Ballina Cherry Street Croquet Club

Welcome to Ballina Cherry Street Croquet Club where we play on two high quality lawns maintained by Elfco Greenkeeping. The lawns and our clubhouse were purpose built by Cherry Street Sports  of which we are a sub-club, formed in 2010 and our members continue to enjoy the support from Cherry Street Sports.

We share facilities with Ballina Croquet Club, each club playing different days of the week. We play Association, Golf and Ricochet Croquet so check out our Calendar for play days and times.

We're a friendly bunch of people who enjoy the wonderful outdoor sport of croquet.  Visitors are always welcome. We love to coach new prospects to the game and enjoy bringing the game to special interest groups eg. All Abilities, Disabled, School Groups. 

Not sure if croquet is for you? Have a look at this video for the Health Benefits and this one of kids doing dream shots.

Success at Sutherland Intercept Advantage GC - 30 Sep - 2 Oct 2023

Six members headed to Sutherland for the annual Intercept GC tournament. Namely, Joan Doust, Christine Edlund, Wendy Gilmore, Helen Young, Rosie Offley & Jim Hannigan. After battling faster lawns than they're used to and playing in 37C degree heat one day three members succeeded in one first & two second placings. Wendy Gilmore won her Singles Block, Helen Young placed 2nd in her Singles Block and Christine Edlund (with partner Hagen Kreusser from Wollongong) placed 2nd in their Doubles Block.

Congratulations Wendy, Helen & Christine for your success and to all six members for promoting our Club as a happy one.

Second National Title for the Club - 20-24 September 2023

In early June 2023 David Scott received advice of his selection in to the 2023 GC InterState Shield (ISS) NSW State Team. Following 5 intense days of competition from 20th to 24th September 2023 NSW were victorious winning 4 of the 5 tests, losing only to QLD on day 3. Going into the final day NSW v WA, both states were equal on 3 test wins. In a nail biter final day NSW & WA were neck and neck with 5 match wins each then the second last match to complete the day was won by NSW's Kate McLaughlin to edge us to 6 wins. The last match was a draw to ensure our test win against WA meaning we won the ISS for the second year in a row.   

Greg Porter Wins Gold Coast Tweed Ricochet Title - 22-23 September 2023

Greg Porter headed north to compete in, and win, the Gold Coast Tweed Region Ricochet Singles Division 3 played on 22-23 September 2023. Greg was undefeated and pegged out in one game (a rarity in Ricochet). 

Congratulations Greg, you are a great ambassador for croquet and our club.

2023 Charity Day

In early February 2023 we held a fancy dress charity day to raise money and goods for the Ballina Hot Meal Centre which, via a dedicated group of volunteers, provides hundreds of meals a week to people in need. Check out some of our members getting into the spirit of the day.

2022 Presentation Day & Christmas Lunch

Most of our members enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch Cherry Street Sports before we got into the the Presentations for a successful end to 2022 Championships in Association, Golf & Ricochet. 

Encouraging the next generation of Croquet players

During 2022 we hosted Year 11/12 students from Ballina Coast High School and Year 9 students from Emmanuel Anglican College. Although only a basic introduction to croquet both schools are keen to see us develop a school program in 2023.

Ray Chapman brings home the bacon 2 years in a row

In 2021 Club Captain, Ray Chapman travelled to Sawtell to compete in the inaugural NSW Ricochet Open Singles Championship and returned home a winner and grinner. 

On Sunday 26 June 2022, Ray headed to Sawtell to defend his title. Ray won 6 of his 8 block games securing a place in the semi final where he was victorious over Simon Cook from Coutts Crossing. Ray then played Phil Monds from EDSACC in the final which Ray won 15 to 7 - congratulations Ray.

Success for Ray Chapman at the 2022 Australian Golf Croquet Open Singles in Melbourne

In May 2022 Club Captain, Ray Chapman, ticked off a 'must do' from his bucket list venturing to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Golf Croquet Doubles and Singles events. Following an inauspicious display in the Doubles with his partner (David Scott), Ray was looking forward to the Singles event.  In the final two days of the Singles event Ray's game came together and he won 7 out of 8 games to win the much coveted Plate.

St Andrews Village - 2022 Charity

Each year we select a charity, hold a charity day and then donate the proceeds. 2022 saw $1,100 donated to St Andrews Village in support of a new bus for residents.

Ballina Cherry Street Croquet 10+1 Celebration 3rd May 2021

COVID-19 thwarted celebration of our 10th anniversary in 2020 but didn't prevent a 10+1 celebration.  The 3rd May 2021 was a great day enjoyed by many members at Cherry Street Sports club. Camaraderie, novelty games, photo collages on the big screens and excellent food from Sporties Restaurant-Cafe were features of the day. 

Coutts Crossing GC Challenge 8 - 9 December 2021

In early 2021 Cherry Street Croquet Captain, Ray Chapman planted a seed with the Coffs Coast croquet community for a GC challenge. Coutts Crossing Croquet Club jumped at the opportunity and on 8 December 2021 fourteen Cherry Street players travelled to Coutts Crossing for the inaugural challenge. Whilst Cherry Street brought home the Shield the real winner was croquet as everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition.