The SPA Singles and Shooting on Saturday 23rd and the SPA Doubles on Sunday 24th of July were held at Inverleith Petanque Club in Edinburgh.
The weather forecast for the weekend was promising and so it turned out to be with wall to wall sunshine on both days.
Twenty five players, a similar number to last year, from The Birds and Bees – 2, Fochabers – 4, Inverleith – 12, Perth – 6 and Troon – 1 turned up to do battle.
Twenty five, odd number yet again, were formed into five leagues of four, one of six and one of three.
Sixteen players qualified and played a Swiss league, the winner claiming the Trophy.
After some close games in the Robbie S of Fochabers met and defeated Derek A of Inverleith 13-4 to become Singles Champion 2011.
“How many times have you won the singles Mr Stronachy?” “Dinna ken – a few times” was the reply!
SPA Singles Trophy –
Winner – Robbie Stronach.
Runner up – Derek Adam
Third – Istvan Poka
Fourth – Lynn Jenkins.
The remaining nine players – three leagues of three, top four to a knockout resulted in an all Perth final in which Henry H beat Ed S 13-4 to win the Plate.
The other players were –
Bob B and Dave P – Birds and Bees,
Shirley L and John W – Fochabers,
Ben B, Art E, Paddy H, Stefan M, Mags & Colin M, Colin S, Billy McM, John P, Mari S and Christine T – Inverleith,
Douglas H, Jean H, Alice S and Alison S – Perth.
The Shooting Competition, set up by Istvan and Colin S, was run at the same time as the Singles. Most of the players entered in the Singles tried their hand at the Shooting Competition.
Eight ‘tireurs’ qualified for the knockout stage ending up with Derek A meeting and defeating Istvan P 24-18 in the final to regain the Trophy for a second year.
Scoring was much improved from last year the highest being Istvan P with 39 in a high scoring semi final with Lynn J – 39-28.
SPA Shooting Trophy –
Winner – Derek Adam.
Runner up – Istvan Poka.
Semi-finalists – Lynn Jenkins and Ed Strachan
SPA DOUBLES COMPETITION – 24/07/11
With the sun shining on us once again sixteen teams, hooray an even number, made up of most of Saturdays players, from The Birds and Bees, Fochabers, Inverleith, Perth and Troon turned up to compete for the SPA Doubles Trophy.
Four leagues of four with eight teams qualifying for the Trophy and eight for the plate in two Swiss leagues in the afternoon – simples!
Reigning Champions, the Bad Boys – Dave P & Bob B, were knocked out in the first round 13-12 by FASCH – Robbie S & John W, who made their way to the to the final and a ‘red hills’ showdown with Les Francais – Paul B & Stephan M.
With four players who will be representing Scotland at the European Championships in Sweden, what promised to be a titanic struggle turned out to be a damp squib!
After three ends – 6, 4 & 3 points respectively – Les Francais had met their ABBA, sorry Waterloo, and it was thank you and good night – quel dommage!
In the Plate, following a poor morning, Deuchars IPA – Derek A & Colin S got their act together and beat Les Champignons – Mags & Colin M 13-8 to win the Plate.
SPA Doubles Trophy –
Winners – FASCH – Robbie Stronach & John Wilson – Fochabers.
Runners Up – Les Francais – Paul Bretenoux – B & B’s & Stefan Maurage – Inverleith.
Third – Acorns – Istvan Poka & Malcolm McK – Troon.
SPA Doubles Plate –
Winners – Deuchars IPA – Derek Adam & Colin Stewart- Inverleith.
Runners up – Les Champignons – Mags & Colin Montgomery – Inverleith.
Third – Les Cremants – Alison Swiffin & Ed Strachan – Perth.
The other teams were –
Champions of Gordon – Brian, long time no see M & Richard C and Trashy Blonds – Shirley L & Lynn J – Fochabers,
Bad Boys – Dave P & Bob B – Birds & Bees,
BenA – Ben B & Art E, Cronies – John P & Alan, Flying Finns – Mari S & Isobel and Panache – Christine T & Paddy H – Inverleith.
Campers – Jean & Henry H and Eido – Eileen M & Douglas H – Perth,
Triaxle – Kevin J & Paul J – Troon,
Thanks to John W, Douglas H and friends for organising play, to Inverleith members, especially the galley crew, for hospitality and with fair weather and a good turn out a long weekend was enjoyed by all!
Next Event
7th August – FRANK MALCOLM MEMORIAL MELEE – at the North Inch Perth.
Douglas 25/07/11