Inaugural ACA Under 21 Golf Croquet Championship

Australia’s croquet future took a step forward with the playing of the Inaugural ACA Under 21 Golf Croquet Championships from 15th to 17th January. The event was scheduled to be played at Maitland, however heavy rain made that venue unplayable and Newcastle kindly offered their assistance with a very well drained site.

Although competitors were not in overabundance, the standard of play was excellent and bides well for the future of the sport. 3 of the 5 players had handicaps of 2 but all were extremely capable. (The tournament handicapper adjusted 2 players upward at the end of the event)

Format for play was a round-robin of best of 3 games with no finals. With no time limit, games could have dragged on, however the boys were always keen to attempt hoops so games progressed at a good rate.

"Oh to have the eyes of an eagle and a lack of fear, just like these guys do" was a comment heard from a spectator. The play was certainly refreshing and exciting.

This did not mean that there were no tactics involved in the general play. Far from it. Excellent decisions were made involving blocking and clearing as well as placement. Lagging to the hoop was excellent.

Five rounds were played with a bye in each.

Edward Wilson (Millsbrook CC SA H/C=2) won the event with 4 matches.
Lachlan Mula (Deniliquin CC NSW H/C=2) runner-up with 3 matches.
Kyle Mula (Deniliquin CC NSW H/C=2) 3rd with 2 matches.
Charlie Sharpe (Killara CC NSW H/C=7) 4th with 1 match.
Jamie Gumbrell (Canberra CC NSW H/C=9) 5th with no matches.

Full results on croquetscores.com

Title and slide show on YouTube. ( to obtain individual photographs, contact the )

Edward has already played overseas and has his sights set high.

Both Lachlan and Kyle have played in major events and have a number of high ranking scalps on their belts.

Charlie is still balancing school demands and doesn’t have a lot of opportunities to play in major comps while Jamie has only been playing for 8 months and has shown remarkable progress for a 15 year old boy.

Those who attended and witnessed the event went home well satisfied that we are at last on our way.

Terry Erickson, from Brisbane, conducted coaching sessions with the players after the event and committed them to the national development team which will provide wonderful training experiences.

Edward Wilson, winner of event taking aim while runner up Lauchlan Mula (big guy) watches on. Also watching is Jamie Gumbrell.

Charlie Sharpe striking ball while Jackie McDonald watches.

Peter Landrebe (ACA Performance coach) presenting Edward Wilson (winner) with trophy Peter and his wife Rosie donated.

Peter Coles presenting a brand new state of the art mallet to winner Edward Wilson.

Left to right: Charlie Sharpe(NSW), Kyle Mula (VIC), Edward Wilson (SA), Lauchlan Mula (VIC), Jamie Gumbrell (ACT) and Bev smith (chief referee) and Peter Smith (Tournament Manager).

Winner Edward Wilson with his new mallet.

Jamie Gumbrell (ACT) shows style striking the ball while Jackie McDonald watches past Charlie Sharpe.

Kyle Mula concentrating in pouring conditions and a jacket, heavy with water, battling conditions at Newcastle. Kyle, his brother Lauchlan and his father drove overnight from Deniliquin, to arrive in Maitland just hours before the event commenced. No wonder they were tired by day’s end and at least 4 hours of intense concentration.

Lauchlan runs hoop... shows runner up Lauchlan Mula and his gentle hands checking the hoop as the green ball he had just hit moves towards the backline.