The annual competition was held successfully with fine weather and fast courts. Seven teams participated this year which was one less than last year. This was because of the CAQ Golf Singles Championship was held on that date after being postponed because of  the aftereffects of the cyclone. So, several potential participants were unable to attend- Bruce McAlister, CAQ Director, Gaye Pitman and Elaine and Brian Rubock all of whom had been signed up for the golf tournament.

All the competitors

The competition is always a one day event so careful planning ensured that all of the round robin events were completed before 5:00p.m. It was a close finish with two teams achieving five wins but it was Southport’s “The Three Amigos” who won again this year. Amanda, Lee and Christopher Wentworth defeated the “Can Do” team in the last game of the day with enough gates scored to achieve a better net difference. The “Can Do” team also from Southport was Julia Vickers, Beryl Phillips, Trudy Cummins and Keith McLeod. Congratulations to these two teams for a close- fought tussle. Third place went to Broadbeach. Another Southport team came fourth so it is obvious that home court advantage was a help to the local teams. Thanks to all teams that competed (Broadbeach, Ipswich with 2 teams, Redcliffe Roses) as it was played in a very friendly atmosphere. Great food was supplied to all the players by the excellent efforts of our members and co-ordinated by Kerry Lamerton.

The Three Amigos-Christopher, Amanda and Lee Wentworth- won the competition

Second place went to the “Can Do” team- Julia Vickers, Keith McLeod, Trudy Cummins and Beryl Phillips

Lunch was cooked on the BBQ by Kerry Lamerton and Lee Godfrey

Geoff Morris in action

Scoring is an important job done by Margaret and Eunice in this photo.

The QLD Gateball intraclub competitions were off  to a very good start with the first tournament being held at McIlwraith Croquet Club in Brisbane on 8th and 9th April. The dates were somewhat later than usual and only just avoided the sort of rainfall that we have experienced in previous years. However, only just!

One week prior to the tournament, the south eastern part of Queensland suffered very strong winds and extremely heavy rainfall from the ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. The fields were covered with water and there was water a foot deep through the lower level of the the clubhouse. An amazing amount of work by club members cleared the mess and prepared the court with very clear markings. The courts were very green, somewhat slower than normal but in very good condition. Great work, McIlwraith members!

There were 9 teams competing altogether which is a good for the sport. It was a very dedicated pair of players ( Cheryl and Steven Kele) who travelled all the way from Rockhampton to compete even though their city was being flooded in many areas. Several composite teams were formed and this was a successful arrangement for all concerned. In addition, two teams representing the local club of McIlwraith and two teams from Southport were competing.

All of the games were played on time with an hour between the games. So many games were closely contested with decisions on winners made only on a countback. By Sunday morning games there were three teams vying for the Challenge Cup. It wasn’t until the final game that the placings were finalised. Third place went to Toowoomba. Second place went to McIlwraith Blue Macs. The winning team was the Southport Red team. It was the third time in a  row that Southport has won the McIlwraith Challenge. (see results on gateballscores.com)

Winning team was Southport Red

Blue Macs came second

Sparking a ball

Photos showing teams and referees in action