Croquet: Playing a game like no other
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Sodden lawns great for underdogs
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Tasman croquet test a cliffhanger
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"Lawn billiards" test series for city
Guardian 12 February 2009
Referee Neall geared up for Aussie series
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Aussie challenge a thrill for Paul
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Test match preparations
A somewhat disconsolate manager, Gordon Smith, wonders how quickly the flood will disappear - if only the rain would stop!
Taken Tuesday 10 February
Aussie Team Change to Kiwis’ Advantage
A late change to the Australian Team for the forthcoming Trans Tasman test series in Palmerston North on 11th – 16th February could have improved the chances of the New Zealand Team’s winning its fifth successive series against Australia. The Australian Croquet Association has announced that top Aussie woman’s player and 63rd world ranked, Liz Fleming has been suspended from the 2009 Trans Tasman Test Team “following breaches of the Player Agreement.” An appeal has been dismissed. Further details are not available. Liz has been replaced by Alix Verge. The members of both teams with their world rankings are - New Zealand: Aaron Westerby 7th, Paddy Chapman 10th, Paul Skinley 20th, Greg Bryant 32nd, Sue Lea 90th, Jenny Clarke 96th, Pam Fisher 161st, & Nina Mayard-Husson 237th. Australia: Stephen Forster 24th, Peter Landrebe 27th, Bruce Fleming 28th Mike Jenner 81st, Claire Bassett 119th, Margaret Melville 126th, Miranda Morgan 238th, & Alix Verge 258th.
This is the fifth series in its present form with four male & four female members, There will be three test matches; each test to comprise four mixed doubles matches and 8 singles matches, male v male, female v female. Each match to be the best of three games with an overall time limit for each match of 9 hours so there is likely to be a late finish on some days although many matches will finish early. New Zealand has won all four previous series.
The first test is on Wednesday 11/2, and Thursday 12/2 with 4 doubles at Rose Gardens Croquet Club, The Esplanade, Palmerston North on Wednesday and, on Thursday, 5 singles at Rose Gardens & 3 singles at Takaro Sports Club on the corner of Botanical Road & Featherston Street, PN. The second test is on Friday 13/2 & Saturday 14/2, the third on Sunday 15/2 & Monday 16/2. The format for these is the same as the first test. However, matches are organised so that pairs or individuals will meet different opponents in each test. There is no entry charge for spectators. The teams will be practising at both venues on 9 & 10 February.
Rex Oliver
Publicity Officer
Croquet Manawatu
06 359 2334
2 February 2009
Coach looks for further success against Australia
Having coached the New Zealand Association test team to four successive wins in the Trans Tasman Test Series, Kevin Fellows has the ambition to extend that run to five at the forthcoming Test series in Palmerston North. A member of the Waimarie Croquet Club in Lower Hutt, Kevin started his croquet career at the Kelburn Club, Wellington in 1980. He has had considerable playing success, including New Zealand Representative honours but his greatest achievements have been in coaching where, in addition to team coaching, he has coached some notable players including Sue Lea who is in the current New Zealand team. He also managed World Association Croquet Championships in Wellington, 2002 and Christchurch, 2008.
Outside croquet, his interests include woodworking and spending time with his 6 year old grandson, who already has his own mallet and is a member of the Waimarie Club.
The forthcoming series is the fifth series in its present form with four male & four female members, There will be three test matches; each test is of four mixed doubles matches and 8 singles matches, male v male, female v female. Each match to be the best of three games with an overall time limit for each match of 9 hours so there is likely to be a late finish on some days although many matches will finish early. New Zealand has won all four previous series.
The first test is on Wednesday 11/2, and Thursday 12/2 with 4 doubles at Rose Gardens Croquet Club, The Esplanade, Palmerston North on Wednesday and, on Thursday, 5 singles at Rose Gardens & 3 singles at Takaro Sports Club on the corner of Botanical Road & Featherston Street, Palmerston North. The second test is on Friday 13/2 & Saturday 14/2, the third on Sunday 15/2 & Monday 16/2. The format for these is the same as the first test. However, matches are organised so that pairs or individuals will meet different opponents in each test. Play begins at 9am and there is no entry charge for spectators. The teams will be practising at both venues on 9 & 10 February.
Kiwis have edge in test series
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