Some of the best croquet players from across NSW and the ACT will visit Nelson Bay next week for the 2017 Gold Brooch tournament.
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Nelson Bay Croquet Club will host the three day, state-level tournament, which will be a first in its history.
“This is the first time we've held anything like this,” club president Linda Butler said.
“We’re dipping our toe in, gaining the experience of hosting a state event.
“When we eventually get our extra courts we can start putting out hand up to host other prestigious events.”
The Nelson Bay croquet courts are located behind the Elizabeth Waring Function Room, home to the Nelson Bay Junior Rugby Union Club.
In past 18 months the croquet club has experienced a surge in membership, swelling from 71 members to 89.
During that time the club has made improvements to its two croquet courts. Planning work is currently underway to install an additional two playing surfaces.
“The Gold Brooch is ideally suited to our club because it only needs two lawns,” Butler said. “We were keen to secure this event because we’re a growing club, our numbers have skyrocketed, and because we’re trying to get more courts.”
Three Nelson Bay Croquet Club members will play in the Gold Brooch – division one player Trevor Black and division two players Sandy Tawa and Cheryl Lloyd.
Top players from 13 NSW/ACT croquet clubs, from as far away as Canberra and Port Macquarie, will play in the tournament, which will begin on Monday, August 28 and finish on Wednesday, August 30.
It is anticipated that there will be some keen competition between well-known former national representative players Tony Hall, John Compton and Joe Dimech.
Current NSW representatives Brenda Wild and Black, from Nelson Bay, will demonstrate how to play the game at the highest level.
Black will be paired with Lloyd in the Gold Brooch, and Tawa with John Compton from Maitland.
Tawa said the tournament was appealing to play because of the pairing system.
“They [division one partner] have had a lot of experience playing in events – we haven't,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity to improve our game, learn new strategies, and meet new people.”
Spectators are welcome to head along and watch. Games start at 8am.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
