |
| 3 | Jersey | 1 | 9 |
| 4 | Ireland | 1 | 7 |
Summary of Test Match Results
| Country | Matches | Games | Country | Matches | Games | |
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| Ireland | 4 | 10 | vs | Jersey | 3 | 9 |
| South Africa | 4 | 8 | vs | Wales | 2 | 5 |
| Ireland | 2 | 4 | vs | South Africa | 4 | 9 |
| Jersey | 2 | 5 | vs | Wales | 4 | 9 |
| Ireland | 1 | 4 | vs | Wales | 5 | 11 |
| Jersey | 4 | 9 | vs | South Africa | 2 | 7 |
SA team at the Aassociation world team champs at Hurlingham Club, London.
Starting today, Monday 16th August until Saturday 21st August, a South African team will be taking part in the association world team champs at Hurlingham Club, London. Historically the world team event has been limited to Great Britain, USA, Australia and New Zealand. This event is known as the MacRobertson Shield. For the first time, this has been opened up to other countries and we will be competing in the first division of tier 2. Tier 1 consists of the 4 previously mentioned countries.
SA's opponents will be Wales, Ireland and Jersey. Reg Bamford, who is the current world no. 2, is captaining the South African team.
If you wish to follow progress, then log on to www.croquet.org.uk and click on the MacRobertson Shield link and then click on "lower tiers" and find SA in tier 2.1.
2010 Irish Croquet at Somerset West
Team of 16 - Susan taking the picture - wonderful day in the winter sun. Four courts one for each match and this year everyone was an expert so the games were far more exciting and competitive.
To take away the morning chill we were served Guinness and Champagne and a hot Irish stew and apple crumble for lunch. Half of the competitors then moved back on to the courts for a further challenge until the sun set and the chill set in.
(Top - from left to right: Joh Bouwer, Peter Oxton, Vernon Tomes, Anne Oxton, Biddy Bartlett, Marilyn Pentz, Mariel de Bie, Ellis Langeveld, Lloyd Pascall, Henrietta Heim, Pamela Gloster, Angela Colesky, Grahame Tomes & Silvia Dreyer seated.
Bottom - Winners of Irish Croquet, centre Anne Oxton & Silvia Dreyer with SWCC Chairman Ellis Langeveld (left) and Grahame Tomes Organiser & Manager (far right)
A fun tournament with a difference
In the last weekend of May we played a Warwick sponsored tournament – it was great as 14 players from Port Alfred joined 18 of our members in a fun tournament with a difference!
Players were divided into 4 blocks – each block comprising a mix of high and low handicappers and it was played as a doubles format with all players in the block playing each other and keeping individual scores. So everyone played seven games. After that, before lunch on Sunday we had quarter final play offs, then semi finals and eventually after lunch the finals.
The winner was Roelf Roelofse from St. Andrews, 2nd Dereck Snaith, Port Alfred, 3rd Greta Snaith (also P.A) and 4th Robin Fyfe from St. Andrews. So it was pretty evenly matched between the two Clubs.
Rodney Botha from Warwick came up to E.L two weeks before the event for a lesson and also took part in the tournament which he thoroughly enjoyed.
We are hoping that this will be an annual event sponsored by Warwick and that Port Alfred will host it next time.
2010 Gauteng Golf Tournament, part 2
The tournament was completed on Saturday, 8 May on a fine sunny day. The Open Singles semi-finals were played before lunch and saw Mike Corcoran beating Victor Dladla, and Meshack Mazibuko putting out Alfred Makubo. Both were excellent games.
During the afternoon the finals were played, all of them being 19 point games. In the lower handicap singles Alfred Makhubo beat Chris Wakeham 10-8. Alfred is a fast improver and his handicap is likely to drop quickly from his current 4. Christine Wakeham won the higher handicap singles final against Henry Watermeyer.
In the Handicap Doubles, Henry and Maria Watermeyer from Zoo Lake beat Peter and Daphne Langley from Benoni in a very close game. Then came the Open Doubles with Victor and Alfred defeating Clive Coulson and John Hedding.
That left the Open Singles which saw Meshack coming up against Mike Corcoran. By the end of this game the flood lights were on and the spectators were getting cold as at this time of year on the highveld the temperature drops fast after 5pm. Eventually Mike emerged as the victor after an exciting struggle and everyone could go in for the cocktail party and prize-giving.
2010 Gauteng Golf Tournament
Thirty-three competitors assembled last Saturday on a grey drizzly morning. The rain was never bad enough however to stop play and all the planned matches were finished. In total contrast Sunday was a beautiful Highveld autumn day and it was pleasing to see all four lawns crowded with players.
With one more day to go, the results are beginning to take shape.
In the Open Singles, Alfred Makhobo caused an upset by beating his coach and mentor, Victor Dladla, 7-6 and looks set to win his block. Victor still has a good chance of making the semi-finals as the best loser. Mike Corcoran is through and Meshack Mazibuko is also progressing well.
