After 10 years of playing the sport Mr Schupelius is ranked 14 in Australia, and has just returned home after competing in the Australian Croquet Championship in Sydney.

He gave competitors a run for their money, placing tenth out of 50 of croquet’s finest from all over Australia.

Mr Schupelius has also represented South Australia in the Eire Cup, where he was awarded Best Performance/Male Player over five days of competition.

Mr Schupelius defeated the top player in Australia, who is from New Zealand, and said he really had to step up to the plate for the contest.

The South Australian team put in a gallant effort and placed fourth.

Mr Schupelius said he enjoyed the games and loves the affectionately named “crokey ball”.

“It’s all about strategy… like snooker on grass,” he said.

Gilbert’s wife Pam introduced him to the sport.

“She used to play shots in our lounge room and it got me interested,” he said.

To be a good croquet player, Mr Schupelius said a strategic mind and hand/eye co-ordination is the key.

Stamina is also beneficial as competitions can run over a number of days.

Amazingly, Mr Schupelius said he has taught himself the game and has not been coached.

“I have always watched better players to improve my game,” Mr Schupelius said.

Sadly, Mr Schupelius believes that croquet is a dying regional sport,

But he hoped the new ETSA Bowls Club green, to be opened soon, will encourage people to play here in Port Augusta.

Training for his next competition in June is already underway.