Local knowledge helped Hunter players reap the spoils at the recent Lake Macquarie Games at the Toronto Croquet Club.

With participants converging on the lawns from throughout the region, as well as Sydney, Nowra, Blue Mountains, Queanbeyan and Belmont (Victoria) to name a handful, Ron Hill Oval was a hive of activity again.

And, competition was fierce – but fun – over the three-day croquet golf tournament, which attracted 32 players.

Toronto Croquet Club founder Pam Drurie officially opened the Lake Macquarie Games, with singles and doubles being contested, according to handicaps, in a round-robin format.

Pelican’s Denise Eckersley teamed up with Woolgoolga’s Susan Bryan to claim Block B, in doubles, while Nowra pair Doug Cornish and Brian Mitchell secured Block A and Lyn and Jim Cook (Blue Mountains) prevailed in Block C.

In singles, Maitland’s Ken Green snared Block A and Nelson Bay’s Rob Batho did likewise in Block C.

Visitors Ann Clifton (Queanbeyan) and Jennie McNamara (Bateau Bay) walked away with the Block B and D titles respectively.

Toronto Croquet Club publicity officer Liz McDonald said it was another successful event.

“It was a very friendly Lake Macquarie Games, enjoyed by everyone and the many hard-working volunteers in our organisation,” she explained.

“Even though the weather was cold and windy on day one, it thankfully improved.

“By the end, we were blessed with magnificent conditions.”

Toronto Croquet Club president Peter Reeve and event captain Robin Irwin wrapped up proceedings at the presentation ceremony.

Lake Macquarie Games results:

Doubles:

• Block A winners: Doug Cornish and Brian Mitchell (Nowra)
• Block B winners: Susan Bryan (Woolgoolga) and Denise Eckersley (Pelican)
• Block C winners: Lyn and Jim Cook (Blue Mountains)

Singles:

• Block A winner: Ken Green (Maitland)
• Block B winner: Ann Clifton (Queanbeyan)
• Block C winner: Rob Batho (Nelson Bay)
• Block D winner: Jennie McNamara (Bateau Bay)

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