Warrnambool City Croquet Club is growing its membership

Diana Sargent found out something new about herself this year when she joined Warrnambool City Croquet Club.

And she hasn't been the only one to pick up a mallet for the first time.

The club is making progress on its goal to attract new players to its Cramer Street Lawns.

Three of its new members took part in social doubles on Friday.

It was just a day after players were allowed to participate in doubles again.

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President Judy Stewart said the introduction of step three coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria on Thursday; meant participants could play social singles and doubles with up to 10 players present. Competition is also allowed.

Word-of-mouth is one way the club has built up its membership despite the pandemic.

That's how Sargent got involved.

"I started before the first lockdown just through a friend who mentioned it," she said.

"And being new in town didn't have much to do so I came along and have really enjoyed it."

The Warrnambool resident moved from the Gold Coast about five years ago.

She'd normally avoid sport but has found her niche.

"I avoid it like the plague but this has just brought out my killer instinct," she said.

"It's the challenge, concentration and friendship and trying to win."

Sargent plays among friends about three times a week.

They took the opportunity to play social singles during the stage three coronavirus lockdown, which president Stewart said was permitted.

Sargent is thrilled to be allowed to play doubles again.

"We were having to play with two balls and now you're playing with a partner and there's a bit more of a challenge there to try and get where you want to be on the court," she said.

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