During the past week, most Dannevirke locals were oblivious to the gigantic battles going on in their midst, as (AC) players fought for national titles.
With a central location and six well-maintained lawns, Dannevirke's Rangitira Croquet Club was host to Croquet New Zealand's national championships in association croquet.
Players came from all over New Zealand - the West Coast, Morrinsville, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu and Taranaki.
![Pupil and master - Josh Freeth and Greg Bryant.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/QMRQ3CSGRNJHKHWFTSHTLWWDNA.jpg?auth=7657eee22a39e340ba93eb8b2104efb14f22ac9d146ba63835e1818d69598252&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
There were seven pairs and 16 singles players, with some very experienced hands competing with the up-and-comers in their twenties.