Ballarat Alexandra croquet club treasurer David Johnston said Fletcher was in “excellent touch” on his way to comfortably winning both his matches.

Fletcher, who used to play at Lismore, won both matches two games to love in a best of three clash.

The 25-year-old defeated David Walters 7-4, 7-4 before accounting for Irishmen Kieran Murphy 7-1, 7-4.

Underlining his talent and ability to perform on the big stage was a stunning 30m shot that he sent through the middle of the hoop from one end of the lawn to the other.

“The whole clubhouse erupted, I think they’ll be talking about it for years – very rare, very impressive.” Johnston said.

Following the great display, Fletcher has risen to the top of his group and the overall leader board. and will now make his way to the Victorian croquet centre in Cairnlea for the next round of preliminary matches.

“He put on quite an exhibition of top class croquet today.

“They (he and his brothers, who all play at the top level) started off young and they are just able to play at a level that has taken the world standard to another level.”

Fletcher looks set to advance to the knockout stage beginning on Thursday in Melbourne.

For those that don’t make it through to the knockout stage, the matches do not stop there.

Ballarat Alexandra Croquet Club is hosting a plate, consolation, competition on Thursday and Friday to ensure the international players trips to Australia do not go to waste.

Ballarat will be the only venue to host the consolation tournament given its fantastic facilities.

“People travel a long way to play these games so the players want to play as much as they can when they get the opportunity – they’ve come from right around the world.

“We’re the only regional place to host the plate, the others have done their bit but because of our facilities they feel we’re the best place to do it.”

Ballarat Alexandra Croquet Club will again play host to some of the world’s best players on Wednesday as the final round of preliminary matches take place.

Play gets underway from 9am.