An Autumn Pairs competition was hosted by the Birds and Bees Petanque Club at the Birds and Bees in Causewayhead, Stirling.

A 10:30 start attracted 18 players regardless of the indifferent weather which persisted throughout the day – until we finished, of course, and the sun came out!

18 players, 9 teams, 4 pistes – how was Bob going to fiddle that? – easy peasy – three leagues of 3 but no – Bob had a senior moment – thinking he needed 6 pistes for that format made up one league of 4 and one of 5 – daa!

So with this odd format the morning’s play commenced.

The teams were – Jimmy W & Carol, Margaret W & Nick, Paul & Pierre B, Judy C & Carol B, Judy’s grandsons Thibault & Matthieu and John & Norma C from the Birds and Bees, Jean & Henry H, Eileen M & Marcus from Switzerland and Alice S & Douglas H from Perth.

After an excellent lunch of soup and sandwiches the top 4 teams from the morning leagues played for the honour of being ‘top team’ of the day.

The remaining 5 teams fought it out for the non existent plate with Bob playing his ’fiddle’ again!

The above resulted in Paul & Pierre coming from behind beating Eileen & Marcus 13-12 to meet Alice & Douglas who overcame John & Norma 13- 8 for a ‘final showdown’.

Alice & Douglas romped ahead to lead 12-4 when the Paul & Pierre comeback started but at 12-10 came to a halt and they accepted defeat 13-10.

John & Norma squeezed home 13-12 against Eileen & Marcus for third place.

Jean & Henry won both their afternoon games to win the ‘plate’.

Another sociable open competition – no ‘fannies’ – was as usual with B & B competitions immaculately run by Bob and enjoyed by one and all.

Douglas.