Kent Club Match Reports Kent Pétanque Association
Kent Club Match Reports
Winners: The Cannons, Michael Little & Dorothy Bickford (Crowborough)
The Crowborough Pétanque held their Bill Reed Memorial Doubles competition on the 25th April. A cloudy early morning soon gave way to some sunshine but rain showers further afield probably kept some competitors away. Sixteen teams from Croydon, Handcross, Hartley, Lordswood, the Crown and Villager joined teams from the home club to play in the event. It was particularly nice to welcome so many new faces to Crowborough. The competition was played to the Swiss format with three games in the morning and two in the afternoon. After the mornings play only two teams had won all their games the BJs, Brennan Sawyer & Justin Ellis (Handcross) with a plus 28 and the Cannons, Michael Little & Dorothy Bickford (Crowborough) with plus 21. Lunch was taken at one-o-clock in warm sunshine, play recommenced at two-o-clock. In the first game after the break the most important match of the afternoon took place, Cannons v BJs, the team that won would most likely win the competition. The Cannons got off to a good start and took their score to 7-4 before the BJs felt their feet, then they steadily caught up to 10 -9 but the Cannons had the luck on their side and won 13-10. This proved decisive the BJs easily won their last game 13-1, whereas the Cannons had a harder game against the BeeGees winning 13-10 to win the competition. Two teams did not win a game but no one was fannied. All the teams enjoyed the day win or lose the company was good and as some players remarked it was a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday.
Report: Tom Waldron
Mayor of Maidstone Trophy Winners:
Mehdi, Bruce Rowland & Bilal
20 teams attended the Harriers Mayor of Maidstone Triples Competition on Sunday, 11th April 2010 at Tovil Working Men's Club.
The weather was sunny, but a cold wind blew from the north east which didn't let up all day.
Clubs represented were Tovil, Lordswood, Croydon, Whitfield, Herne Bay, Ditton, Vale Tavern, Singleton Barn, The George, Parliament Hill (London), Chiltern Region, Meadow and Harriers.
The main competition was contested by Parliament Hill (Bruce Rowland, Medhi and Bilal) and Vale Wood (Gary Atkinson, Chris Watkins and Alex Bruce). Vale Wood started well, winning the first three ends, but Parliament Hill clawed back the lead for the next seven ends (including 2 dead ends). It then evened out with both teams in the lead alternately, but Parliament Hill eventually won the match and the trophy 13 - 11.
Harriers Mayor of Maidstone Plate Winners:
Martin Edwards, Phil Killick & Andy Pucknell
The Plate final was contested between NAF (Phil Killick, Andy Pucknell and Martin Edwards) and a team from the Chiltern Region & Tovil - Epicureans (Myra Huntley, Adrian Emson and Poppy Whatley). NAF winning 13-7.
Cash prizes were given out to the Winners, Runners Up and losing semi-finalists in the main competition and cash and wine prizes given to the winners and runners up in the Plate.
Thanks to Humphrey White (Tovil PC) and his helpers for an excellent BBQ.
Report: Denise Williams
The Winners: Sarah Huntley & Dean Ashby
Following two very damp and dreary days we were fortunate to enjoy a fine day for the Crowborough Pétanque Club’s 2010 Clarion Doubles. Fifteen teams entered from Croydon, Hartley, Harriers, Lordswood, Tovil, Vale, Villagers and Crowborough. They were divided into three leagues of four and one of three with the best two teams from each league going into the main. The morning’s play got under way prompt at ten-o-clock under a cloudy sky but the clouds soon broke up to give way to warm sunshine. There was some fine pointing and shooting during the morning, there were some close games with a team in each league winning all their games, three teams lost all theirs and there was one fanny. The leagues got through their games by one-o-clock with the exception of league three. In this league the four teams fought with tenacity for one point each end to finish 13-12 and 13-11 in their second game. This continued into their last league games also with this league finishing an hour after the other leagues. The afternoon’s play saw two Tovil teams get to the final Tovil Scott Ashby and Mathew Whatley (Tovil) winning 13-6 13-4 to reach the final. Grrrr!! Dean Ashby & Sarah Huntley (Tovil) continuing their fine play of the morning when they only had eleven points scored against them went on to win 13-1.13-2 & 13-5 to win the competition having had only dropped 18points in five games. The plate final saw another Tovil win with Always Late Ben Littley & Neal Phillips beating Frogeyes Pam & Neville Plummer (Harriers) 13-1 the competition finished at four thirty when the trophies were awarded. Everybody agreed it had been a pleasant day.
Report: Tom Waldron
Winners: Jean-Louis Guiot, Joyce & Mick Nash being presented their rewards by Corinne Cooter
The Rob Cooter Triples competition, that was held at Star Meadow Sports Club on Sunday 14th March, attracted a better than expected turn-out of 40 teams. The competitors, who had travelled from the Midlands, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, Cornwall and London, as well as many locals, were treated to some fine Kentish weather.
