KENT PÉTANQUE GAZETTE

Transcription

1 June 2008 KENT PÉTANQUE GAZETTE Kent Espoirs show promise for the future Inside this edition EPA Events Competitions 2-3, 5-6, , 14 Regionals 7-9 News 4, 12-19, 21 KPL 13 What s on 20 The final round of the EPA Espoirs two-event series saw Kent players dominate. In the end, the Kent/East Midlands teaming of Matt Shrimpton and Kris Smith with Dean Seville triumphed in the final round over the team that had dominated until then, comprising Dean and Scott Ashby and Greg Davenport (all from Kent). It all went wrong for Dean, Scott and Greg in this last round. With only 6 points needed to win the overall series, they could not register a single point and unfortunately lost ingloriously. Although the EPA Espoirs events were not well attended, the standard was very high and forms a core of stars of the future. Kent had 10 players in the competition out of 23 attending which will help Kent in its plan to re-capture the Inter- Regional trophy later this year. Results and report on page 3 inside.

2 Kent Juniors capture EPA triples title As is the norm, Kent dominated the EPA Junior Triples competition, that this year was held at Lordswood on 26 th April. For the third year running, since its inception in fact, the event was won by a team containing Kent players. Having seen their long term team mates, Philip Jarrett and Charles Fribbens step up to the senior ranks 2005 British Junior Champions and 2006 English Junior Champions - Robert Cooter (P&C) and Alex Bruce (Vale) teamed up with their old adversaries from Northern Region, Jack Barrington and Andrew Willis, who were similarly indisposed. Also competing was 2007 English Junior Champion Gary Atkinson (George) who was teamed up with last year s third placed players Ben & Josh Littley (Villager). After 4 rounds of the Swiss system the Kent/ Northern combined team of Alex, Robert, Jack and Andrew remained undefeated to lead the standings while fellow Kent players Gary, Ben & Josh held second place which meant they both progressed to the semifinals along with teams from Chiltern and the Isle of Wight. Both semi-finals were keenly contested with the experienced Kent/ Northern combination progressing at the expense of the Isle of Wight team while Gary, Josh and Ben had to hold their composure at against the Chiltern team, which containing the EPA junior doubles winners, to win the vital point that saw Ben and Gary progress one step further than they did in the doubles three weeks earlier. In the final, Ben, Josh and Gary took an early lead but age and experience won out in the end as Alex and Robert s team took the National Junior Triples title. Report Mark Cooter EPA Junior Triples Finalists2 008 back row l to r: Alex, Robert, Andrew & Jack front row: l to r: Ben, Gary & Josh. Page 2

3 Hopefully, Espoirs lead the Kent revival The EPA Espoirs competition entered its second year, this time in a two round series. The winners of the competition would be selected to represent England at the North Sea Competition in Denmark in June as well as at the CEP European Espoirs Competition in The first round was abandoned due to the snow at Lordswood earlier in April (see Gazette Issue 28) but was rerun in warmer conditions on April 26th at the same Kent location. On that day, Kent trio Dean and Scott Ashby with Greg Davenport dominated the event winning six out of six games. But on one of the warmest days in 2008 so far, the second event at Harrow PC saw fortunes change. Kent s Kris Smith (a member of the winning team last year), and Matt Shrimpton moved from third place into contention. The organisers had arranged things perfectly as Dean, Scott and Greg were scheduled to play Matt, Kris and partner Dean Seville (East Midlands) in the final game of the day. Dean, Scott and Greg needed just 6 points to ensure victory but immediately ran into trouble. Heads started to drop, as Kris, Matt and Dean scented victory. The final score of 13-0 was not a fair reflection of the game but it saw Kris, Matt and Dean through to become the EPA s Espoirs champions for 2008 and to go forward as our representatives at the international Espoirs Championships. We wish them well and look forward to 2009 Page 3

