Two players who are ranked in the world's top 10 spearhead a quality field for the Central Premier Silver Badge croquet tournament to be hosted by the Wairarapa Croquet Association at the Masterton and Carrington clubs this weekend.
Toby Garrison from the Waimarie club in Lower Hutt holds a worldranking of four. He was a silver medallist at the 2002 world championships and the following year captained the New Zealand team in their MacRobertson Shield battles with Australia, England and the United States.
His impressive CV also includes representing his country three times in the prestigious Sonoma Cutrer world tournament in the United States. and winning the national open title.
Garrison's main opposition will be expected to come from Greg Bryant from Wellington who has a world ranking of six. He was Player of the Year and New Zealand open champion in 2011, has played in four MacRobertson Shield events, two transtasman tests and five world championships.
It would be wrong, however, to think Garrison and Bryant will have everything their own way. Paul Skinley, also from Wellington, has performed outstandingly at international level, including being part of New Zealand teams which won the MacRobertson Shield in 1979 and 1986. He has won three national open titles and has a world ranking of 26.
Michael Wright, another Wellington player, has also had the experience of playing in a MacRobertson Shield event and his record of five singles wins in six matches illustrates his ability to foot it with the best on any given day. His world ranking is 53.
There is no doubt, of course, who will have the most support from spectators. David Wickham is a member of the Masterton Croquet Club and last year won the New Zealand singles title and competed in transtasman tests and the world championships. He is ranked 63 in the world.
Masterton Crqouet Club is based at Queen Elizabeth Park while the Carrington club's headquarters are in Carterton, behind the clock tower. Play will be continuous at both clubs from 8.30am over the two days and entry is free.
