Emerging Belconnen Croquet Club leaves mark in regional championship

Date: 13 July 2025

Location: Wagga Wagga

In response to booming interest in croquet in Canberra, a new club has formed in Belconnen and is already producing winning players.

Playing what is often described as a “nasty game for nice people” Nerida Gill from Belconnen Croquet Club emerged victorious at the NSW Division 3 Golf Croquet Singles Croquet Tournament, held at Wagga Wagga on 11 -13 July 2025. Nerida, a recent convert to croquet, clinched the title in a hard-fought final match against Gary Allen from Nelson Bay Croquet Club.

The tournament, which featured croquet players from around the Canberra region and as far as Young, Newcastle, Nelson Bay, Wagga and Monash (VIC), tested players’ abilities to think critically, adapt on the fly, and master the nuances of the sport. Nerida's victory came after several challenging rounds, culminating in a thrilling final that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way the tournament played out,” said Nerida. “The strategy, the skills, good times and meeting new people make croquet a great sport. Having a win like this makes me just want to play better and better.”

Croquet is a whole of life sport playable from school age to end of life. It is a game of skill and mental agility and provides social, physical, psychological and mental benefits for players.

About Belconnen Croquet Club

Belconnen Croquet Club was established in 2024 to address growing demand for croquet in the ACT and plays at Belconnen Bowling Club in Beetaloo St Hawker.

Contact:

Sarah Schipilow - Secretary, Belconnen Croquet Club Nerida Gill - 0412226753

belconnencroquet@gmail.com belconnencroquet.com.au