ON Thursday March 3, with the threat of rain ever-present and the loss of several play days because of weather on our minds, we played in picture perfect conditions for most of the afternoon. Sarah Widin (13) beat Ken Barker (10). Lynette Evans (10) beat Wallace Roy (6).
Lynette played in the Southport Shield on the weekend of March 5-6, losing only one game to the eventual winner Julia Tai playing on her home ground at Southport Club. It was a close game with only one point in it, with Lynette securing second place. Congratulations Lynette.
On Saturday March 5 Donna Manning and Ken were invited to Toombul Club to play against members of the Queensland team who are about to compete in the Eire Cup – the interstate team’s competition held in Sydney. This was a fabulous effort by Toombul whose grounds were flooded in the recent rains. Donna played well to beat both of her opponents in the singles games. Zach Kominar from Merthy Club and Ken teamed up to win their doubles game, but Ken was outplayed by Wade Hart (Eildon) in their singles. Many thanks to Toombul Club for hosting and we wish the state team success in Sydney.
Pennants began on Wednesday March 9 with a Lochwood Shield match against Bribie Island Club. Bribie played one player down due to COVID with Al Keetman moved up from division 4 to fill the gap. Al played well, scoring 11 against Sarah’s 24. Ken beat their other player Greg Whymark 26–0 using 3 bisques. At 0–2 down Bribie fought back in a hotly contested doubles against Sarah and Donna to win that game 18-12 restoring honour to both sides. The Range won the match 2 games to 1. Well done all players. The competition is off to a good start.
The attached photo from the doubles is instructive because of what preceded and what followed. Sarah had just made hoop 3 with a choice between a long shot at blue in corner III or a less distant yellow in the centre of the lawn. The temptation was to go for the yellow. Sarah correctly chose to shoot at blue, roqueting it. Now, as shown, she is bringing blue into her break, loading 6 and going to yellow to make use of red as a pioneer at hoop 4 with a good break ahead. However, even if she had missed blue her balls are together and red and yellow are apart. Well played Sarah. (Mitch, did you want to include this description of the photos – do we have space for it?)
Play days are Thursday and Sunday at 2.30pm. Please arrive at 2pm for games to be arranged at 2.15pm and started by 2.30pm. Contact Sarah for other days. Coaching is available on Saturday mornings at 8am. For more details, contact club president Sarah Widin on 0417 640 704. The club’s website is www.rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au
IMAGE: Sarah Widin playing after hoop 3. Watching are (L to R) Greg Whymark, Al Keetman and Vince Carbery (seated).