Alfred has also made the Lower Handicap Singles final while on the other side of the draw, Chris Wakeham is progressing well.
Anne Weiss, Henry Watermeyer and Christine Wakeham have made the Higher Handicap Singles semi-finals, but the best loser place is undecided.
Some of the Open and Handicap Doubles games are still to be played on Saturday, 8 May before the finals.
Robinson Cup competition
The final of the season's Robinson Cup competition played over the 2009/10 season between 4 of the Western Province Croquet Clubs (Somerset West, Helderberg Village, Fish Hoek and Kelvin Grove) was played on Saturday 1st May.
All the teams met at Somerset West Croquet Club after the games for a spitbraai sponsored by BJM. The trophy this season was won by Kelvin Grove.
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Left to right - winners Anne Oxton (Secretary KGCC), Ken Browne (Chairman KGCC), Mrs Robinson & Ellis Langeveld (Chairman SWCC)
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Andre Steenkamp (Barnard Jacob Mellet) new sponsor of the Robinson Cup with (centre) Susan Crole & John Cammell, Secretary of the Western Province Croquet Association and member of Fish Hoek Croquet Club.
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2010 Highlander Croquet Competition
What a wonderful week was had by everybody. Over 50 players from all round the country met at Port Alfred for the annual Highlander Croquet Competition. It was played in the most wonderfully friendly spirit and as much fun was had on the court as well as off.
I think many people come for the evenings fun as well as the games.!!! Who can forget the impromptue Port Alfred Ballads on Thursday evening or the Konga of Friday. We became one big happy family enjoying each others company. The weather was not that kind to us as we experienced lovely sunshine, pouring rain and a howling wind when the balls did their own thing !!
Thank goodness the Open Doubles on Friday and the Finals on Saturday were held in perfect weather. Some pretty tough play was experienced and very close games.
Thea Lotz and Mariel de Bie ( K.G.) played Peter Oxton ( K.G.) and Peter Johnson (S.W.) in the semi-finals of the Open Handicap Doubles and managed to take it on the golden hoop.
They then went on to play Mike Cocoran and John Hedding (Gauteng) in the finals over 19 hoops. The ladies took the game 10 / 7. I don't think anybody wants to play the black ball after Mike's red -----you spend most of the time walking to the far end to retrieve it.
It was most noticeable to watch the different types of games played by the two couples.
The two men playing an Egyptian - type game with HARD hitting away and running of the hoops.
The two ladies played a much gentler game with some hitting away but a lot of play round the hoop and good placings.
The Open Singles was won by Tim Lewin from Natal. His wife, Alison won the Restricted Handicap singles.
The Handicap Singles was won by Mary Mc. Ghie from Port Alfred and the Handicap Doubles by Peter Oxton ( K.G.) and Peter Johnson ( S.W.). All in all, the Western Province players did very well.
Mariel de Bie (See photos here & see prize list here)
Mini Association Tournament Somerset West sponsored by Willowbrook Lodge
Sponsor: www.willowbrook.co.za
SWCC is thriving under the revival of Association Croquet. A wonderful day enjoyed by all the competitors - even a visit from our SA World No 1 Reg Bamford and his family.
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Allan Ware congratulating winner Silvia Dreyer
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| left to right: Allan Ware of Willowbrook, Susan Crole (3rd Prize) Silvia Dreyer (winner) & William Louw (2nd prize). Allan has rejoined Somerset West Croquet Club after an absence of 10 years. |
Competitors:
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Wedding in Franschoek
Somerset West Croquet Club hired out their croquet set to Shareen and Ian Williams for their wedding reception at Dieu Donne Restaurant and Vineyard in Franschhoek.
Playing croquet at wedding receptions has become increasingly popular at outdoor venues particularly in the Cape. Guests find it very interesting and relaxing whilst waiting for photos to be taken and a pleasant way to meet all the visitors on the croquet court.
Old Mutual Golf Croquet Challenge
On Saturday 10th April Somerset West Croquet Club hosted the second Old Mutual Golf Croquet Challenge.
Entries came from all the clubs in the Western Cape. Although a series of doubles events were played throughout the day, prizes were awarded from Old Mutual on individual scores and outstanding hoop and jump shots.
All four courts were in play running 2 matches consecutively on each. The weather was superb and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the braai lunch and the experience of playing alongside members of other clubs.
(Image: Alan Broadhurst, Old Mutual, Louis Crole,SWCC, & Nick Westmore, FHCC, joint 2nd Prize winners & Gary Hughes, Old Mutual)
Gauteng Association Tournament
CCJ hosted the Gauteng Association tournament over the Easter Weekend. The lawns were true and fast and despite rain on Friday and Monday, all the matches were completed under the management of Henry Watermeyer. See results here and Photos here.
The Gauteng golf croquet tournament will be held during the first two weekends in May. A good number of entrants are expected. Spectators are welcome so come down to the lawns and see what it is all about.
(Image: Clive Coulson, Winner of the Culligan Tray for Open Singles)
