CROQUET NEWS: Aussie Challenge a Thrill for Paul

10 February 2009
Manawatu Standard, Palmerston North, New Zealand
story by Penny Miles,
photo by Warwick Smith

On the eve of the trans-Tasman test series, Dannevirke-born Paul Skinley confirmed it was a great thrill to return to the region where his career began.

LOCAL HOPE: New Zealand's Paul Skinley at the Rose Gardens Croquet Club yesterday in preparation for the trans-Tasman test series which begins tomorrow.

Skinley, 50, is ranked No 3 in the New Zealand team, and is the only player with Manawatu links. He sits at No 20 in the world and with the exception of the North Island Handicap Doubles and Singles, has won all the national titles at least twice.

Skinley grew up in Dannevirke, where his parents Harrold and Frances played croquet at the Rangatira Club. He remembers fondly when he was accepted into that club.

"Croquet in Dannevirke has always been very strong and there were a lot of top players." Skinley said.

"I had to wait until I was aged 11 to be allowed into the club, because they expected a certain standard and didn't really want the kids around."

Now a computer student in Wellington, where he plays at the Wellington Municipal Croquet Club in Mt Victoria, croquet still dominates Skinley's time.

"We train most nights and play matches on the weekend. It's a challenge, and it's a very creative game."

Skinley has also travelled the world since he first left Dannevirke for Christchurch as a 17-year-old.

"I have played in England, America, France and Australia."

"My best result was winning the world teams event in 1979 and again in England in 1986.

"In 1979 we beat Australia nine- nil in Palmerston North over at Takaro. Rose Gardens didn't exist then."

He will pair up in the mixed doubles with Wellington's Nina Myard-Husson, who is making her international debut.

Skinley expects New Zealand to have the edge in the test.

"I know most of the Aussies. They are all good and strong, but we might have the conditions in our favour."

The first of the three two-day tests begin tomorrow at the Takaro and the Rose Garden Clubs.