CROQUET.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 36, 12 February 1924, Page 10

CROQUET.

c NORTH ISLAND TOURNAMENT. PLAY AT ROTORUA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, Monday. The North Island Croquet tournament held at Rotorua was concluded on Fri- '■ day the Bth inst. A large number of competitors attended from Auckland and other districts, and keen interest was taken in the event by hundreds of visitors. At the opening, Mr ; J. McDowell, of Rotorua, welcomed the players, expressing regret that some of last year's winners were, unable to be present to defend their titles. The games were all played on full-sized towns in front of the large bath building, Davidson's 32 hoops wore used on | all the lawns. The weather during the fortnight's play was ideal. The players, with few exceptions, were the pick of the Auckland province, and most of the games were keenly contested. The open championship for the North Island attracted the best players and the games throughout were keenly contested. After a very close contest Mrs. McDowell defeated successively Mr. Doustan, Miss Murray and Mrs. Fullerton. Mr. Doustan won the first game somewhat easily, but had no chance in the other games. Miss Murray won her first game and contested the others strongly, her long shots being very accurate. She gave a line exhibition of the break game and at one time looked like winning both the remaining games. Misfortune, however, overtook her at several hooks, which gave the winner his opportunities. Mrs. Fullerton, a very skilful player, and accurate at the long shots, played correct croquet throughout the game, and was unfortunate in not winning the championship. In the first game both of her balls were for the peg, when the winner hit in a long Bhot and succeeded in pegging one ball out. Mrs. Fullerton failed to pick up another shot and so lost a game which should have been hers. The second game was never in doubt, Mr. J. McDowell winning and securing the title. The ladies' championship was won by Miss Murray, who defeated Mrs. Fullerton and Mrs. Worthington, who wore runners up. The doubles championship was won by Messrs. Coutts and Brabant, two Auckland players. They defeated Mesdameg Bartlett and Coombs, of Hamilton. The winners were easily the best combination in the match, both being I extremely quick and accurate players, their games being a pleasure to watch. The runners up were also a good combination. They are much younger players and give promise of becoming championship winners. The handicap singles attracted quite a large number of new players. Many of them playing for the first time in a tournament. The finals in this event were played between Mrs. Fullerton. of Auckland, and Mrs. J. McDoweU, of Rotorua. Mrs. McDowell played a very steady and accurate game, but the winner's experience helped her to carryoff the prize after a well contested game. The handicap doubles was won by, Miss Murray and Mrs. J. who defeated Mesdames Coutts Bartlett. This was an extremely in- : teresting game the issue being in doubt,

till the last few minutes. The winnershad one bisque in the handicap and this turn Miss Murray used to such advantage that an apparent defeat was changed into victory. Mrs. R. L. Richards, president of the Rotorua 'Croquet Club, presented the prizes, which consisted of silver, cups and trophies for the winners" of the championships, alt other winners receiving trophies. ROTORUA TOURNAMENT. THE SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, this day. The final of the championship sii'gles was played this morning, whan Mrs. Keys defeated Mrs. Stonex by 2 games to 1.