SPA Grand Prix 1 was hosted by Troon Petanque Club on their piste at Marr Rugby Club on the 19^th of April. Troon, the venue for the Home Nations in two weeks time, was chosen for GP1 to give teams already qualified for the CC the chance to reaquaint themselves with the piste – and easy it is not!

Players from Inverness, Fochabers, Perth, Stirling, Inverleith and Troon registered fourteen teams to play in GP1 – note an even number – and bodes well for GP‘s 2 and 3.

A revised format has been introduced this year – leagues in the morning with the best eight teams playing a modified knockout of 3 rounds to determine the winner and the top eight places and, in this case, the remaining six teams in a six team league – three games – playing off for the Plate – see Web Site for “Competition Rules and IQS Series 2011”

Afternoon play in the ’knockout’ produced some tight games. The Bears experienced two 13-12 games, against Acorns and Maboules, only to loose out to the Migetiers – winners against Deuchars IPA and Pretty Vacant – for the shiny new GP1 Trophy. Maboule also endured two 13-12 games before squeezing past Pretty Vacant to take third place.

The Champignons won their three games in the afternoon to claim the Plate.

Thanks to John W for organising the competition, Umpire Byron M for keeping an eagle eye on the proceedings and to Troon Petanque Club members for their hospitality and sustenance.

 

 

The full result of SPA GP1 –

1^st – Migetiers Susan Allan, Dave Pattison and John & Norma Cameron.

2^nd – The 3 Bears Gavin Hilson, Mike Watt and Alex Davie.

3^rd – Maboules Zandra & Bob Boyle, Dani Cassini and Douglas Hamilton.

4^th – Pretty Vacant Lynn Jenkins, Richard Carter and Shirley Legge.

5^th – Sex Pisteols Paul Bretenoux, Robbie Stronach and John Wilson.

6^th – Deuchars IPA Derek Adam, Colin Stewart and Emma Montgomery.

7^th – Acorns Malcolm Mc, Istvan Poka and Brian Ward.

8^th – Pointiers Alice Sheach, Henry Hutcheson, Donnie MacIntyre and Ed Strachan.

9^th – Champignons John Watson and Mags & Colin Montgomery.

10^th – Triaxel John J, Paul & Kevin.

11^th – Just Us Eileen Moonie, Mabel Danraj and Margaret Mauchlin.

12^th – Nord Ecosse Pat & Gordon Scott and John & Christine Mudd.

13^th – Capercaille Jean Hutcheson, Ian Smith and Stuart Malcolm.

14^th – Les Folles Christine Thomson, Marie Snell & Alison Swiffen.

Douglas.