With our Gateball Tournament only being 2 weeks after the State Titles
we were not sure what to expect and with the virus around we were
nervously watching the news to see if there was to be any lock downs
which could affect our tournament.

With 8 teams and 10 doubles entrants we were able to spread it over 3
days without any rush between games. Our lawns were not as good as we
hoped because when we had them done at in December last year a massive
storm came shortly after and washed all the top dressing away.

There were 3 teams that won 6 games but Toowoomba won on a count back.
Southport Red came second and Rockhampton third.

Toowoomba was placed 1st on the countback.

The Southport Red Team came 2nd.

The Newbies from Southport ( Donna and Robert Nicholson) won the Doubles Competition with Cheryl and Steve Kele from Rockhampton coming 2nd after a shoot out.

Donna and Robert Nicholson from Southport won the Gateball Doubles Competition

Frank Harding presented the prizes for the teams. He was 98 on the 2nd October and still an active member of our club. Even though he is unable to play. It was great to see everybody so relaxed.

Sandra Reynolds

It was a hectic time for the QLD Director of Gateball Referees, Margaret Barnard, at the recent State Gateball Championships held at Ipswich Croquet Club 17-19th September. Many players have been very keen to become qualified referees which augurs well for Gateball. There were 7 players who had passed the Level 2 Theory Examination which was held earlier in June at the annual MSOB Gateball Tournament at Southport Croquet Club. The next step for them was to be assessed on their practical knowledge of the rules by being observed refereeing Gateball games at the State Championships.

The successful candidate were presented with their badges by the CAQ Vice President, Pat Habner. Congratulations go to all seven of them from 3 Clubs. They are  Kathie Grant, Dianne and Peter Sweet from Southport, Chris Kele from McIlwraith, Fran Buckle, Christine Roose and Nancy Scamp from Eildon.  It is hoped that their success will inspire more players to take on the study and guidance needed to achieve the Level 2 Gateball Referee badge.

L-R Kathie Grant, Dianne and Peter Sweet from Southport, Chris Kele from McIlwraith, Fran Buckle, Christine Roose and Nancy Scamp from Eildon and Margaret Barnard

Gateball in QLD has received so much benefit from the dedicated work by Margaret Barnard who is an International Referee. She has been readily available to oversee the theory and practical exams in order to ensure the quality of referees remain high within the QLD State. Unfortunately, Margaret is standing down after 4 years of the demanding tasks she has had to carry out as State Gateball Director of Gateball Referees.

On behalf of all of the QLD Gateball players, I extend a sincere thank you, Margaret, for the tremendous work you have done for Gateball.