CCA Grand Masters 80+ AC and GC 

The CCA Tournament Committee decided this season to do something outside the normal AC and GC events and decided to recognise players that have contributed many years to croquet and some a lot less years – with all over 80 years of age. 

On Thursday 6 February at Cashmere Croquet Club, our host venue, saw 30 players arrive in fine warm weather ready for the day ahead.  

A cuppa with sandwiches and biscuits started the day as players met each other for the first time or rekindled memories catching up with each other.  

At 11am everyone was sent out onto the lawns with one group of 4 playing AC and 26 playing in their age groups. Janet Scott and Cheryl Morrall got everyone onto the correct lawns and kept count of the hoops scored. Age was no barrier to how competitive the games were – in fact in the 80 – 87 group 15 players are still competing in Interclub and CCA Competitions. 

Our Gold group of 88+ years certainly did not give away hoops easily clearing the ball to the boundary when required. 

Play finished after 2 hours and everyone was ready for the lunch being prepared by the chefs of the day Adrienne Pavelka and Gay Jones assisted the team of Cashmere members (Alison, Nicky, Janet, Sylvia). The chicken, corned beef, potatoes and salads were quickly devoured and everyone was then ready for the plum pudding, lemon tarts, meringues and syllabub. 

This followed with prize giving for each of the 3 groups and recognition to the following players for their contribution to croquet – Margaret and Rodger Lane, Ray and Beryl Atkins, Julie Zohrab and  Eleonor Okey with more than 30 years and John Yarrell with 20+ years. Vonnie owned the title of person closest to 95 years and also one of the most competitive on the day.  

CCA would like to thank Travel 2U for their sponsorship of the event .
Gay Jones, CCA Tournament Convenor