The event was held to celebrate the life of Robert Cooter, a bright young talent in the sport, who tragically died in a car accident on Mothers Day last year at the tender age of just 17.
After the morning leagues the teams were separated into three separate knock out events in the afternoon based on their performances in the morning.
In the main competition the team of Sarah Huntley, Scott & Dean Ashby from Tovil, playing under the team name of Cooterful in respect of their dear friend lost out in the semi-final to the local Star Meadow team of Tracy Turner, Kevin Spillett and Nic Baxter. In the other semi the Hartley team of Jean-Louis Guiot, Joyce & Mick Nash bettered the fancied team of Rachid Hannach, Sylvan Borsi and Bruno Bove. In a surprisingly one-sided final the Hartley team ran out convincing winners.
Making it a double celebration for the Hartley club Hazel Teale, Mags and Ron Yates won the secondary plate competition beating the Harriers team of Martin Edwards, Andy Pucknall and Michael Gear in the final.
In the consolage final the Suffolk team of Marion Halsey, Phil Boarder and Kevin Moss took the final title of the day beating The George side of Rob Harvey, Sheila and Richard King.
With entry fees, raffle takings and donations the event raised £800 for the Special Baby Care Unit (Little Buds fund) at Darent Valley Hospital.
Corinne, Mark & Jennifer Cooter would like to extend their thanks to all those that took part, donated raffle prizes and contributed to this worthwhile fund.
Report: Mark Cooter
Winners: Matt Horrigan and Dave Chalkly
The final fixture in the 2009 Kent Petanque Calendar took place at the Star Meadow Sports Ground, Top Road Gillingham, on Sunday 6th December when the Meadow Petanque Club hosted the “Christmas Hamper Doubles” competition.
Unfortunately for the hosts a torrential downpour first thing in the morning, lasting several hours, probably put off a number of competitors from travelling to the event, but the 26 teams that did brave the elements were rewarded with a dry but chilly day, as the rain stopped right on cue for commencement of the competition.
After a full days petanque the Main competition was won by Matt Horrigan and Dave Chalkly from Chatham’s Lordswood P.C. They beat Meadow’s home club player Bruno Bove and his partner Rachid Hannache from London in the Main final. The losing semi-finalists teams (3rd & 4th) of Giovani Saguato & Phil Jarrett and Tracy Turner & Greg Davenport were all from the “Meadow” home club.
In the secondary Plate competition another Meadow player Rowland Jones and his partner Max Denning from East Kent beat the Hartley pairing of Joyce and Mick Nash in the final.
The Consolage competition was won by Dean Ashby and Neil Phillips (Tovil/George) who beat the local Star Meadow team of Paul Reilly and Peter O’Sullivan in the final.
Prizes to the value of over £430 in hampers and wine were taken away by the competitors with Paul Riley, of the Star Meadow club, commenting that it was “A great day, well organised, good sport with the usual competitive humour.”
Players were present from the following Kent clubs: “Cocks” of Meopham, “George” also of Meopham, “GRFC” of Gravesend, “Harriers” of Maidstone, ”Hartley” nr Longfield, “Lordswood” Chatham, “Meadow” Gillingham, “Sherwood Oak” Chatham, “Star Meadow” Gillingham, “Tovil” Maidstone & the “Wheatsheaf” Newington as well as teams from Hampshire and London.
Also attending the event, along with some of the London contingent, as a spectator was one of the British Petanque great players - Richard Elvin. From the late 70’s to early 90’s, Richard was a member of the all conquering Norfolk Square petanque club of London . Along with his 9 British National titles he also represented Great Britain at 6 World Championships. Since moving to Ireland in the early 90’s Richard has been almost an’ ever present’ in their international squad.
Report: Jack Milner
Winners: Handcross (Derek Offer & Tony Kidd)
Following one of the windiest days of the year with gales most of the day and then torrential downpours in the early hours, Crowborough Pétanque Club held their Charity competition. Eight teams from Croydon, Handcross, Lordswood and Tovil had braved the weather to join three Crowborough teams to play. By ten-o-clock the weather had cleared to some blue skies and play began. The morning’s play was in two leagues of four with some close hard fought games but only one team Handcross, (Derek Offer & Tony Kidd) won all their games and there was one team fannied. Lunch was taken at twelve thirty and the heavens opened and we had a very heavy shower until a quarter to two. Play got under way in the afternoon’s knockout round under blue skies again. Handcross continued in their winning ways disposing there opponents 13-6 13-8 to reach the final. The Cannons (Dorothy Bickford and Michael Little) had closer games 13-10 13-11 to reach the final. The final was an interesting game with Handcross coasting along to 8-0 before the Cannons managed to score a point, then Handcross looked likely to come unstuck as the Cannons kept taking a point after each end. With the game at 9- 8 Handcross at last found their form and won 13-10. Thank you all who took part and helped us to raise the money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Report: Tom Waldron
27 teams turned up to compete on a cold, windy but dry day.
