2025 NSW AC Open Singles

Croquet NSW AC Open Singles Championship concluded with Mike Gidding (Ballina Croquet) winning with a tight 2 games to 1 match against Stephen Richards (Canberra) at Mackey Park.

The clear blue spring skies belied the difficult playing conditions with the fast lawns and strong blustery winds. The day's play was live streamed. Viewers were rewarded with three nail biting games.
Mike won the 1st, 21 to 19, holding off Stephen's barnstorming finish playing speed croquet. Stephen won the second game 22 to 21, and in the third, Mike held his nerve as light faded to shoot for the peg from the eastern boundary, having earlier pegged off the yellow ball to withstand Stephen's cagey play accumulating hoops and controlling the play.

The field included a number of previous winners - Peter Landrebe, Callum Hyland and Stephen Richards. 
The tough playing conditions were evidenced by the fact that only 2 tps were scored - one each by Callum Hyland and James Christies and Callum scored a quadruple peel.
The win to Mike follows his recent win in the Queensland AC Singles Open Championship.

Thanks to the referees and tournament manager and the commentary team for the live stream.

[photos provided by Mary Hughes]

LIVESTREAM

The final of the event was livestreamed at the link below:

Livestream on YouTube

RESULTS

Croquet Scores

NSW Event Results

PHOTOS

1. Mike Gidding (winner) and Stephen Richards (runner-up).
2. Tournament Manager David Stanton presenting the winner's trophy to Mike Gidding.
3. Mike Gidding in action.