Laughter and the clunk of croquet mallets often sound from a lawn in the centre of Dubbo, making it no secret how much the players enjoy their game.
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And while a jump shot can leave one team triumphant and the opposition "demoralised" it's all part of the fun for the enthusiasts who are making a new effort to share their game far and wide.
The Dubbo City Croquet Club has invited community members young and old to take up a mallet and try the sport some say is "a cross between snooker and chess".
With a more than 93-year history and players passionate about the sport, the club is keen to build itself up for the future.
The club also boasts revamped facilities at its home within the Victoria Park precinct and new players.
That's not to mention the likes of Pippa Middleton, sister of a royal duchess, calling the game "full of fun and scamper" in her Marvellously British Guide to Croquet published in a recent edition of Vanity Fair.
The club has also gone on the front foot, sending out letters to more than 40 schools, clubs and other groups inviting them to play croquet this year.
Club publicity officer Elizabeth Allen started playing 18 months ago, fulfilling a long-time goal.
"I enjoy croquet - it's gentle exercise and thought provoking - some say it's a cross between snooker and chess," she said.
"I suggest to anyone who just needs to get out of the house - there's no better way.
"I laugh and giggle through it - there's the fun side of it."
Mrs Allen said play was on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, all day on Saturday and in the warmer months played under lights on Wednesday nights.
The Daily Liberal saw players decked out in their red and white progress from hoop to hoop on the lawn, not deterred by a crisp Dubbo morning recently.
The club reported the sport was going well in the city, with an influx of players leading to a welcome expansion of play to all day Saturday.
The game's profile was also increasing.
The Daily Liberal reported Dubbo mayoress "Mrs AM Corbett" hit the first ball at the opening of the croquet court behind the Dubbo City Bowling Club in 1921.
These days men and women number among the club's membership, paving the way for the potential for some dynamic husband-and-wife duos.
Club secretary Peter Heywood said he took up croquet about five years ago with some spousal influence.
"My wife Del decided she would play the game and loves it, and then she encouraged me to come on Saturday mornings and play with her so we'd have a sport we share," he said.
"It's been a very challenging sport, there's no doubt about that, and I've continued and enjoy it."
Mr Heywood said croquet had been a women's sport at the time the club had formed at Dubbo.
"In the past five to 10 years it's definitely developed more into a mixed sport, which has been a good idea," he said.
The secretary valued the club's history, evident in the trophies and honour boards lining the club room.
"If you look at the history of this club, 30 years ago it was a very strong club and statewide won championships all over and they were excellent players," Mr Heywood said.
The club members looked forward to welcoming first-timers.
"Come and have a try, they might just be surprised, number one at how much fun it is and two how challenging it is as in that it is very similar in a lot of ways to billiards and snooker," Mr Heywood said.
"It's a game that you've got to think at least four hits ahead, so it's quite a mind challenging game as well as a physical game."
When asked if he or his wife were the best player, the club secretary was unequivocal.
"Good question - she is," Mr Heywood said, laughing.
"Seriously she is, we are handicapped and she plays better than I do.
"And she plays a lot more than I do as well."