Thursday, 14 March 2024

Country’s best put to the test at tourney

    By Simon Henderson
    1. The Star

    Ricardo Pintor, of South Taranaki, was the winner of the Don Reyland Stars National competition....
    Ricardo Pintor, of South Taranaki, was the winner of the Don Reyland Stars National competition. PHOTOS: SIMON HENDERSON
    Some of the best croquet players in the country converged on St Clair last week to take part in a national final competition. The Forbury Park Croquet Club had a busy three days as it hosted the Don Reyland National Stars singles tournament last Friday and over the weekend.

    Forbury Park Croquet Club tournament manager Ann Sharp said a wide range of competitors played, the youngest aged 17.

    Hitting the spot is Catherine Martin, of Taranaki.
    Hitting the spot is Catherine Martin, of Taranaki.
    "And I wouldn’t dare say how old the oldest is."

    There was a high standard of play as competitors from across the country needed to win games at club and then association level to reach the finals. There were 14 players, representing the 14 associations throughout New Zealand. The tournament was very successful, thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers, she said.

    She said a wide range of handicaps in the competition made for very interesting play.

    The Forbury Park Croquet Club had hosted New Zealand tournaments in the past but this was the first time it had hosted this particular one, she said. Ricardo Pintor, of South Taranaki took away the trophy, and runner up was Max Philpott, of Southland.

    simon.henderson@thestar.co.nz