20 teams (64 players) registered for the first round of the 2018 Grand Prix Series on 22 April, held at Troon Petanque Club. Numbers for SPA competitions continue to grow each year and it is many a year since we have attracted 20 teams to a triples competition. This is excellent news and it is great to see more new players this year, as well as others who’ve made a long awaited comeback!

The usual swiss ladder system was in operation, with 6 timed rounds.

Weather wise, we got wet in the morning, dried out nicely early afternoon before getting wet once more in the final round.

The winners, and retaining their GP1 title, were Triaxle (Emma Motgomery, Paul Fletcher and Kevin Johnstone). Capercaillie (Jean & Henry Hutcheson playing with Stephen Leitch) were second and Les Marrons (Raymond & Stuart Killen playing with Malcolm McKinlay) were third.

The SPA would like to thank Troon PC for hosting, including the work they did to add extra wood to the play area to allow us to squeeze in 10 lanes.

Well done to all. The second round of the series will be played at Inverlieth PC in May.