Shepparton Croquet Club entertained the region’s Champion of Champions playoffs last week as the season escalates toward state titles.
Eight teams from across the croquet region, comprising representatives as far apart as Deniliquin and Euroa, converged on the Shepparton lawns for a two-day event on Wednesday and Thursday to play off for a chance to advance to Victorian finals.
Those familiar with the term Champion of Champions will likely recognise it from the bowls scene, where the progressions and pathways are quite similar.
Deniliquin, Rich River, Echuca, Numurkah, Kyabram, Euroa and Mooroopna brought their best and brightest to match it with Shepparton’s contingent across three divisions.
Shepparton’s John Young oversaw a deservedly high standard of play.
“This is probably one of the strongest competitions here in regional Victoria, if not the strongest,” Young said.
“Members of the public probably consider this a social sport, but all these players have a state handicap and their results can increase or deduct points from that record.
“If you’ve got a world standing, which some of our division one players have, it can promote you towards the state selection committee.”
Image 1 of 11
In the stance: Deniliquin's Rodney Fauns. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 11
On its way: Kyabram's Sue Augusta. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 11
Aligning up: Mooroopna's Gayle Dudgeon. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 11
Power drive: Numurkah's Graham Tyack. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 11
Jump shot: Numurkah's Gary McNamara. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 11
Taking in the scene: Shepparton's Judy Humphrey. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 11
So close now: Echuca/Moama's Jeff Pumpa. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 11
Going bang: Rich River's Sandra Retallick. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 11
Winners are grinners: Division three champion Gayle Dudgeon of Mooroopna. (Photo: Supplied)Image 10 of 11
Proud effort: Division two champion Paul Murray of Euroa. (Photo: Supplied)Image 11 of 11
Top of the tree: Division one champion Russell Smyth of Rich River. (Photo: Supplied)Don’t let the seemingly easygoing nature of the competition on the greens fool you, either.
“A lot of people refer to it as snooker on grass and a novice can be trained up to at least get to a competitive form in a short time,” Young said.
“You’ve got the thickness of a credit card on either side of the ball in that gate and you’re expected to get that through.
“It's often called nice people playing a brutal game.”
In the end, Mooroopna’s Gayle Dudgeon emerged victorious in division three competition, while Paul Murray of Euroa took division two honours.
The biggest accolade fell to Russ Smyth of Rich River, who scooped the top prize in division one to proceed towards meeting with the state’s best.
The event marked a major stop in what is already a calendar of great importance for Shepparton which is marking its centenary this year and Mooroopna which rings in its 80th anniversary.