4 Sporties Doubles Crowborough - 27 April Crowborough Pétanque Club held its Sporties Doubles on 27th April Unfortunately with a Southern Region competition and the Qualifier for the EPA Ladies at Lordswood, being held on the same day we only had ten teams enter the Competition. With only one team from the Southern Region the other nine were all KPA members. The day had been forecast to be wet which may have put some players off coming to this event. They need not have worried, except for one small shower midday the weather was quite good. Friend, Hartley) progressed steadily to the final. The teams had met in the morning when The Friends had suffered their worst defeat of the day losing 4-13 to Frogeyes. They were determined this would not happen in the final. The Frogeyes did some good pointing but Liz s shooting proved decisive. In spite of Pam and Neville playing well The Friends just kept ahead to win The Plate Final was a Crowborough and Hartley affair but although Pete&Jean (Pete and Jean Chappell) had the home advantage they lost 5-13 to Quakers (Geoff and Maureen Fuller, Hartley). Although only ten teams took part, some of the games, especially the Main final, lasted a long time so the competition did not finish much before five o clock. Report: Tom Waldron The morning s play was divided into two leagues of five meaning each team had a bye which of course is unfortunate. Everybody seemed happy with the arrangement and play got under way punctually at ten o clock. No team won all their games in the leagues and only one team failed to win any game. In the Main Frogeyes (Pam and Neville Plummer, Harriers) and The Friends (Liz and John Winners Liz and John Friend (Hartley) Kent Juniors and Espoirs selected to represent England in Germany Kent Juniors & Espoirs were included in teams selected to represent England in an international competition in Freiberg (Germany), following an invite to do so over the weekend of May. Juniors - 2 of the 5 strong team Alex Bruce of Vale Tavern, Ramsgate Robert Cooter of Plough & Chequers Espoirs - 3 of the 5 strong team Dean Ashby of Tovil Greg Davenport of Plough & Chequers Scott Ashby of Tovil The Head of Delegation was Martin Eggleton, Chairman of the KPA and a member of The George, Meopham. Page 4

5 Martyn Potts Memorial Doubles Competition Surprisingly, twelve teams travelled through the elements to compete in the Martyn Potts Memorial Doubles competition hosted by Tovil Working Men's Club on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May Luckily the weather abated late morning, to enable the matches to be played in some comfort! Clubs represented were Tovil, Lordswood, Beauty of Bath, Croydon and Harriers. The final of the main competition was contested by Barry Wing and Chris Watkins of Lordswood and Paul Hardwick and Humphrey White of Tovil. Barry and Chris took the lead and steadily progressed to a 10-2 lead when the Tovil pair started to claw back with 4 points, but in the next end Lordswood scored 3 points to win The Plate Final was contested between Mike and Debbie Capeling of Lordswood and Michael Gear and Denise Williams of Harriers with Harriers even- tually winning 13-8 after a long and absorbing contest. Cash prizes were given for the main competition and wine in the Plate competition. A donation was given to the Cerebral Palsy Charity. A good day was had by all!" Report: Michael Gear (Chairman Harriers PC) Kent Ladies narrowly miss out on England spot The Ladies of Kent were unfortunate to just miss out on representing England at the International North Sea Tournament later in June in Denmark following the second round of the Ladies Qualifying Series held at Lordswood on 27th April. The EPA website announced the Ladies team that will represent the EPA at this year s INSPT will be: Sarah Huntley Myra Huntley Amy Huntley They were the most consistent team overall at the two Ladies Qualifiers. Fay Golder, Lyn Shrimpton and Sheila King came second and Irene Gibbs, Diane Bryant, Mags Yates and Joyce Nash came third. The top 8 teams that will play off to decide who will represent the EPA and England at the Ladies World Championship also include Tracy Turner, J e n n y C o o t e r, Corinne Cooter (6th) and Samantha Littley (7th) meaning that eleven of the 28 Ladies in the top eight teams are from Kent, an excellent representation. The Top 8 event to determine the team to represent England at the World Championships (originally to be held in China, see Page 18) will be held at Harrow PC on July 27th. Results of Round 2 and overall standings are on Page 6 Page 5

6 EPA Ladies Qualifier 2 and Overall results Qualifier 2 Lordswood 27 April 2008 Player 1 Player 2 Player 3 Player 4 Score BHN fbhn HUNTLEY, Sarah HUNTLEY, Myra HUNTLEY, Amy SULLIVAN, Merle BAKER, Janet McDONALD, Mary MANN, Elizabeth BEADSMORE, Tania SEVILLE, Sabrina GOLDER, Fay SHRIMPTON, Lynda KING, Sheila ELCOME, Deborah LITTLEY, Samantha ELCOME, Kim ELCOME, Tracey BROOKS, Kath RAND, Chris EDMONDSON, Lisa GIBBS, Irene YATES, Margaret NASH, Joyce TURNER, Tracy LACHANI, Kim COOTER, Jennifer COOTER, Corinne GAUGHAN, Angela HISCOCK, Shirley THORNE, Amanda BEST, Christine SEVILLE, Lori HOY, Caroline CIANO, Lynne TREEND, Pamela JONES, Emma SHEPPARD, Mary BAXTER, Pauline PEAT, Christine BECKETT, Julie PIGGIN, Rosemary GOODYEAR, Frances HOURCASTAGNOU, Louise KNIGHT, Kathleen FARROW, Liz DALMASSO, Hilary NEVILLE, Patricia LICKORISH, Kirsty MARSHALL, Virginia LICKORISH, Vicki RANDALL, Barbara SACRE, Olive GEBBETT, Jill HENRY, Shirley BAILEY, Jo BLACKMORE, Jan Page 6

