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Why croquet players get snookered playing at Manly

IT is the sport that has been described as a cross between snooker and chess. And over 90 of the game’s best players converged on the Manly Croquet Club.

Manly Seebreeze croquet tournament. Graham Maynard of Cammeray Club.
Manly Seebreeze croquet tournament. Graham Maynard of Cammeray Club.

IT is the sport that has been described as a cross between snooker and chess.

And over 90 of the game’s best players converged on the Manly Croquet Club for the 47th Seabreeze tournament.

The event attracted players from as far afield as New Zealand to compete in what is a big annual event.

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Croquet may not be a high profile sport on the northern beaches but the Manly club has a long and proud history.

A player deep in concentation at the Manly Seabreeze  tournament. .
A player deep in concentation at the Manly Seabreeze tournament. .

Publicity officer Don Dunkley said they believe they are the oldest croquet club in NSW.

“We are just trying to prove it,” Dunkley said.

“It was going in 1902 and it used to be part of the Manly Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.”

It is believed the club was where the tennis courts are currently situated next to Manly Oval.

The croquet club then relocated to their current picturesque base at Balgowlah near Harris Farm Markets.

There are currently 90 members at Manly ranging in age from 15 to 93-years-young.

“I tried out bowls but for me there is a lot more in croquet,” Dunkley said

“it is a thinking game like chess and you get the angles like you get off snooker balls so there is a bit in it.

The Manly Croquet Club always welcomes new members and offers free lessons.

Anyone interested can contact Don Dunkley on 9975 5954.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/sport/why-croquet-players-get-snookered-playing-at-manly/news-story/616b15f91c18eba186d77dd585016d31