A New Year means new opportunities for the MCC Croquet section.
One of the oldest sports within the Melbourne Cricket Club, having originally been played as a social sport by MCC members and their guests in the "ladies’ enclosure" at the MCG in the mid-1870s.Over 100 years later, the Glen Street facility in Hawthorn – shared alongside the MCC Bowls Section – now gets its regular use, as the Section continues to welcome members from all walks of life, irrespective of if they have an MCC membership.
From the elite players such as Melbourne’s, Lachlan Berryman through to participants playing in club championships, metropolitan, state and national competitions, Croquet Section committee member Catherine Symons says there’s something for everyone.
“It can attract women and people in general, in a different age group, as well as people who can still come out, play and socialise,” Ms Symons said.
“They can become very excellent players, because it’s demanding of different players.”
The Croquet Section will hold their annual ‘Come and Try Day’ across two days Saturday February 27 and Tuesday March 1, where rising participation numbers have been embryonic in the past.
MCC Croquet stalwart, Graham Fahey said the section’s facility was one of its greatest strengths.
“In this good weather, it gets used every day of the week and all nights. We’ve been fortunate enough that we’ve got lights here, we’re able to play at night and people will come down to practice,” Mr Fahey said.
“So it’s used reasonably every day.
“The MCC took over in 2001 and we became a Sporting Section in 2008 and since that time the Club has gone from strength to strength.
“With the support of the MCC, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s just fantastic all of the work that they do for us.”
The ‘Come and Try Croquet’ days commence at 2.30pm on Sunday February 27, and 5.30pm on Tuesday March 1. Both sessions will run for a two hours.
The sessions are free, and tea, coffee and cool drinks are available.
To RSVP and to simply find out more information, contact Secretary@MCC-Croquet.org.au