Werner. Photo supplied.
The Byron Bay Croquet Club is ready for another big year that includes new turf, hosting a state championship and building on last year’s membership growth.
‘The Club has played throughout the past year and significantly increased its membership. Old and new players embraced the opportunity to be physically active in a game that can be played despite Covid’s social distancing restrictions,’ BBCC president Colin Beaton said.
‘Croquet ticks all the boxes in regard to the current community guidelines. Its mentally stimulating and incorporates in-built social distancing in an outdoor environment,’ he said. ‘And we are centrally located at the Byron Bay Memorial Sports Grounds’.
Major upgrade
Currently, play is on hold as a major upgrade of the lawns has been overseen by Andy Erskine, the open space technical officer at the Byron Shire Council.
‘Play is due to resume at the end of the month when the courts are aerated, top-dressed and levelled. Conditions should be near perfect for the district golf croquet pennant series that begins in March, followed by the NSW Division Three Championships that the club will co-host with the Ballina and Lismore clubs during July,’ Colin said.
Absolute beginners to a former national champion
Current croquet club members range from absolute beginners to club captain Max Donati, a former national champion who has represented Australia at the world cup and world championships.
‘The more experienced players are willing to to provide tips on technique and tactics in a sport that is easy to take up and combines elements of snooker, chess and golf,’ Colin said.
Croquet has been played in Byron Bay for 92 years. All are welcome to join the club.
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