2026 Australian AC Championships Event Wrap

The 2026 Australian Association Croquet Championships were held in Perth, WA across multiple venues from from 8-19 April.

MEDIA RELEASE 

NEW SOUTH WALES TRIUMPHS IN NAIL-BITING EIRE CUP SHOWDOWN  

Perth, 20 April 2026 | New South Wales has secured victory in the 2026 Australian Interstate Association Croquet Championship – the prestigious Eire Cup – defeating Victoria 11–9 in a closely contested final round.

Steeped in tradition, the Eire Cup brought together Australia’s top croquet players, representing each state, for five days of elite competition across Perth’s Cambridge, Nedlands and Como Croquet Clubs from 15–19 April. Played in superb autumn conditions, competitors faced a demanding schedule in pursuit of one of the sport’s most prestigious honours.

While camaraderie defines the tournament off the court, competition is uncompromising once play begins. Nowhere is this more evident than in the long-standing rivalry between New South Wales and Victoria. This year, New South Wales successfully claimed the title from the reigning champions, Victoria, who had held the cup for the past two years.

According to NSW Team Captain, Stephen Pearce,  

“The standard of play this week has been exceptional, and a credit to all states involved. To take the title from a side as strong as Victoria is something we’re extremely proud of. A sincere thank you to Croquetwest for hosting a superb championship - the lawns were among the best we’ve played on, and the event was exceptionally well organised throughout.”

Western Australia delivered a determined performance throughout the championship, pushing strong contenders and demonstrating depth across the team.

WA State Coach Alan Sands said he was proud of the team’s efforts across both the Eire Cup and the broader National Championships.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the commitment they’ve shown over the past two weeks of the 2026 National Championships, as well as in the months leading in. While we fell short of the interstate title, the team delivered a highly competitive performance throughout. You can bet we’ll be back again in 2027 when the Eire Cup will be contested in Queensland!” said Sands.

Individual performances were particularly noteworthy, with Ian Dumergue securing silver in the Men’s Singles Championship. Gosnells’ Tim Barkes finished runner-up in the Men’s Plate, while Gary Phipps of Moorabinda Croquet Club claimed the Men’s Plate title. 

Media Contacts

David Fardon
Vice President, Croquetwest
E: Fardon@bigpond.net.au

Sylvia Clark
Pink Lemonade Marketing  
E: pinklemonademarketing@gmail.com
Ph: 0438 73 6666

--- ENDS --- 

2026 AC Nationals and Eire Cup Facebook Page

PROGRAM

RESULTS

Australian Gold & Silver Medals

Trevor Bassett (Cooks River, NSW)

Shane Davis (Windsor, QLD)

Results on Croquet Scores: https://croquetscores.com/.../australia.../competition/block

Australian Women's Singles Championship

Alison Sharpe (Mosman NSW)

Heather Knight (Stephens QLD)

Results on Croquet Scores: https://croquetscores.com/2026/ac/australia-womens-singles

 

Australian Men's Singles Championship 
Stephen Forster (Belmont VIC) won the AC Men’s Singles against Ian Dumergue (Forrest Park WA) in a best of 5 final 26-9, 26-11, 26TP-9.
Stephen Forster (Belmont VIC)
Ian Dumergue (Forrest Park WA)
Results on Croquet Scores: https://croquetscores.com/2026/ac/australia-mens-singles

Eire (Interstate) Cup (held Wed 15 to Sun 19 April)

15–19 April 2026

Perth, WA (Cambridge, Como, and Nedlands)