THE Portland Croquet Club will host their biggest tournament of the year today with players from across Victoria and South Australia coming to compete.

The Portland Croquet Club Annual Tournament sees three days of Association croquet played out at the Botanic Gardens and Henty Park lawn tennis courts, with play kicking off today.

In the mix will be Portland players Jan Gray, Michael Edwards and Meg Gallpen who are expected to show some strong form across the three days with secretary Majella King saying it will be tough competition.

“Michael Edwards is in some good form at the moment,” she said.

“We have about 22 entered in the tournament so far. People come from South Australia and all over Victoria.”

As their major event for the year King says the courts are in good condition.

“Surfaces are excellent, thanks to a good band of volunteers and the tennis court lawns will be used as well,” she said.

“It is and important tournament for the club, because it is the major fundraiser of the year.

“It’s good for croquet but it is good for Portland too as people stay for three days.

“Portland has a tradition of putting on a good tournament. People come back year after year.”