IT MIGHT look genteel but it's a very competitive sport.

While the members of the Cherry St Croquet Club are good friends off the court, when they go out to play one of the three versions of the game - golf, association and ricochet - it's a whole different story.

Not a game for the faint-hearted, croquet is fun but according it's fans, it's a lethally-addicted sport when it comes to the competitiveness of getting your balls through the hoops.

And like lawn bowls, the sport is attractive to people of all ages with younger members rapidly making their mark on a national and international level.

Club president Jan Copeland said croquet is a marvellous game as the different variations allow newcomers to quickly start with the simplest version (golf) and progress as they wish to the more complex forms of the game.

"Croquet is a great fun and the golf version offers a more social environment, while association is more complicated,” she said.

"It's a really flexible sport as people can play as they wish allowing for work and family commitments.”

Another bonus the club offers is complimentary tuition, Copeland said.

"We have free lessons through our coaches, Leone Oliver for association, Clarrie Copeland for golf and David Scott for ricochet, who can show you the fundamentals so newcomers can feel comfortable playing,” she said.

"While we have 90 members we always welcome new one and interested people can all Leonie on 66863389, Clarrie on 6686 8784 and David on 6628 7554.”

More information at http://www.cherrystreet.com.au/sports/croquet/