Competitive: Kerri-Ann Organ gets into the swing of croquet at Eastern Park.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Croquet has a genteel reputation – but it’s far from the truth, say the ladies at Eastern Park Croquet Club.
“It’s a very competitive sport,” club secretary Kerri-Ann Organ declared.
With the game often linked with bowls, the Eastern Park club was formed in the early 1900s for the amusement of the wives of the bowlers next door.
It was only later that the men were allowed to play.
These days, however, the sports are unconnected and the game has more in common with the tactics of chess, the use of angles in billiards and the stroke play of golf.
The modern form of the game dates back at least to 1856, so the quaint clubrooms adjoining Eastern Park’s twin croquet courts present little surprise.
Kerri-Ann said the competitiveness derived from the use of both defensive and offensive play.
“The game is played in all weather and takes two and a half hours to complete, so it’s not a walk in the park.
“It’s the only sport where men and women are equal, although players are on handicaps, similar to golf.
“It’s a great sport for all ages from teens to 80’s. It’s also a good therapy sport because it improves stride, balance and concentration.
“Croquet is an excellent form of low-endurance exercise.”
The croquet season runs from August to May, with a series of social games and tournaments on the schedule.
Geelong has a representative on the Victorian team, Stephen Foster from the Belmont club, while Eastern Park has two reigning regional tournament champions.
Eastern Park is a member of Geelong Croquet Association, along with clubs at Belmont, Drysdale and Queenscliff.
A social Thursday afternoon game rotates weekly between the clubs, with Eastern Park also hosting regular Wednesday and Saturday social games at 1pm.
“The club is open to all comers and there’s a minimal outlay to get started,” Kerri-Ann said.
“All that’s needed is a pair ofrunners or flat-soled shoes – the club has mallets for beginners.
“It looks gentle and easy but, be warned, the game is addictive.”
With just 10 members, Eastern Park Croquet Club is on a membership drive.
“Most of Geelong has probably driven right past our courts in Garden Street, just down from Geelong High School, without even realising it,” Kerri-Ann pointed out.
She asked anyone interested in trying croquet to phone Kay Raymer on 5275 0423.
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