The Plate Final was contested between Tracy Turner & Richard Spillett (Meadow 1) and Scott Ashby & Mat Whatley (Riverside) with the Riverside (Tovil) winning 13-5
In the Main Competition final the experienced team of Lee & Angie Jamieson (That Team) lost to Gary Atkinson & Paul Watkins (Square Heads). The score being 13-4
Cash prizes totalling £240 were presented for the Main Competition and wine for the Plate. A donation was also given to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Clubs represented were: Lordswood, Meadow, Tovil, The George, Hartley, Battle of Britain, Fighting Cocks, Wheatsheaf, Walnut Tree, Ditton, Croydon, White Hart (Chiltern Region) and Harriers.
Many thanks to Paul Hardwick at Tovil together with his lovely ladies for organising a brilliant barbacue, also to Pen-y-coed for bringing their mobile shop and finally to all those who came and supported yet another successful competition at Tovil.
Report: Michael Gear
Winners: Adur Measure (Ray Austin & Malcolm Berret)
The weather in the morning was warm but cloudy, turning very warm and sunny in the afternoon. Sixteen teams entered the competition from Adur, Bricklayers, Croydon, Handcross, Hartley, Tovil and the Welcome Stranger. The morning’s play was in four leagues of four and got of to a prompt start at ten-o-clock. There was some very good play in the leagues with three teams winning all their games and two teams losing theirs but nobody was fannied. Lunch was taken in the sunshine at one-o-clock with all the league games finished. Play resumed at two-o-clock with eight teams going into the main and eight in the plate. Mixed Fortunes (Tilde Waldron & Molly Brooker Crowborough) were the surprise team of the main knocking out the favourites Handcross (Nigel Sibbring & Tony Watson) 13-12, only to go out in the semi-final to the Beegees (Betty Dawes & Gladys Tester, Crowborough) with a similar margin. Lo Jo (Lois & John Adam Hartley) met Adur Measure (Ray Austin & Malcolm Berret) in the other semi-final Adur Measure also winning 13-12. The final was a bit one sided with the Beegees losing their first game of the day to Adur Measure 13-5. In the plate Sompting Ladies (Barbara Finch & Marion Colyer Adur) were enjoying their best performance at Crowborough winning 13-4, 13-6 to get to the final. BJ’s (Brennan Sawyer & Justin Alick Handcross) also reached the final with wins of 13-6, 13-1 and managed to overcome Sompting Ladies 13-12 Trophies were presented to the semi-finalists Runners Up and winners of the Main and the Runners Up and Winners of the Plate.
Report: Tom Waldron
Winners: Nigel Sibbring and Tony Watson (Handcross)
Fourteen teams entered Town Trophy Competition from Adur, Bricklayers, Croydon, Handcross and Hartley. The morning’s play was divided into two leagues of five and one of four with the top two teams and the two best of the rest going into the main. The clouds soon dispersed to give us some sunny intervals during the day, in the afternoon we had a cool breeze. In the leagues only Handcross and the Quakers did not lose a game and only two teams went without a win. Lunch was taken at one thirty in the sunshine. Play resumed at two thirty and Handcross (Nigel Sibbring & Tony Watson) and the Quakers (Geoff & Maureen Fuller, Hartley) soon got into their stride winning their games to meet in the final. In the final Handcross soon took control with some excellent pointing and good shooting and lead all the way to a 13-5 well deserved victory. It was very nice to see Tony playing again at Crowborough after his recent illness we hope he soon fully recovers. The plate final was an all Croydon affair with No One Likes Us (Keith Baker & David Poole) playing Croydon Bell (Sue and Steve Fort) No One Likes Us soon took the lead with Keith’s very relaxed way of playing making pointing and shooting look deceptively easy, going on to win13-8. The competition was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and so far £210.00 has been raised. Thanks to all for the generous support for the raffle and tea money.
Report: Tom Waldron
Winners: Mehdi and Youssef (Parliament Hill, London Region)
28 teams turned up to compete in the Harriers Ricard Cup Doubles Competition.
The weather was forecast as sunny and warm and didn't disappoint.
The Plate Final was contested between two veteran sides - Barbara and Mike Sharratt (Old Sheaf) and Phil Killick and Neville Hurren (Harriers) with the Harriers Team winning 13-0.
In the Main Competition final Matt Horrigan and David Hurren (Lordswood/Meadow), two of Kent's experienced players lost to Mehdi and Youssef (Parliament Hill, London Region) The score being 13-7.
