This year’s Bribie Island Gateball Challenge was very well supported with 7 teams competing from the following clubs- Bribie Island, Caloundra, Eildon, Toowoomba, Wynnum and two teams from Southport. The Gateball Challenge received generous sponsorship and was notable for its excellent food, efficient organisation and the brilliant autumn weather. It is certain that even more teams will wish to enter next year.

With four wins each, Southport White and Southport Red were placed first and second respectively based on the countback of gates successfully scored. (see gateballscores.com)

Thanks to Gwen Connolly for the group photo and those taken around the lawns.

Barbara Northcott

Southport White were the Winners

Southport Red came second. Jeanette Knight from Bribie Is made the presentations.

Participants at Bribie Island Gateball Challenge

Bribie Island team playing on their home ground.

Stroking action being watched by referee, Maggie.

Teams ready for action

View of the lawns at Bribie Island.

Two competitions were held on May Day weekend: the Victorian State Championships at Cairnlea and Rockhampton’s annual teams and doubles event.

In Victoria, Geoff Crook from South Australia reported that he took part of a fact finding tour on how to play and run a Gateball tournament. He jumped in at the deep end by playing with the Kookaburras – a team comprising players from Lithgow and Newcastle in NSW.

The Cougars snatched the title. Heather Fraser from Terang joined the team and was obviously delighted to share the win with the Queenslanders.

A doubles competition was held on the next day with the Canberra pairs showing their class in an all Canberra final. After a very entertaining and close see-saw game, Bryan Johnson and Gilon Smith beat Glen Whitehead and Hilary White 14 points to 11.

“I learnt a great deal about Gateball, was encouraged by the friendly people playing and the relaxed atmosphere around the games – I even refereed a couple of games. The doubles final was a great game to watch for the neutral observer,” concluded Geoff after a busy weekend.

See gateballscores.com for details

In the Rockhampton Gateball Tournament, a composite team also carried off the teams event. John and Beryl Holmes played with three Caloundra players to form the CalMac team. Bruce Mcallister joined the team as the sixth player. The CalMacs won the team competition so the handsome shield will reside at Caloundra for the first six months, then seek space in the McIlwraith clubhouse until next May.

Beryl followed up her weekend of gateball by attending her OAM investiture

Further information to complete these stories can be posted as a comment or emailed to info@gateball.com.au.