The National GC Handicap Finals, the Don Reyland Memorial Stars, were played at Matamata Croquet Club from 7-9 March. 16 Association champions represented their regions in a large single game round-robin block over the three days. This year was the first time the event was held using Advantage GC Rules.
On Friday, John Farrell (Otago) took the early lead, winning his first five games, closely followed by Ricky Clement (South Taranaki), Ron Ereckson (Marlborough) and Katie Zentveld (Manawatu-Wanganui) with four wins from five games.
Saturday saw 13 year old Katie Zentveld continue her strong form and winning all her games and taking the overall lead. Ereckson and Clement followed close behind.
On the final day, Katie Zentveld showed composure and only dropped one further game, while both Ereckson and Clement also last games. With 13 wins from 15 games Katie Zentveld secured the win of the Don Reyland Memorial Stars and her first national title in only her second CNZ tournament. At only 13 years of age Katie is our youngest ever winner of the Don Reyland Memorial Stars.
Ron Ereckson finished second for the Silver Star with 12 wins, ahead of Ricky Clement who had eleven wins.
Congratulations to the winners, well done!
CNZ would like to thank Matamata CC, the manager and referees, all volunteers and players for making this a great, competitive handicap tournament.
