The Toowoomba Gateball Tournament held from 5th- 7th November was a huge success despite the hot, dry weather and bushfires burning in the region. A lot of water was poured onto the lawns in the last month to obtain an even coating of grass as we are going through the worst drought on record.

There were 9 teams teams competing- two each from Toowoomba and Southport, one each from Ipswich, Caloundra, Redcliffe, Capricornia and a composite team with players from Rockhampton, Tamborine Mountain and West Toowoomba. It was really good to welcome a new team called Capricornians which was formed by two players each from three Croquet Clubs in Central QLD- Gracemere, Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast. The team has been preparing specifically for the Australian Gateball Championships in Melbourne at the end of November. Wearing their special, attractive new uniforms, all of the players are uniting into a strong force. They came third in the competition.

The winners of the teams competition was Southport Red with Redcliffe Roses coming 2nd whilst 3rd place went to Capricornians.

The doubles attracted 14 teams competing in two blocks. It was fitting that the Doubles Team that went through undefeated from Block A (Cheryl and Steve Kele ) and Block B (Jan Wells and Sandra Reynolds) met in the final. It was a very close win 10-9 to Jan and Sandra. Likewise, it was a close finish in the tussle for 3rd and 4th place which involved a win by countback to Glenda and Robyn against Emma and Warren.

During the weekend there was a celebration of the 96th Birthday for popular Toowoomba player, Frank Harding. A birthday cake was supplied and he had to cut the cake and blow out the candles.

That was not the only excitement for Frank. A reporter from the local TV station, WIN Toowoomba, interviewed him as well as Ethan Chilton aged 14. They represented the oldest and the youngest players at the Toowoomba Tournament. See the Gateball Australia Facebook Page for the wonderful TV segment.

I would like to thank everyone who made our tournament a success.

Group Photo

Written by Sandra Reynolds
Gateball Australia

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