Croquet club offers fun for all
If you’re looking for something a bit different the Putaruru Golf Croquet Club could be what you’re after.
President Bryan Lesley said the club, which is next to the Putaruru Bowling Club in Arapuni St, is now officially registered under Croquet Waikato King Country Incorporated.
That means it can now not only run club days but also tournaments.
The club’s first open singles tournament takes place on Sunday, July 31 and although only registered players can take part Lesley said it would be a good opportunity for others to see what the game is all about.
Unlike association croquet, golf croquet has simpler rules and generally shorter games.
‘‘People can come and watch and see how it all goes. It is a game for all ages, abilities, and sexes, we even have one member who gets around with a walker,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s also technical so you can make it as serious or as casual as you like.’’
He said players from throughout the area will be taking part on the day.
‘‘Club days are obviously more casual but if you want to be in a tournament you have to be a bit more serious and it can get quite competitive as players will use various tactics such as block balls from getting through hoops or jamming another one in behind,’’ he said.
‘‘We are hoping to run it once a year and we will have a pairs tournament in November as well.’’
Lesley said the club currently has 25 members and he hoped younger people would also start to come along.
‘‘It’s not complicated once you get used to it and I have been in touch with schools so I’m hoping they might come down in the summer and try it out,’’ he said.
He said the club meets every Monday and Thursday to play from 9.30am until 12pm but said they could also play on Saturday if there was enough interest.
‘‘A lot of the current members also like golf and they come down for the social aspect,’’ he said. The Putaruru Golf Croquet Open Singles Tournament takes place on Sunday, July 31.
‘‘We always have a cup of tea and for $50 for the year it is not expensive.’’
.Barnstorming runs and thumping tackles made for an entertaining division one final as Southern United saw off the challenge of Eastern Suburbs to be crowned champions for a second consecutive year.
The physically draining match saw the home side claim a courageous 29-19 victory with players from both teams left battered and bruised once the full time whistle had gone.
Southern got off to the perfect start when loose forward Owen Pomare crossed to finish off a superb attacking movement before fullback Zane Costar doubled the hosts advantage minutes later in similar fashion.
Lapses of discipline hurt Suburbs and resulted in being forced to play with 14 men as midfielder Walter Downey capitalised from close range for the try.
Surf were prone to their moments of ill discipline when lock Chance Brown was sent to the bin right before the break.
Leading 19-0 going into the second stanza an early Costar penalty stretched Southern’s lead before the gritty Suburbs team fought back and scored.
The win sees Southern retain their title but doubles as a vital result in their quest for promotion to the Waikato club rugby’s premier division. Next up is another important home match against Morrinsville Sports which is sure to be a fierce contest.