DCS at DCCC


Students from the Dubbo Christian School were introduced to the noble and ancient sport of croquet during Term 3 (July to September).

Amy, a PDHPE teacher at Dubbo Christian School, approached the club asking if we would be able to provide tuition and playing for 20 students in Years 7 to 10.  We readily agreed.

When students were asked to register their choice for sport in Term 3, that number more than doubled.   The bowling club was able to provide a roster of members for the same period so that students, now divided into three groups, were scheduled for three weeks of each sport in rotation.  Because of internal commitments for the different Year groups, the three weeks for each group were not consecutive.

Despite this lack of continuity students were able to receive instruction on playing technique and rules on as ‘as needed’ basis during modified playing situations.  Had more time been available our preference would have been for a more structured programme of instruction and practice.  Nonetheless, each Year group was able to play a standard golf croquet game by their third session, if not earlier.

Club members were enthusiastic about this project, and those who participated enjoyed the experience.  Particularly heartening was the evident enjoyment the students showed.

One piece of play must be recorded.  The balls, as shown in the photograph, were laid out with red and yellow both on-hoop and quite close.  Black is not wired on yellow but this would be difficult shot for a beginner.  Blue cannot hoop and the player is not confident to attempt a jump, much as he would like to try having been very impressed by a demonstration the previous week.   He was, however, confident to attempt a stop shot on red.  There was much stalking, advice from his neighbour, sledging from his opponents, and then – with a resounding thwack! – blue rammed into the red ball which spun dramatically out to the boundary, leapt over yellow and without hesitation or deviation passed through the hoop to score.

Thank you, Cambell H., for an amazingly freakish shot!   It has been the talk of the club ever since.

Dubbo Christian School hold a day of community service annually in which every student donates an afternoon to some form of activity.  We welcomed about twenty students (not all of whom had chosen croquet/bowls as their sport for the term).  A small team did sterling work in completing the preparation of the garden bed, while others worked on window cleaning, silver polishing and garden maintenance.   A big ‘thank-you’ to those students for their work.