Laughter from the lawns

SHAKE IT OFF: Local players Shirley Reed and Charlotte Sutherland shake hands after taking part in the annual Stonecraft Tournament at the Kaitaia Croquet Club last Friday.

Organisers turned a negative in to a positive when a smaller than usual field turned up to part in the annual Stonecraft Tournament at the Kaitaia Croquet Club on Matthews Avenue last Friday.

Event spokesperson Pat Brott said having fewer players meant there were enough lawns to enable singles to be played instead of the usual doubles.

"As there is a lot more walking and hitting involved in singles there were a lot of very tired but happy people at the end of the day," she said.

"The amount of laughter coming from the lawns throughout the day was an indication of how much fun was had."

The comments were backed up by a visiting player who afterwards said having smaller numbers allowed the event to be contested in a more relaxed and informal manner. Club president Drago Yelavich presented the prizes after afternoon tea was served.

"All went pretty smoothly, no real problems, sometimes you could have more [players] but that's how the cookie crumbles," said Yelavich.

"Some will be joyous, some not so," of the day's various outcomes, he said.

Special praise also went to the visiting players for supporting the event, particularly those from Kaitaia's neighbouring club at Doubtless Bay.

"Without them helping us, and us them, we wouldn't have a tournament."

Yelavich also encouraged beginner players to step up from the more user-friendly golf croquet and take on the association discipline.

"You still use mallets, still roquet balls, still drive them away, only about two shots that are different.

"Have a crack," he said.

"You might not like it but then you might."

Results from the Stonecraft Tournament on March 4 were, association: Lynda Thompson 1, Joe Carter 2, and good sport: Bev Brake; golf croquet (division I).

Seniors: Brian Atkin 1, Pauline Ford 2; golf croquet division II (juniors): Margaret Kernot 1, Marge Duncan 2, and good sport Val Nielson.

Presenting Nielson with both the good sport and lucky draw prize, Yelavich said they had done that deliberately to help pay your petrol".

Also thanked were the kitchen staff.

The next tournament at Kaitaia is the annual Mary Huddart on Friday, April 29.