The Francis Faber Memorial Pairs was held at Inverleith Petanque Club.

A fine summer’s day drew fourteen teams, made up of players from the clubs of Inverleith, Fochabers, Perth and Stirling to register for our ‘favourite’ sadly departed Frenchman Francis Faber to play for his Trophy. And where were the Troonies this time? Doing battle on behalf of Scotland in the European Cup for Clubs in Monte Carlo, a report on their exploits will be posted on their return.

Two leagues of four and two of three (why not one of six?) were played before lunch and in the afternoon a “Swiss” for the top eight teams for the Trophy and two leagues of three, the winners to play off for the Plate.

We were warned by Monty that regardless of the good weather Francis always ‘rained (not the word Monty used!) on his parade’ and sure enough midway through the morning a ten minute deluge, what a bladder for a small Frenchman!

The Trophy produced keenly fought games and was won by the dynamic duo of Wilson and Stronach after defeating first Mabel Danraj and Finlay Ross then Derek Adam and Stephane Maurage and in the final round Judy Collier and Zandra Boyle, winners against Jean and Henry Hutcheson and Ben ‘poker face’ Burnhill and Colin Stewart (13-0 a little bird told us – kiss the Lady boys!).

Mags and Monty Montgomery got the better of Alice Sheach and Douglas Hamilton to win the Plate.

The Francis Faber Trophy

Winners – John Wilson and Robbie Stronach – Fochabers.

Runners Up – Judy Collier and Zandra Boyle – Birds and Bees.

Third – Jean and Henry Hutcheson – Perth.

The Francis Faber Plate

Winners – Mags and Monty Montgomery – Inverleith.

Runners Up – Alice Sheach and Douglas Hamilton – Perth.

A good day out and yet again excellent ’scoff’ at lunch time, courtesy of John P and his lady wife, was enjoyed by all.

Douglas.