The Canberra local started with a handicap of four and cruised to victory at the Wagga Croquet Club at the weekend, losing just one of his 14 games.

Toronto’s Bill Munns fought valiantly to finish as the runner up.

Richardson’s triumph followed Wagga husband and wife combination Peter and Wendy Lloyd taking out the doubles on Thursday, narrowly downing Wollongong’s Bernie McAlary and Carol Hayes 7-6 in the final.

It was the first time Wagga had played host to the state-wide competition and Wagga Croquet Club president Robyn Willis was quick to label it a success.

“All players said they really enjoyed the five day event and their visit to the Riverina, and some are planning on returning next March for the local carnival,” she said.

“Our Wagga players hadn’t played in many tournaments like this and for many of them it was their first time,” she said.

“This gives them the opportunity to have a go and they didn’t have to travel elsewhere to do it.”

Players came from all over to attend the competition, travelling from as far as Wollongong, Port Hacking, Canberra, Toronto, Sutherland, Beechworth, Canberra, Sydney and Young.