Croquet newbie takes out title

Ōrewa Croquet Club member Luke Rive, who only took up the sport during Covid-19, recently won a prestigious national trophy.

Luke took up croquet when his wife Pip returned to the game after nearly 30 years. He started during Covid-19 and has not been able to play a lot of croquet due to work and family commitments. In that time, however, his handicap has gone from 18 right down to 2.

To qualify for the NZ Arthur Ross tournament, Luke had to win the Ōrewa club stage, then qualify as the Auckland representative against winners from other Auckland clubs.

The NZ final was held over three days at the Pukekohe Croquet Club on March 1012. Nine of the 10 provinces in NZ were represented and most players were high handicappers meaning Luke had to give many bisques (free turns) away.

Luke is the first player from Ōrewa to win this prestigious trophy and club captain and head coach, Pixie Jones, says the club is very proud of him.

Pixie says because croquet combines strategic thinking with gentle exercise, on a flat surface, it is an ideal game for older people. However, it is also enjoyed by younger ones – the NZ team is mainly made up of men in their teens and early 20s.