PAV PROBUS CROQUET CHALLENGE 2011

A very successful inaugural Croquet Challenge was held on Friday 23^rd September 2011 at the Frankston Croquet Club’s greens. Twenty-six players, forming thirteen pairs, participated in the tournament and played best of three matches. Those playing formed a mix of both experienced players as well as beginners, including some playing for the very first time. A number of Probus Clubs were represented, including members from City Clubs, Peninsula Clubs, and also representatives from Gippsland.

The match was followed by a wonderful buffet luncheon laid on by a team of volunteers from the Frankston Croquet Club. Following lunch, tournament players enjoyed a further friendly match supervised by players from the Frankston Croquet Club who very kindly gave coaching advice about techniques and playing tactics to the newcomers to this game. Apart from mallet skills, this is a game that also employs considerable strategic skills.

At the conclusion of play, PAV President Irma Dymke, herself a first time player, presented the PAV Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awards and medallions to members of the successful teams. She also proposed a special vote of thanks to our wonderful hosts at the Frankston Croquet Club, and to Fay O’Toole, PAV Secretary, who is also secretary of the hosting croquet club.

Following an overcast morning during which players had to dodge occasional showers, players were able to enjoy a delightful sunny afternoon. The conclusion of all who participated was that this had proved to be a most successful activity, which will continue to be a regular annual feature on the PAV calendar.

Clubs in attendance were Bittern, Somerville, Mitchell River (Bairnsdale, Syndal Ladies, Mount Eliza Village Ladies, McCrae, and Fawkner Merlynston.

The winners were Janet Leckie-Brunton (Bittern) and Irma Dymke (Syndal Ladies). Runners-up were Natalie Irvine (Syndal Ladies) and Lois Berg (Bittern).

Professional winners were Graham Morrison (McCrae) and Jan Norwood (Mitchell River). Runners-up were Rod Bambury (Bittern) and Val Elvey (Bittern).

Shirley Blanchard won the ‘hoop in one’ prize.

Well done all those who participated, and results show that ‘first-timers’ can still win prizes.

Early start to play on a grey morning
Lois Berg is lining up a delicate shot
Trophies and medallions await the winners
A part of the delicious luncheon for players prepared by volunteers from the Frankston Croquet Club
Irma Dymke lead a strong contingent from Syndal Ladies Probus. Here they are awaiting their call to lunch
Irma Dymke and Tom Leckie-Brunton are shown the finer points of mallet play by an experience Frankston Club member
And now Irma shows us how to tackle a tricky point of play
Shirley Blanchard seals the 'hoop in one' prize with a shot to nearest the post
Thirsty players enjoy a final afternoon cuppa before the prize giving
Final curtain on a great day's play! A group of happy trophy winners, including some that were surprised at their good fortune! Janet Leckie-Brunton, Bittern Combined Probus, holds the PAV Perpetual Challenge Trophy. Janet and Irma Dymke were the inaugural winning team.