CAPTAIN’S REPORT16/9/2026

Well, I hope you all enjoyed the recent Hi-Lo pairs competition that was played this week. Monday was played in perfect weather, and Tuesday was a complete contrast of “endurance”!! The finalists will play off on Friday 25^th September at 12.30 pm. Please check out the website to see the results table for both days and the finalists - now posted.

My thanks to Ray Davis and Robin Boyle, for helping to put this all together, and to Tom Dixon for being our ever-reliable referee on both days and Tony Brand for being Tom’s “shadow’ on Tuesday. Congratulations to all who entered, especially the newer members who all said how much they enjoyed their first (for most) competition and learning from other more experienced players.

Recently, David Budge, Tony Brand and Richard Hingst represented our Sandringham Club by playing in the National Men’s Championships over 4 days at Cairnlea and other venues.There were 36 participants from all over Australia with handicaps ranging from minus 3 to 6. They each had to play 14 games, and although no significant final results, they certainly held their own with a good few wins on the board. Congratulations to you all.

Meg Thorley and I recently entered the Mornington Novice Doubles Championship, specifically for players who had only been registered with Croquet Association since January 2025, and with handicaps 9 and above. So Meg and I just scraped in! It was a lovely day, and well organised. Unfortunately, there were only 5 other couples, so we each played 4 games, finishing one shot off being runners-up!

This weekend there are a number of Sandy members playing in the Frankston Doubles Tournament over two days, so Good Luck to them.

The South East Metro Spring Competition gets under way on Monday 21^st September, with both Division 1 and 2 Level playing at Sandringham, this will take up two courts. So Monday players, please be aware of this for the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the calendar for the relevant dates.

In consultation with Ray, Robin B and Ian regarding work on the courts due in November/December, we are hoping to fit in the Club Championships on the week beginning 23^rd November, with three levels sorted by handicaps. To be eligible for this Championship, all entrants must have a handicap card, as these will be used for the games.

I shall announce the Handicap divisions in the next week, but I encourage all the newer players to get their Handicap, as there will be a division to suit you. Please see Andrew White to arrange a day for you to complete your handicap, preferably before mid-November. You can see on the noticeboard a list of “actions” that you will be tested on, so you will know what to expect.

These Club Championships have not been held since March 2025, so it’s important to fit them in before Christmas festivities, court renovations, and the last games of the Spring SE Metro games. The games may be held over two days, depending on courts available in that week.

Lots of croquet coming up leading up to Christmas, so Happy Hooping everyone!!

Rose Inglis

SCC Club Captain