First of all, a big thank you to all who helped prepare, run or who competed in our Open Weekend Doubles and Triples events on 3rd/4th July. Despite the weather – which actually turned out better than forecast - the weekend was a big success. This was the first time we had run both Doubles and Triples competitions and I’m sure we shall seriously consider repeating this next year. There is a full report of the proceedings on our website, but the winners of the Doubles were Ewan Cameron and John Geddes from Coventry, and the Triples winners were Phil Price, Alastair Rabbage and Trevor Allen from Hereford. It was especially pleasing to see players from the England Youth squad competing – and doing well - finishing second in both events.

Last weekend players from the club represented Mercia at a friendly match against players from Suffolk Coastal Petanque Alliance at Stowmarket. Sadly Mercia were outgunned by some very good players, but an invitation has been made to play there next year against Suffolk and a team of players from the Netherlands.

This weekend sees both the International Women’s Day Doubles Qualifier taking place at our club on Saturday 17th, and the third round of the Inter-Regional Qualifiers at Mansfield on Sunday 18th. Good luck to all taking part.

The Thursday Pairs league continues with games this week marking the half-way point in the League. Both Riders and Reivers are more than holding their own, with hopes of success later in the season.

On a more domestic note, our Club Melée on 27th June was a tight finish with three players on five wins but Kevin has the best points difference so is this year’s champion, with me 2nd and Malcolm 3rd.

Don’t forget to place your order for club kit if you need anything – see Margaret for details.

Finally, keep an eye open for advice on playing arrangements following the lifting of Covid restrictions due on 19th July.

Neil

Over the weekend of 3rd and 4th July 2021, we hosted the Nottingham Open Doubles and Triples. Despite a pretty dire weather forecast, we got away with very little rain, and a successful weekend. For the doubles on the Saturday we had 27 teams taking part, with 17 in the triples on Sunday. Particular credit goes to the National Youth Squad, who took second place on both days, and were a credit to their coaching team, not just for their performance, but for their approach to their game, and friendliness and respect towards their opponents.

The Doubles was won by "Shoot or Bust", Ewan Cameron and John Geddes. Second were the National Youth Squad A,  Bailey Ingles and JJ Inkley. "??", comprising Pip Gilman and Christian Seville came third.

On Sunday, "PAT", Trevor Allen, Phil Price and Alistair Rabbage won the triples. Second were the National Youth Squad, Angus Hamilton, Bailey Inglis, JJ Inkley and Sam Rattue. "Rainworth Kestrels", Roger Allcock, Morris Goodman and Colin Lane came third.

A massive thank you to everyone. To those who helped set up the venue, to Carol and Margaret for the catering and the raffle, to Elaine for doing the scoring. But mostly, of course, to all those that took part.

You can find more pictures of the weekend on our gallery page.

Here are the complete placings for each competition:

Doubles

1. Shoot or Bust
2. NYS a
3. ??
4. The Shadows
5. The Js
6. Pat and Col
7. NYS c
8. Fox in Sox
9. K and J
10. Bry;s Surprise
11. CC Tops
12. Team Williams
13. NYS B
14. Priceless
15. Him and Me
16. X
17. Lincoln Bramleys
18. Vantastic
19. Irritable Boule Syndrome
20. Al and Col
21. Boulistic Duo
22. Fortyniners
23. The Junction
24. Double Trouble
25. High Rollers
26. The Bournemouth Massive
27. French Connection

Triples

1. PAT
2. NYS
3. Rainworth Kestrels
4. ???
5. French Connection
6. Green Eggs Parma Ham
7. Shoot or Bust
8. Irritable Boule Syndrome
9. The Reformers
10. The Shadows
11. Hunters
12. WWW
13. Hit or Miss
14. One Seven Seven
15. Que Sera Sera
16. In For A Penny
17. KP x 3