Peter Hickey (Mike's partner) the Thai Team and Mike (the one in the hat!). (Petanque Section) played on specially prepared grass ... A very different game to what he was used to on the Wallingford Sports Park car park!
No medals but he played some cracking games – very close in both the singles & doubles knockout. As luck would have it he was drawn against the top Thailand players in both the singles and doubles.
Matches were timed for 40min – in first round singles the score was 10 – 10 after about 35min – at the next two ends the Thai opponent got the 3 points which ended the match 13-10.
In doubles Mike and his partner played Thai team made up of Gold & Siler singles winners – after 40 min score was 10 – 8 to Thais – not bad considering Mike's partner was a complete novice.
In all the games Mike says he 'played out of his skin' but the Thais were brilliant at times.
The 'junior' team (18-29) had only two teams against them in the doubles and won Gold – beating the French & Hong Kong teams.
No medals but he played some cracking games – very close in both the singles & doubles knockout. As luck would have it he was drawn against the top Thailand players in both the singles and doubles.
Matches were timed for 40min – in first round singles the score was 10 – 10 after about 35min – at the next two ends the Thai opponent got the 3 points which ended the match 13-10.
In doubles Mike and his partner played Thai team made up of Gold & Siler singles winners – after 40 min score was 10 – 8 to Thais – not bad considering Mike's partner was a complete novice.
In all the games Mike says he 'played out of his skin' but the Thais were brilliant at times.
The 'junior' team (18-29) had only two teams against them in the doubles and won Gold – beating the French & Hong Kong teams.
Overall they had a great time in Durban, the weather was super and the whole event was very well run and organised. Well done Mike
The next event is the UK Transplant Games – no petanque this time, but perhaps next Games?
The next event is the UK Transplant Games – no petanque this time, but perhaps next Games?