Fay Golder presented the prizes to the winners, runners up and losing semifinalists. Cash prizes were presented for the Main Competition and cash and wine prizes for the Plate.
Clubs represented were Redstart, Tovil, Fighting Cocks, Meadow, Lordswood, The George, Old Sheaf, Walnut Tree, Parliament Hill (London Region), White House, White Hart (Chiltern Region) and Harriers."
Report: Michael Gear
Winners: "The Rejects" (David Hurren, Matt Horrigan and Dave Chalkley)
The Harriers NAF Competition was held at Tovil Working Men's Club on Sunday, 5th July 2009. The weather was warm and sunny and despite the competition clashing with the EPA Premier & Open Leagues, ten teams turned up to play.
The final of the main competition was played between "The Rejects" (David Hurren, Matt Horrigan and Dave Chalkley) and "Geoff Booth has a Square Head" (Chris Watkins, Trevor Gordon and Simon Doble.) The game was a one sided affair, with David, Matt and Dave outshooting and outpointing Chris, Trevor and Simon ."The Rejects" (winners of the 2007 competition) eventually winning 13-0.
The Plate final was contested between "French Connection" (Jan & Martin Baker and Robert Silvy) and "The Chris Watkins Fan Club" (Geoff Booth, Dean Ashby and Jack Tivillier). The French Connection stormed away to a 8-0 lead, but then The Chris Watkins Fan Club came back fighting and eventually overtook them to win 13-9.
Clubs represented were Tovil, Fighting Cocks, Lordswood, Old Sheaf, Meadow, Harrow, Eastern Region and Harriers.
The prizes were presented by Mo Milner, cash prizes were given to the Winners, Runners Up and losing semi-finalists in the main competition and wine prizes were given to the Winners of the Plate competition.
Thanks to Paul Hardwick at Tovil Working Men's Club for arranging a superb barbecue. A good day was had by all. Report by Denise Williams
Winners: Gary Atkinson & Richard King
19 teams turned up at Tovil Working Men’s club to play in the Martyn Potts Memorial Doubles Competition held on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May 2009. Despite the weather forecast telling us it would be the hottest day of the year, the rain duly arrived in the morning, but soon disappeared to bring us a beautiful warm and sunny day.
Clubs represented were Walnut Tree, Croydon, Lordswood, The George, Old Sheaf, Hartley, Adur (Worthing), Tovil and Harriers.
Two special visitors arrived – one playing member – Norma Parkway on a brief visit from her home in France and one spectator – Milo (the dog) from Worthing.
The Final of the main competition was contested by Charlie Shrimpton and Shane Howard (The George Inn & Old Sheaf) and Gary Atkinson and Richard King (The George Inn). The match was an interesting game with Chas and Shane leading 9-5, but Gary and Richard steadily caught up and eventually won 13-9.
The Plate final was contested between Lee and Angie Jamieson (Adur, Worthing) and Mark Dennis and Tracey Hart, (Lordswood). This match was a rather one-sided affair, lasting only 4 ends, with Lee and Angie the victorious winners 13-0.
Cash prizes were given in the Main Competition and wine and polo shirts given in the Plate.
A good day was had by all.
Report: Denise Williams
Winners: Beegees (Betty Dawes & Gladys Tester, Crowborough)
On 24th May the hottest day of 2009 so far Crowborough Pétanque Club held their eleventh Over Fifties Doubles.. Unfortunately with a charity competition being held on the same day at Lancing there were only nine teams entered. Teams from Handcross, Welcome Stranger Hartley, Redstart and for the first time a team from Borstal took part. Play got under way promptly at ten-o-clock. The mornings play was in a league of four and one of five with the top two teams and the next best going into the main and four into the plate. There was some very good pointing during the morning and the Beegees (Betty Dawes & Gladys Tester Crowborough) lead the field in the morning with three wins and +23 points, only one team did not win a game. Lunch was taken at one-o-clock in lovely sunshine and the afternoon’s play started at two in the Main Beegees continued with their winning ways 13-9, 13-10 to reach the final. The Cannons (Dorothy Bickford & Michael Little, Crowborough) also reached the final with a clean sheet having won all their games in the league. The Cannons soon took the lead and looked to be heading for victory but Beegees fought back with some excellent pointing to level 11-11 then took the next end to win13-11. The Plate final was between Mixed Fortunes (Tilde Waldron & Molly Brooker Crowborough) and Welcome Stranger (Herbie Edwards & Gordon Manville Welcome Stranger) Mixed Fortunes were soon well in the lead with some of the best pointing of the day and reached 10-2 but got stuck on 12. Welcome Stranger were relieved to get a point and slowly with an improvement in their shooting whittled the lead down a point at a time to win13-12. Everybody enjoyed the day although it was very hot on the terrain in the sun and people were glad of the shade between playing.
Report: Tom Waldron
