Croquet on carpet

Press, 7 September 1976, Page 40

Croquet on carpet

Six pieces of 12ft by 9ft carpet were the scene of considerable concentration yesterday when the annual W. H. Kirk memorial indoor

croquet tournament was held at the Buchan Street Hall. The entry of 26 pairs was down on "that of the previous year but there was still plenty of friendly rivalry and some very close competition. In fact ties were initially declared for both first and second places and, rather than leave, it like that, it was decided to have lotteries to decide the first four places. Among the observers were Paul Skinley, the 17-year-old national croquet champion who has moved from Manaw’atu to Christchurch, and Mr Arthur Bruning, who designed the specifications for the indoor game after a request from Mr Kirk 13 years ago. Both the indoor and out-

door games are played with six hoops but, naturally, the indoor version is on a much smaller scale. The 12ft x 9ft area pales beside the 35yd x 28yd space for the outdoor game. Mr Bruning said he originally designed the indoor hoops to a set of snooker balls and he now sells them all over New Zealand and is even getting requests from across the Tasman.

According to the president of the Canterbury Croquet Association (Mr John Flanagan), the miniature game is; a “kindergarten for younger players before they attempt the bigger outdoor world.” Prizes yesterday were presented to the winners by Mrs Kirk, who, pulled out innumerable flat parcels from a wooden basket. She expressed disappointment that the first place was announced first. “I’d rather it was announced like beauty contests, as I have something special saved up for the winner.” Results were:— Mesdames W. Forbes and R. J. Boyland 119, 1; Mesdames M. Deavoll and E. McClatchy, 119, 2: Mesdames R. Foster and C. Reed 116, 3; Mesdames R. Fraser and J. Clark 116, 4. Consolation prize: Mesdames B. Merrin and C. Herron.