Petanque Wallingford

Friday 18th February 2022 saw the worst storm in three decades with gusts in excess of 90 mph. Storm Eunice took its toll on the pistes, littering them in branches, twigs and debris. So some clean up required before play!
   This was our first Money Melee of the year. With the forecast a bit shaky, 21 intrepid members turned up for what was my first melee as organiser. It was great to see so many turn up, including some new members, Pam, Cathy and Martin along with some players we haven’t seen for some time, Peter Smith and Pat Hayton. With fine drizzle coming down, play began with the blow of my whistle at 11am, a stampede of eager players dashed to their allotted piste. Five teams played three forty minute games. Luckily the weather held out until the end. Score cards were handed in confirming that the winners were:
 
1st Place                     Nick Zalinski
2nd Place                    Steve Gothard
3rd Place                     Wendy Harris
Friendliest Player        Pat Hayton
 
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all those that braved the elements for what was a very enjoyable morning.

Paul H

     Bridget, Pete, Debbie and I decided to go to Worthing to do some cycling on the South Downs and enter a triples competition at Worthing Petanque Club. This would give us an opportunity to meet new players and to gain experience.
     Worthing Petanque Club is based in West Worthing and was started in 2013. They have over twenty pistes and a variety of playing surfaces, including part of a car park that they use for big events.
     The triples competition was open to all clubs and attracted 28 teams including several England players as well as Southern County players. It was played under international rules, which was a first for us. Our team of Debbie, Bridget and me, was placed in a League of four teams and we played three matches in the morning. The weather was reasonable and after losing the first match we rallied and won both our other matches, one against women from the England squad.
     The afternoon session started late and was split into Gold, Silver, Bronze and consolages. As we topped our league we were placed in the Silver. The weather took a turn for the worse and afternoon play was a battle against the rain, wind and cold. We held our own but sadly it was not to be.
     However it was a great day, with like minded friendly people with many remembering the man in the shorts from Wallingford!!
     Pete who was not originally playing, offered to help out with a team from Oxshott who were short of a member due to Covid. They started off by playing the England mens team who eventually went on to win the competition. They qualified for the Bronze category and battled on through the afternoon, eventually finishing around 6:30 pm, thoroughly soaked. Sadly no prizes, but we all feel it was a great experience and day out.
Paul Hammond

   Last Sunday saw the 5th round of Winter Pairs competition played in mostly fine winter sunshine despite a rather ominous forecast.
   Twenty Teams from the Six Clubs that make up the Thames Valley Petanque Region originally entered the 1st round at the beginning of October last year.
   Of the twenty teams starting out only the top twelve have been  invited to play in the Final at Arbourfield Petanque Club on Sunday 6th March with a 10am start.
 
Four teams will be playing for Petanque Wallingford in the final:
 
The Eddie Bears - Paul Hammond & Debbie Hammond
The Wolves - Peter Smith & Dave Chalkley
Mind The Gap - Wendy Harris & Steve Gothard
Special Ks - Mike Marshall & Yvette Marshall

 Just missing the cut and in the position of 1st Reserve Team:
 
Black Berets       Adrian Aldred & Julia Williamson

We would like to congratulate our teams for getting through to the final and wish them the best of luck on the day.