Devonport beats Takapuna in local croquet derby

Bragging rights in an annual ‘Neighbours Cup’ between Devonport and Takapuna players have swung south this year.

Members of the North Shore Croquet Club on Wairoa Rd have won back the trophy which, for several years, has been in the Takapuna Croquet Club’s cabinet. A team of six won eight out of nine games played at home last week.

The club has seen a surge of interest in recent months, both in membership applications and in event bookings of its heritage clubrooms. The building, constructed in the early 1900s, was originally the jockeys changing room when Waitemata Golf Course was a racecourse.

Floods and high winds had caused damage to the lawns and fencing, but thanks to community help and member volunteers, it remained operational.

Club president Michelle Templeman said: “The recent tournament win was a great result for this dynamic club. It was a demonstration of a friendly, competitive tournament played in an atmosphere of inclusivity – just as sport should be.”

Cup holders... Team members (from left) Wendy Strain, Linda McKay, Michelle Wintle, president Michelle Templeman, Jenny Sonntag and Di Hale