CROQUET
THE Victorian Country Regional Croquet Championships will be staged in Traralgon and Morwell from Sunday to Wednesday.
Gippsland Croquet Association’s turn to host the prestigious event comes in its 51st year.
GCA president Iris Williams said the tournament was the highest level of representative competition seen in country Victoria, and would bring many players, spectators, referees and other officials from all over the state to the Latrobe Valley.
“It is also great to see the croquet clubs of Gippsland coming together to make this event possible,” Williams said.
“Eight courts are required in total for the three days of competition, and no one location in Gippsland can provide this, so we are very thankful for the support given by the Traralgon Croquet Club, Morwell Croquet Club, Traralgon Bowls Club and Traralgon RSL Bowls Club in co-hosting this event.”
The championships will be held as a round robin competition in four sections, with each player challenged in eight games of association croquet.
Sections are based on handicap ranges, and players are chosen to represent their region by winning local championship tournaments, which ensures that the best of the best battle for the regional title.
“Many of our state and Australian representative players come from the country regions and enjoyed playing in the regional championships, so the games will be of high quality, especially in section one, and spectators are welcome at all matches,” Williams said.
“Hopefully our success in hosting the championships will also bring success in winning the championships.”
Organising committee convenor Simon Trebilcock said the GCA’s aimed to put on the “best ever” regionals event, and to promote croquet and the region at large.
“Croquet is a game where all age groups, and men and women, all play together as equals,” he said.
“With the regionals in Traralgon and Morwell, it is a great opportunity to see some high quality games.”
