NEARLY 2000 participants and spectators are expected to take part in the Murray Bridge Green 2018 South Australian Masters Games from April 19-22.
And croquet co-ordinator and player Lesley Zadow is looking forward to welcoming players from around Australia to compete in the event.
“We have four grass courts, which means we can have up to 32 competitors taking part,” she said.
Lesley has been playing croquet for 10 years.
She simply dropped into her local club one day to find out what it was all about and admits she was hooked immediately.
“Croquet is a very friendly game,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter where you are, be it in Australia or overseas, you can always find a croquet club and have a game.
“Croquet is played by people of all ages and genders but it’s excellent for older people because it keeps them active.
“It’s good exercise for the body and the brain, and players can end up walking between four and five kilometres during a game.
“Croquet is a bit like playing snooker on grass and anyone who’s played snooker will pick it up quickly.”
Lesley, 79, has enjoyed playing croquet on holidays interstate and four years ago her husband Ken started playing too.
The Murray Bridge Green Masters Games will take place at 30 venues.
Twenty-three sports will be represented, including basketball, cycling, cricket and lawn bowls as well as some more unusual events such as carriage driving and clay target shooting.
The opening ceremony will be held on April 20 with a parade and the running of the Masters Mile.
- Registration for the games is open until April 10 – www.murraybridgemastersgames.com.au
Anyone interested in taking up croquet can contact Lesley Zadow, 0408-813-360.
