MCC Croquet Section Club Championships

Held during March 2025
Published 27 March 2025

The MCC Croquet Section held its Annual Club Championships over the past two weekends, with 27 members competing across four divisions.

Divisions 3 and 4 were played first, from March 13 to March 16, under extreme weather conditions — scorching heat one day followed by torrential rain and cold the next. In Division 4, Wayne McGregor dominated the competition, winning all his games and securing the title by defeating newcomer Liz Falla in the final. Division 3 was a tightly contested and nerve-wracking affair, with both Paul Coughlin and Sarah Lewis winning four matches each. In the end, Paul emerged victorious, claiming the title on net hoops.

Divisions 1 and 2 were played this past weekend in perfect conditions. Division 2 saw a three-way tie, with Trevor Taylor, Wayne Lewis, and Rob Loutit each securing two wins. Ultimately, Trevor claimed victory on net hoops. Division 1 was fiercely contested, with most games going to the peg. Lachlan Berryman was unstoppable, winning all five of his matches to take the title ahead of Chris Grant.

To celebrate another successful Club Championship, members gathered for a delightful Long Lunch in the afternoon, rounding off the event in great club spirit.

April Court Availability

Published 27 March 2025

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March Court Availability

Published 26 March 2025

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Court Play 2025

We have been back playing at Glen Street since 30 November 2024
Published 26 March 2025

We have been active with various club events including:

• Golf Croquet Club Championships (Dec 2024)
• Twilight Plate competition (Dec 2024)
• Hi Lo Doubles Alternate hits (February 2025)
• One Ball
• New recruits evening and coaching

Regular Pennant competition commences in 26 February for the autumn season and our AC club championships across all 4 divisions are to be held 13 to 23 March.

February Court Availability

Published 26 March 2025

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Ground Improvements Update

Play will recommence on 30 November 2024
Published 26 November 2024

For the last 6 months the Glen St courts have been closed while major civil works have been undertaken to increase the court size and to address many OH&S issues. New drainage, irrigation and a laser levelled playing surface have also been completed such that play will commence again on Saturday 30 November 2024.

The courts have been laid out and hoops positioned so members and visitors can look forward to an extensive series of events over the coming months which include the Twilight Plate, Chairmans Shield (Handicap), One Ball, Golf and the Club AC Championships in March.

We will be actively looking for new members to join and will provide introductory lessons and coaching as necessary.

Open Tournament Results

Published 26 November 2024

Over 19 July - 21 July, MCC Croquet Section held our Annual Open Tournament.

Due to ongoing renovations at our Glen St courts, the event took place at the Victorian Croquet Centre in Cairnlea. With 12 courts at this venue, we were able to accommodate all Divisions over the one weekend.

Despite the blustery weather conditions, 33 competitors from across Victoria participated and showcased their skills. The tournament was a success highlighting the dedication and sportsmanship of all involved.

Bear Cup

Held on 6th October 2024
Published 26 November 2024

The Bear Cup began in 2000 as a social event held between the 6 clubs of the Eastern Metropolitan Croquet Association (EMCA). The event is held annually on the 1st Sunday of October with clubs rotating to host the event. The event is made up of 6-7 “fun” games, related to croquet but not serious. Courts are divided into either half or quarter courts to accommodate a number of games.

This years event was hosted by MCC Croquet Club but held at Kew Croquet Club due to our court works. Monash won by 1 point from Ivanhoe and unfortunately, MCC CC came last. However there was very positive feedback after the event and a great time was had by all.

Ground Improvements

Project planned May to October 2024

Our two courts are currently closed and undergoing extensive upgrading. While this is occurring we are playing on the MCC Bowls lawn at Glen St over the winter months.

The project works are designed to:

1. Increase the court size by removing backswing restrictions,
2. Provide new grass, drainage, irrigation and ensure the courts are laser levelled,
3. Remove OH&S hazards including gutters,
4. Improve the courtside seating and general player and spectator amenity.

Play will recommence at Glen Street on Saturday 30th November.

Open Tournament at Cairnlea

Held on the 19th to 21st July 2024

Address

Victorian Croquet Centre,
Nobel Banks Drive, Cairnlea

Dates

Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July 2024
Handicaps -3 to 20

Draw

Block Draw, Extra Time (Regulation 16.3.1)
Starting Time 9.00 am

Events

Event 1: (-3 to 6) Advanced Level, 2¼ hour game
Event 2: (7 to 11) Advanced Level, 2¼ hour game
Event 3: (12 to 16) Advanced Level, 2 hour game
Event 4: (18 to 20) Advanced Level, 2 hour game

CONDITIONS

1. The Tournament will be played in accordance with the laws of Association Croquet and Victoria Regulations for Tournaments.
2. International 2000 Dawson Balls will be used. Recognised Croquet club colours or predominantly white and white flat shoes attire must be worn.
3. Be available 30 minutes before scheduled play. Protection for weekend players may be possible.
4. Double banked games will be played where necessary - Not for Finals.
5. Players may be required to play three matches in a day. Play starts at 9.00am each day.
6. Further demarcations may be made in ranges depending upon numbers of entries.
7. Management reserves the right to cancel any event if there are insufficient entries.
8. All entries to the Tournament Manager at: coughlin8888@gmail.com listing handicap, index, phone and email contact. MCC CC players please sign up via Hello Club.
9. Handicap cards must be sighted by the Handicapper before and after the Tournament.
10. Hoop settings will be 311/16 ± 1 /32 for all events.
11. Prize money for winner and runner-up in all events.

Entry

Entry fee is $30 which will be invoiced and this includes morning tea
BYO lunch

Entries close Saturday 12 July 2024 - Entries are Limited.

People

Awards Night

Held on the 7th of May 2024

The Croquet Section gathered and celebrated their Awards night on Tuesday evening in the Committee Room.

In a well-attended function, Chair Wayne Lewis spoke of the new ground improvements project at Glen St which has necessitated the closing of the courts for this work to be undertaken in the coming months.

The works involve an increase in court size, new grass, irrigation and drainage and a general upgrade in spectator and player seating. In the meantime, regular play will continue thanks to the cooperation of the Bowls Section on the adjacent Bowls lawn whilst work is completed.

Members enjoyed a fabulous dinner to celebrate all the award winners as MCC Committee member James Cain assisted with the presentation and spoke to the importance of continuing to invest in the Club's Sporting Sections and their facilities.

Lachlan Berryman was honoured with the Chairman's Award for his assistance and guidance to all Croquet Section members. Last year, Lachlan represented Australia at the Croquet World Championships in the United Kingdom.

Lachlan, along with teammate Chris Grant also showcased the magnificent Eire Cup. The duo represented Victoria recently where the Vics defeated Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia to win the coveted trophy.

Award Winners:

- Chairman's Award: Lachlan Berryman
- Club Award: Tom Kudelka
- Most Improved, Chairman's Shield and One Ball: Deborah Harris
- Pennant Player of the Year: Jan Beattie
- Club Championships Division 1: Trevor Taylor
- Club Championships Division 2: Doug Neale
- Club Championships Division 3: Rob Loutit
- Club Championships Division 4: Paul Coughlin