7 Kent Regional Qualifier 1 report & results Lordswood S&SC 5th May 2008 Lordswood provided a fine venue with some of the best weather of the spring so far for the first Regional Qualifier on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 th May. Turnout was down on the usual 1 st round with only 27 teams attending, possibly a consequence of the Bank Holiday date. The Swiss format was just 5 rounds because of this smaller turnout. The results were: Pos Player 1 Player 2 Player 3 Player 4 Points Wins Diff 1 Tracey Turner Nic Baxter Scott Ashby Greg Davenport Colin Senneck Joyce Nash Mick Nash Dean Ashby Kevin Spillett David Lavelle David Turner Steve Golder Mark Dennis Rob Harvey Keith Atkinson Gary Atkinson Kevin Atkinson Alan Creegan David Blakeley Alex Bruce Josephine Elvin Glenn Hutchinson Julie Hutchinson Matthew Whatley Steve Brown Neil Phillips Rebecca Glenn Trevor Gordon Phil Jarrett George Jarrett Luke Fribbens Martyn Fribbens Jean-Louis Guiot Nigel Mansell = Peter Turner Theresa Williams David Shook = Colin Gibbs John Bradley Irene Gibbs = Hugh Aldred Brian King Peter Conetta Catherine Clark Sam Littley David Littley Robert Booth Geoff Booth Fred Booth Russell Brewis Trevor Glenn Matthew Shrimpton Charles Shrimpton Martin Eggleton Colin Myers Larry Belcher Morton Almond Mick Weston = Sheila King Fay Golder Lynne Shrimpton = Janet Davenport Mark Cooter Corinne Cooter Charles Fribbens Robert Cooter Jennifer Cooter Craig Wilson Michael Capelin Peter Iles Diane Iles Roy Pemberton Nigel Austin Bobby Territt David Baxter Margaret Bradley Linda Bradley Ron Yates Eileen Fowers Margaret Yates John Fowers Josh Littley Ben Littley Elliott Fribbens Andrew Pucknell Phillip Killick Neville Hurren Richard Spillett Dave Hurren Page 7

8 Kent Regional Qualifiers 2 report and results Hartley CC 1st June 2008 A change of location for the second regional on Sunday 1 st June saw the peloton move to Hartley instead of the scheduled Plough and Chequers. With 30 teams turning out, the numbers were up on the previous round and the various terrain textures made it a challenging day for many teams which was reflected in some of the variable results. Again, with fewer than 32 teams, the format was a 5-round Swiss. The cool weather seemed to improve the speed of play with a relatively early finish recorded. Pos Player 1 Player 2 Player 3 Player 4 Points Wins Diff 1 Richard Spillett Dave Hurren Matt Horrigan Barry Wing Kris Smith Chris Watkins Tracey Turner Nic Baxter Scott Ashby Greg Davenport Robert Booth Geoff Booth Fred Booth Keith Atkinson Gary Atkinson Kevin Atkinson Rowland Jones Jes Paine Martin Pennell Ron James Colin Myers Larry Belcher Morton Almond Mick Weston Matthew Whatley Steve Brown Neil Phillips Rebecca Glenn Janet Davenport Mark Cooter Corinne Cooter Dean Ashby Kevin Spillett David Lavelle David Turner = Colin Senneck Joyce Nash Mick Nash = David Baxter Margaret Bradley Linda Bradley Luke Fribbens Martyn Fribbens Jean-Louis Guiot Nigel Mansell Alan Cregeen Alex Bruce Michelle Cregeen Gordon Angel Kenneth Potter Alan Rush Colin Gibbs John Bradley Irene Gibbs Sheila King Fay Golder Lynne Shrimpton Trevor Gordon Phil Jarrett George Jarrett Sam Littley David Littley Richard Buchan = Trevor Glenn Charles Shrimpton Martin Eggleton = Steve Golder Mark Dennis Rob Harvey John Holborne Hugh Aldred Brian King Peter Conetta Richard King Josephine Elvin Glenn Hutchinson Julie Hutchinson Dennis Peareth Pam Plummer Neville Plummer Elaine Jackson Barry Soilleux Charles Fribbens Robert Cooter Jennifer Cooter Craig Wilson Michael Capelin Peter Iles Deborah Capelin Ron Yates Eileen Fowers Margaret Yates John Fowers Roy Pemberton Nigel Austin Bobby Territt Theresa Williams David Snook Peter Mount Josh Littley Ben Littley Elliott Fribbens Page 8

