The CNZ GC Invitation Events were held over the weekend in Canterbury and South Canterbury. All three invitation events saw ten players selected competing in blocks playing best of three matches.
Top GC Invitation – Franks Claims Victory
The St. Martins Croquet Club in Christchurch hosted the Top GC Invitation, where Under-21 World Champion Levi Franks delivered a dominant performance. Franks went undefeated through the block stage, not dropping a single game until the final match. Despite a strong challenge from defending champion Paul Kaiser (Canterbury), who won their head-to-head clash in two games, Franks secured the title on net games with seven wins. Kaiser also finished on seven wins, while Reece McCorkindale claimed third place with five wins.
Second GC Invitation – Hart Edges Out Philpott
At Fendalton Park Croquet Club, the Second GC Invitation came down to a nail-biting final round between Jonathan Hart (Canterbury) and rising star Max Philpott (Southland). Both players had only one loss heading into their showdown. Hart prevailed in a tense three-game match, finishing the tournament with eight wins to Philpott’s seven.
David Galvin (Otago) rounded out the podium in third place with six wins.
Third GC Invitation – Ponsonby Triumphs in Epic Decider
The Waireka Croquet Club in Ashburton hosted the Third GC Invitation, where Sue Cleveland and Teresa Ponsonby (both South Canterbury) dominated early rounds going undefeated through the first eight rounds. They played each other in the final round, going to a deciding third game that stretched to thirteen hoops. Ponsonby clinched the last point to secure the trophy.
A standout performance came from the youngest player in the field Emma Philpott (Southland), who finished third with seven wins, losing only to the two top seeds but pushing top seed Cleveland to three games in their match.
All three winners won their first CNZ Invitation event.
Croquet New Zealand extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners, to all first time participants and thanks the Canterbury and South Canterbury associations, the three hosting clubs, and the volunteers whose efforts made these events a success.
