INTERNATIONAL CROQUET

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1929, Page 6

INTERNATIONAL CROQUET

THE MACROLERTSON SHIELD.

AUSTRALIA ACCEPTS CHALLENGE

It must be a matter of considerable interest to croquet players of New Zeat'hroughout the Dominion to learn that land and indeed also to all sports Victoria, as representing the Commonwealth of Australia, has definitely accepted New Zealand’s challenge to play for the Macßobertson International Shield, which is meantime held by Australia. Thus writes A. G. F. Ross, president of the croquet council of New Zealand.

Continuing, Mr. Ross points out that unlike most games the contestants in this international competition are chosen by the merit of the individual’s play and are not appointed by selectors. Contestants must have a handicap of one and a-half bisques or under. Players of this standard who are members of an associated club will be given an opportunity of meeting each other on the Palmerston North lawns during the month of December when two elimination contests will be held, the first for ladies only and the second for players of either se.\. Two players from the first and four from the second of these competitive contests will be the players to represent New Zealand against Australia.

The Macßobertson International Challenge Shield was presented, by Mr. MacRobertson, one of Australia’s most successful and multi-millionaire manufacturers ill 1925. During the English croquet season of .that year the Victoria Croquet Council sent a team to the Home Country to-compete for the trophy for the first time, England, having defeated Australia, : became the holders. :i

Subsequently,. (1928 season) Victoria again challenged England and this time were victorious, hence Australia became the holders .qc the coveted award. The New Zealand Ci’oquet Council thereupon challenged Victoria to play for the Macßobertson.. International Shield, and this, challenge having been accepted all eyes must anxiously await the result.

New Zealand lias a number of brilliant players, and if only the best six of these can spare the time to go to Australia .and play in this historical event then the New Zealand team should stand a fair chance of victory. Thanks'to the generous response of New Zealand croquet clubs for funds for the purposes of this international event, the council have decided to send six players to the field of battle. As this great contest will take place in Melbourne in January, 1930, New Zealand will have at least two months in which to acquire form and there is little doubt but that all eligible players will take the fullest advantage of this.