Members of the Milton Ulladulla Croquet Club, on a recent cold and wet Sunday, braved a car ride through torrential downpours to attend a recent croquet social day at the Nowra Croquet Club.
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They were rewarded with a blue sky and sunshine when we arrived to a warm welcome and morning tea.
Our members partnered with those from Nowra to play a series of friendly games throughout the day, although the desire to win soon became apparent when the joking and sledging crept in.
This was the first time that some of the local club's newer members had played with and against another club, but a little hesitancy was soon overcome and we went on to enjoy a great morning of golf croquet.
Flexible as ever, an early lunch was called when black clouds hovered overhead, threatening rain.
The clouds didn't affect our appetites however, and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches, cakes and slices.
The weather cooperated again and we were able to venture on court for more games through the afternoon.
Social games such as these allow members to broaden their skills and strategy in a non threatening environment and everyone gets to learn something out of each event.
In early July we will visit Nowra Croquet Club once again, this time to learn how to play Gateball, a version of croquet devised in Japan.
Gateball is a team game played on a smaller court with larger hoops, smaller mallets and a different method of striking the ball.
Members from the Jamberoo club will be providing the instruction. Gateball is gaining in popularity in New South Wales with many young players getting involved.
Milton Ulladulla Croquet Club is located at Milton Showground on Croobyar Road. The Club is open seven days a week and welcomes visitors and new members. Club captains Tony and Bev conduct lessons for those new to croquet and the club provides all the equipment required, including a range of mallets for use by players.
Anyone interested in trying croquet and joining the Club should contact Tony on 4454 2321 or Bev on 0419 298 757.