Court Reopening

Saturday the 7th of January saw the reopening of the Nowra Croquet club’s lawn after the annual renovation.

The lawn usually out of play for six to eight weeks for renovation in past years was only closed for three weeks and is in the best condition (with the

exception of the end near the fig tree it has ever been. The grounds committee are to be congratulated on a job well done,

Seven members enjoyed their first game of golf croquet for 2006 on Saturday morning followed by four members playing association croquet in the afternoon.

Margaret Sawers played Oie Malcolm in a very enjoyable handicap singles and Tim Murphy played John Deeves.

Tim excelled yet again, making a triple peel in his game against John, then not satisfied with that Tim went on to play John in a second game for the day

and almost completed a second T.P, he peeled his balls through the final hoops but failed in his attempt to peg out

Margaret Sawers

Farewell to Claire

At a general meeting held in the club rooms of Nowra Croquet club on Wednesday the 18th of January 2006< President Tim Murphy announced that work on the new

lawns would probably commence in time for the next growing season. This is good news for members who have had a roller coaster ride of emotions, firstly

elation when they learned that the lawns were going ahead then disappointment when the development application was opposed elation again, when the project

was approved by council, disappointment again when the planned lawns had to be moved further up the show ground adding to the cost of the project, and

hopefully now finally approval to start work

It was decided at the meeting to hold a garage sale on the 25th of February at 6 Seaforth Street Bomaderry to raise much needed funds for the club.

A social Sunday is planned for Sunday the 12 th of February, these are fun days and visitors are always welcomed

After the meeting secretary Dorothy Barker invited all present to share a cake which she had bought to celebrate the 70th birthday of the club’s longest

standing member Ellen Bethe.

It was also time to say farewell to another popular member, Claire Wilson who was moving to Adelaide in a few days. Claire will be sadly missed by all at

the club as she has been a member of the team who have worked tirelessly towards achieving the new lawns. Claire has also been a major force in starting and

maintaining the school program with Dorothy and the support of other members. She served as captain for two years, secretary, chair person of the greens

committee for three years, during this time she was instrumental in the great improvement in the condition of the playing surface along with Tim Murphy

Kevin Owen and John Deeves. Claire’s coaching has been available to all members for the asking and has been invaluable as can be seen in the results

achieved in state and other competitions over the last few years.

Ellen has been a member for the past twenty-five years and has served in the position of secretary, publicity officer and croquet NSW delegate. Ellen and

her husband Jack are also staunch supporters of the club in many other ways.

Margaret Sawers played at Queanbeyan in that club’s first open tournament, winning only two out of four games.

Sara O’Sullivan from Queanbeyan playing in her first tournament won the block with four out of four wins. Sara is a young lady who has only been playing for

a short time and was thrilled to peg out in her last game of the tournament ( the first time she has ever pegged out in a game)Sara is a young lady who

shows a lot of promise and is a credit to all of her coaches.

Tim Murphy Played at Tempe in the three and under tournament for players on a handicap of three or less Tim as usual played extremely well winning four out

of six games

Margaret Sawers

Tim Murphy continues to improve

Tim Murphy continues to improve his croquet play.

Thus far this year, he has played two tournaments and has had some very good
wins.

At the Canberra Open in January, he won four and lost four in his block,
missing out on a place in the quarter finals by just one win.

His best win was against eventual winner Ian Bassett, ranked 17 in
Australia, who he beat 26 to 3.

He then moved into the plate event, provided for players who don't make the
finals, winning two games and losing one and missing out on the semi-finals
by just ten hoops.

In early February, he played in the NSW Three and Under tournament, for
people on a handicap of three or lower.

Tim won four games, lost two and was third in his block.

He gained another big scalp by beating young gun Chloe Aberley, then almost
gained another in American Mike Jenner, ranked 64 in the world.

Jenner won 24 to 23.

As a result of both competitions, Tim's ranking has improved to 8 in NSW and
209 in the world.

Tim said he is very happy with the way he is playing at the moment and is
looking forward to his next challenge, as captain of the NSW A Team in the
State Team Challenge.

Margaret Sawers