
Croquet players from across the Northern Rivers area were privileged to spend time recently with Australia’s top female golf croquet player, Alison Sharpe. The former world number-one player shared coaching tips at Byron Bay with the region’s development squad that aims to prepare players for top level competition. She was the guest of honour at an evening function with local members at the Byron Bay Croquet Club (BBCC).
The Northern Rivers Croquet Association has just completed a week of golf competitions hosted in Lismore, Casino, Byron Bay, and Cherry Street Ballina. Byron Bay players were very successful. Denis Cummings won the advantage singles with Heather McCalman runner-up. Denis also partnered Barbara Barrett to claim the advantage doubles title, undefeated. Jay Pearse was runner-up in the advantage women’s singles. Dennise Simmons and Werner Borkhardt were undefeated in winning the prestigious Crusader Cup, an open doubles competition. Werner also won the open play singles with Stuart Elliott, runner-up.
Upcoming fun
The Byron Bay Club in conjunction with Cherry Street Ballina and Lismore clubs will be hosting the Croquet NSW 2026 Golf Croquet Single and Doubles Advantage Championships from the 7 to 12 July. This well supported annual event will bring players from across the state to play on Northern Rivers lawns, with spectators welcome.
Colin Beaton is the President of BBCC.


For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.