THE Sawtell Croquet club hosted the State Ricochet Championships over five days last week, from Saturday 26 to Wednesday 29 June.

Players from clubs in Ballina, Coutts Crossing, the Hunter Valley, the Central Coast and South-East Queensland competed.

The doubles and singles events both comprised round robin events where players played each other and then the top two teams played in the final.

The doubles event was played on Saturday and Sunday under brilliant clear skies and the final was a hard-fought battle between Simon Cook and Peter Martin of Coutts Crossing and Graeme Marshall and Rod Munro from Sawtell Club, with the Sawtell players emerging triumphant.

The singles event was a three-day event with the finals being held on Wednesday.

Jenny Arnold from Sawtell said, “The events require skill, tactics and stamina because entrants play up to eight hours of croquet each day.”

She said the Championships showcased all that Sawtell has to offer – great accommodation, the variety of cafes and the beautiful setting of the croquet lawns.

Ms Arnold said most of the visiting competitors played last year and were very keen to return for this year’s tournament.

By Andrew VIVIAN