Several of the nation’s upcoming croquet talent are urging Hunter youngsters to take up the sport in the new year.
Their plea comes as the Toronto Croquet Club prepares to host numerous Come and Try Days at its state-of-the-art $2.35 million centre in Glendale next month.
Marion Davies will put interested players, aged nine years and older, through their paces on Mondays 5, 12 and 19 January, as well as Wednesdays 7, 14 and 21 January, between 3pm and 5pm.
National rising star Ethan Gumbrell, who recently visited the Lake Macquarie Croquet Centre, dismissed the notion it was an “old person’s” game.
In fact, he’s just about to represent Australia at the U21 World Championships.
“It’s very much a thinking sport, very tactical,” he said.
“So, it’s great for physical, mental and social health.”
Gumbrell took up croquet “seriously” when he learnt his older sibling, Jamie, needed a partner for the U21 Australian Championships.
“We won the competition and, from that day, I was hooked,” the 20-year-old said.
“I enjoy the game… and I find it great fun.
“When I started, I watched the hard-hitting players and aspired to play like them.
“Then I built towards winning my own club championships and I haven’t looked back.
“I relish doubles and singles.
“I love playing socially as well, you meet so many nice people.”
For the record, sister Jamie was named world champion, at the age of 24, in 2024.
Victorian Felix Gelman White and Queenslander Addison Matthews, both 22, are quick to praise the game, too.
The duo especially looks forward to competitions, knowing they’ll meet up again as they play for different clubs… and states.
“We’ve formed a very good friendship,” Gelman White said.
“It’s funny, a girl I liked played.
“So, I joined in to get to know her.
“She’s now my girlfriend and we enjoy playing socially, as well.”
It’s a similar story for Matthews.
“My partner played croquet… and I wanted to see more of her,” he said.
“So, I learnt to play.
“I think she’s sorry now because I always beat her,” he added with a laugh.
Toronto president Davies explained all forms of croquet – golf, ricochet and gateball – were great at any age.
“It’s more brain than brawn,” she said.
“However, not everyone wants to play in competitions.
“You meet a lot of very nice people playing croquet at club level.
“It also gets you out in the fresh air.
“But, we’d love to see more people enjoying themselves outdoors, so please come and try it.
“We are sure you won’t regret it.”
To book a spot, contact Marion Davies on 0429 659 990 or visit the club’s Facebook page.
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