Every member of Coutts Crossing Croquet Club who was in town came to our Christmas lunch. We celebrated a year of major growth, many new friendships, and considerable successes. For his many hours spent in enhancing the clubhouse and its facilities, supporting children’s croquet and assisting in many other ways, Jim Algie was made Clubman of the Year. Five days of intense croquet activities concluded on a very hot Thursday morning. Golf croquet addicts were determined to improve following the tuition by Jim Hicks. And so it proved. Ken Davison and Phyll Harrison started with a 7-4 win over Robyn Walters and Pam Gauci. In two three ball games Ken Davison scored 6 to Robyn Walter’s 5 and Joy Campbell’s 2. Phyll Harrison showed good form with 5 to 4 each for Pam Gauci and Peter Martin. The bragging rights game was unrecognisable from previous week’s matches. With improved strategies, and very few missed hoops, Peter Martin and Joy Campbell defeated Phyl Harrison and Ken Davison 7-5 with the last hoop tussle lasting 15 minutes. Joy Campbell bravely tried a new grip: the Solomon grip, and immediately played better than ever before. Monday saw 13 player and 6 spectators. Newcomer Louise Lowe said she was a beginner, but ran hoop after hoop. She had good partners and won all her games. Ken Davison ran a hoop from 20 metres, and minutes later accidentally jumped a ball and ran 30 metres into the wide blue yonder. Yvonne Gillet had a fine long distance hoop from an amazingly acute angle. John Buckley huffed and puffed, and won two games. Playing on half courts Joy Campbell, Peter Martin, Phyl Harrison, Helyn Davison and Pat MacLennan all played well, while Gillian Martin, Pam Gauci, Nea Buckley and Jane Berger all had flashes of brilliance. A great morning’s sport. Association play was washed out. In the coming week players and beginners are welcome to Golf Croquet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30, and Association play will begin at 9am on Sunday and Wednesday. Sue Deeth