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The three ‘licenced’ members of Petanque Wallingford went to play at the Jolly Farmer in the Thames Valley Petanque Association Triples Competition. They were joyfully trounced! To put it mildly. They were picked to play the 5 top teams (now how lucky was that!? The ‘rules’ said teams would draw a number on arrival, but they were given a number and playing list when they got there. They might just have had less taxing games and enjoyed the experience a bit!) But, considering two of them have only been playing for 8 months, they put up a good fight, improving with each game. 13:1 (against the team that won in the end!), 13:4 against the second team, 13:8, 13:11 (they actually scored 6 in one end!) and 13:11 in the final game which was played in a more relaxed convivial way. It was very windy again, and cold, and rain a few times. They were all quite pleased to get home. The next event to tax endurance will be the Regional Pairs … But in the meantime, the Wednesday club nights continue, with fun at the Bear on Thursdays.
Saturday 30th June saw the Club gather at Wallingford Sports Park for their first tournament. The playing areas were decorated with red and white bunting (made from a sacrificed 1950’s red and white checked tablecloth) and flags of the world, usually used by the Rugby Club loaned by the Sports Park. Fourteen members signed up for a melee. Once the first teams had been sorted out, play began at 2.30. As usual, the weather made itself felt. It was extremely windy and the wind felt as if it were coming directly from the Arctic. At least the bunting enjoyed flapping in the wind. Fortunately the rain and snow held off. Teams were changed 3 times and a total of 4 games was played, finishing around 5.00 when the prize giving was held: The winners were Gerry (1st place) Javier (2nd place) Julian (3rd place). Then everyone tucked in to the lavish feast consisting of burgers on buns with all the trimmings and an array of nibbles and salads brought by everyone to share. Maeva & Javier brought some wine for all to share and Christiane provided strawberries and cream to go with T’s chocolate cake. Everyone finally drifted off home at about 7.00 having had a lovely time and looking forward to the next tournament - July?           |
