STEELS CREEK COMMUNITY NOTES

Inaugural Steels Creek Croquet Tournament

On a beautiful Sunday as only Upper Steels Creek (Australia’s answer to Provence and Tuscany) can produce, a costumed group of near and far locals gathered on the laser-levelled lawn to do battle.

Despite a few wombat and rabbit scrapes, necessitating a local rule and the production of the appropriate scat to receive a ruling, the lawn was playing well. Its preparation was in the capable hands of an elderly family retainer, Bill, who was not present at the tournament as he does not like to see people walking on the grass.

Fashion highlights were all around, the Lowes, the Tetlows, the Bartoshs and Colin & Joy Brown who had motored from Coldstream in their Classic MG Magnette, were all dressed elegantly. Eliza, Grace and Isabel were charming in their long dresses and bonnets. Unfortunately there were a few who were not, and no, we are not mentioning names, Albie. John Houston was able to wear his old Etonian tie around his waist, a feat that, alas, eludes the writer who wore his around his hat.

After a hard-fought series of preliminary games, and several minor rule disputes; capably solved by the senior tournament umpire (the rules used were the American Croquet Association Rules, helpfully provided by Ed Bartosh, who then proceeded to strongly debate every ruling), the final two teams were decided.

As so often in this life, the Final was Youth and Beauty versus Age and Experience. After a volatile struggle, in which the match see-sawed frequently, much advice was offered from the side lines. Until, one of the finalists rebuffed this advice with the comment that they needed no advice from the sidelines as they were in the finals, and the advice givers were not. With all players through the penultimate hoop the combination of the Misses Houghtons struck and struck again gaining the Peg, and hence the cup (or silver stubby holder to be precise). Eliza and Grace had triumphed over Albie and Greg.

With the tension of the final over the players and spectators adjourned to the upper lawn and partook of the more than adequate refreshments whilst the trophy was presented. Dusk saw the crowd depart and a worried Bill returned to contemplate his trampled lawn.

Andrew Chapman

Arriving in style	The critics and advisors
Between games	The definition of "concentration"
Youth and Beauty versus Age and Experience	The trophy for the winners