A initiative by Bribie Island Croquet Club to organise a “Come and Try Gateball ” Day was well received. It was advertised within the Sunshine Coast Region and set down for Sunday 10th June. Barbara and Jim Northcott in their roles as Director and Assistant Director for Gateball in QLD attended. In perfect winter weather 16 people came along. Of this number,  3 were familiar with the game. Most of the people who came were Golf Croquet players or beginners to the croquet world because they had visited as students at the University of the 3rd Age.

Plenty of activities were held to learn and to develop the stroking and sparking skills that are needed for beginners. Most of the participants enjoyed the target practice. Actual team games were played and the experience of playing a Triples Game was also enjoyed. Bribie Island members supplied good refreshments and a convivial atmosphere. As a result, a group of 8-10 players are meeting  to play on Thursday mornings under the guidance of Lynda Davis who is also QLD Director of Coaching and Director of Ricochet. She is a firm believer in the playing of more than one code of croquet. Thanks go to Gwen Connelly, the Secretary of Bribie Island Croquet Club, for all of her efforts in promoting Gateball and in arranging the Come and Try Day.

Participants and coaches gather in front of the Bribie Island Clubhouse.

Plastic sheet with target

Nine teams arrived at North Ipswich Bowls Club 2-3rd June to participate in the annual Ipswich Gateball Challenge. It was very good to have Rockhampton enter a team with a few extra players from the local area. Everyone welcomed the members of the newly-registered club with CAQ – Deception Bay Gateball Club. They looked really good in their colourful uniform.

There were some issues for club members who prepared the courts. The usual area was not available so a big job was needed to set out the three courts on a different area of the premises. Everybody found that this event, called the “Challenge”, lived up to its name because the challenge was to keep the ball on the court. The  surface of the lightning-fast, lawn bowls court was a problem for every team including the home team.

All of the participants at the Ipswich Gateball Challenge

Most of the games were low scoring and quite close in the final results. Quite a few were decided by “Shoot-outs”. The referees were able to receive feedback and advice because the CAQ Director of Gateball Referees, Margaret Barnard, attended the tournament and observed the referees in action. Margaret arranged for four players to do the Level 2 Referees Theory Exam during the lunch break on Saturday. Then, on Sunday, Margaret proudly announced that all four players passed their exam. Sincere congratulations go to Mary Dean, Rockhampton MSC, Julia Tai, Southport CC, Ros Crowe and Keith Chur-Hansen both from the new club, Deception Bay GC. Next step for them is to be assessed for their practical sessions of Level 2 by refereeing at the QLD State Championship in Rockhampton in August.

The final placings were not known until the last round of the competition was finished. Thanks go to Karen Stokes for her efficient operation of the scoring system. The two Southport Teams were equal on the number of winning games. However, by countback, Southport Red won the Challenge and Southport White was second- demonstrating the depth of skills, captaincy and abilities of the players at Southport. In the Red team we can see Ethan, aged 13, proud to be a member of the winning team along with his Grandfather, John, who is standing behind him and to his right. His Mother, Julia Tai, is in the White team but hidden from sight in the photo.

Southport Red

Southport White

The novel prizes included an individual Snoopy Mug for each of the members of the teams that came 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Great idea!

Redcliffe Roses came third

A view across the courts with players from McIlwraith CC in the foreground. (from Ethan)

Ipswich once again provided a huge variety of special treats for the morning and afternoon teas and coffees. Their BBQ lunches on both days were very nutritious. Thanks to all of these people- mostly family members- who came to assist in the catering. There were fabulous prizes won in the Raffle. The Ipswich Gateball Club obtained many quality donations from their sponsors. A very friendly social evening was held at the Jets Sports Club- one of the sponsors. Everyone would like to give a big “thank you” to the Ipswich Club for a weekend of very interesting, competitive Gateball.