Kiwis have edge in test series

MURRAY WILSON/Manawatu Standard

READY FOR ACTION: Manawatu Croquet Association president Gordon Smith at the Rose Gardens croquet club.

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CROQUET
The first time Manawatu Croquet Association president Gordon Smith picked up a mallet, he was hooked. Now more than 20 years on, there is no doubting his dedication to both forms of croquet.

Smith is the tournament organiser of next week's trans-Tasman association test series at the Takaro and Rose Gardens clubs. An experienced player and administrator, it was illness that first forced Smith to croquet in his 40s.

"I was struck with viral arthritis. I was playing golf and cricket, and I couldn't swing a golf club - so I took up croquet. The sort of exercise involved was something I could cope with." he said.

"As a player, I never quite got to the top. The nearest I got was a New Zealand trial. Two years ago I had my best result, I won the plate event at the nationals in Wellington."

Smith moved through the ranks to become national vice-president for eight years, in two four-year stints. When the world golf croquet championships were held in Palmerston North, Smith was tournament referee.

Smith juggles his involvement with the rival croquet codes, association and golf.

He is chairman of the world golf croquet rules committee and has refereed at international level.

Next week's three two-day tests involve the longer version, association croquet. Play, in just a few matches, is expected to last for up to nine hours each day, but a game of golf croquet takes just an hour.

Still, the length of play isn't deterring spectators and bus loads are expected from Hawke's Bay and Wellington.

Smith said preparations had been comprehensive, including attempts to speed up the lawns.

"Basically it's been the two clubs [Takaro and Rose Gardens] and the Palmerston North Association. We've been trying to raise funds. We've gone out and purchased a whole new set of balls, $6000 for 12 sets."

New perimeters have been marked out with white paint on the six- playing courts at Rose Gardens. The narrow international-standard hoops will be staked into areas of fresh grass where there won't have been any wear and tear from club play.

New Zealand has won the last four test series' and are favourites. Aaron Westerby (Wellington) and Paddy Chapman (Christchurch) are ranked in the world top-10. There are no Manawatu players, but Paul Skinley is ex-Manawatu.

Skinley played the New Zealand versus Australia men's international in Palmerston North in 1979, and started playing at Dannevirke's Rangatira Club.

Smith has predicted that the Australians may struggle on the fast lawns. The accuracy of the players should be a feature.

"The top players play with such precision," Smith said.

The Australian's (four men and four women) arrive in time for practice next Monday and Tuesday. Play begins on Wednesday with four mixed doubles games. On Thursday, there will be eight singles matches. This schedule repeats three times until the third test winds up on Monday week.

- © Fairfax NZ News