A huge congratulations to Angela Di Donato, Jeffrey Von’t Steen, Xandra Macmillan and Di Evans, who proudly brought home the 2026 Bear Cup for MCC! This is our first win since 2017, in a competition that has been running since 2001 – so it was certainly worth the wait!

This year’s annual event was hosted by Ringwood Croquet Club, with five EMCA teams competing (Ivanhoe unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness). Ringwood proved to be wonderful hosts, turning on glorious weather after a particularly cold and wet spell.

The competition featured eight individual games across four half-courts and one almost-full court, with some wonderfully quirky challenges along the way. One event tested everyone’s skills and patience, requiring players to be the first to run four hoops using a VERY crooked mallet, specially made for the occasion by a Ringwood member!

Another favourite was “The Monash Arch”, where players had to hit their ball up a very steep slope of long grass and somehow have it roll back down in exactly the right spot to pass through an arch. Easier said than done!

Beyond the fun and unusual challenges, the day was a great opportunity to catch up with members from other EMCA clubs, many of whom we know through competition. And, of course, no croquet gathering would be complete without afternoon tea – Ringwood certainly delivered a splendid spread!

Congratulations again to our winning team. What a wonderful result for MCC!