9 Kent Regional Qualifier standings after 1 &2 Pos Player 1 Player 2 Player 3 Player 4 Q1 Q2 Total 1 Tracey Turner Nic Baxter Scott Ashby Greg Davenport Keith Atkinson Gary Atkinson Kevin Atkinson Rowland Jones Dean Ashby Kevin Spillett David Lavelle David Turner Colin Senneck Joyce Nash Mick Nash Matthew Whatley Steve Brown Neil Phillips Rebecca Glenn Robert Booth Geoff Booth Fred Booth Russell Brewis Alan Cregeen David Blakeley Alex Bruce (j) Michelle Cregeen Richard Spillett Dave Hurren Matt Horrigan Steve Golder Mark Dennis Rob Harvey John Holborne Colin Myers Larry Belcher Morton Almond Mick Weston Luke Fribbens Martyn Fribbens Jean-Louis Guiot Nigel Mansell Barry Wing Kris Smith Chris Watkins Trevor Gordon Phil Jarrett George Jarrett Janet Davenport Mark Cooter Corinne Cooter Josephine Elvin Glenn Hutchinson Julie Hutchinson Dennis Peareth Colin Gibbs John Bradley Irene Gibbs Jes Paine Martin Pennell Ron James Catherine Clark Sam Littley David Littley Richard Buchan Hugh Aldred Brian King Peter Conetta Richard King David Baxter Margaret Bradley Linda Bradley Sheila King Fay Golder Lynne Shrimpton Trevor Glenn Matthew Shrimpton Charles Shrimpton Martin Eggleton Peter Turner Theresa Williams David Snook Peter Mount = Charles Fribbens Robert Cooter (j) Jennifer Cooter Craig Wilson = Gordon Angel Kenneth Potter Alan Rush Michael Capelin Peter Iles Diane Iles Deborah Capelin Roy Pemberton Nigel Austin Bobby Territt Ron Yates Eileen Fowers Margaret Yates John Fowers = Josh Littley (j) Ben Littley (j) Elliott Fribbens (j) = Pam Plummer Neville Plummer Elaine Jackson Barry Soilleux Andrew Pucknell Phillip Killick Neville Hurren 4 4 Regional Qualifier Leaders after 2 rounds: Scott Ashby, Nic Baxter, Greg Davenport, and Tracy Turner Page 9

10 EPA Triples Qualifying Series results Qualifier 1 was held at Crondall in poor weather on 20th April, followed by much better conditions at British Sugar s facility at Bury St. Edmunds on 4th May. The third round was held at Petanchors Pétanque Club, Oldbury on Severn, near Bristol, in the more familiar conditions we have experienced so far this Spring. The combined team of Martin Baker (London) Jerome Rousseau, Herve Bavazzano (West Midlands) and Phil Claydon (Chiltern) only dropped one game, winning 17 of 18 played. They headed the leader-board every round. Kent s best (Marcus Hickman, Kevin Spillett, Alex Bruce and David Blakeley) were only 2 games behind on 15 wins. Nic Baxter was in 4th place with his partners from Eastern region. Samantha Littley was in 11th with her partners from Southern and East Midlands. Just outside the top 16, in 17th, was Martin Eggleton, with Kevin and Lee Moss from Anglia. Standings after Qualifiers 1, 2 and 3 Top 16 (shown in red) will play for the EPA England National team places in the World Championships at Harrow PC on 8th June Page 10

11 EPA Singles is a disappointment for Kent Saturday 24th May saw 83 players register for the EPA Singles competition, held once more at British Sugar, Bury St Edmunds. The weather was fine, as forecast, although the expectation was deterioration over the weekend, something that came to be a very accurate prediction. The 2007 champion, Sofiane Lachani, dropped to eighth and the top four players fought out a semi-final/ final phase with Rachid Hannache (pictured right with Mike Pegg) moving up from 3rd last year to become the EPA Singles Champion, The highest placed Kent player was Colin Gibbs (Hartley) in 9th place. Also in the top 30 were Geoff Booth (Fighting Cocks) in 20th with Peter Bryant and Mick Nash (Hartley) in 22nd and 23rd. Weather impacts EPA Doubles competition True to the forecast, Sunday 25th May started wet, very wet, at British Sugar in Bury St Edmunds for the 2008 EPA Doubles competition. Play started for 73 teams in a 5 round Swiss format and the first round c o m p l e t e d a s planned. During round 2, the weather got worse to the point that jacks were floating in almost every game so play was suspended until 13:30. The worst of the weather abated (but never really stopped) and the competition ended with the top four teams playing off. Kent player Nic Baxter reached the final with Sofiane Lachani (Eastern), losing out to Dean Little and Keith Flack of E a s t e r n (pictured left). Top 30 positions for Kent included Mick and Joyce Nash (Hartley) 10th, Rob and Geoff Booth (Fighting Cocks) 11th, Peter and Diane Bryant (Hartley) 18th, Sam Littley (Villager) & Steve Brown (Tovil) 27th. Page 11

12 Plenty of Kent players in EPA Mixed Doubles Monday 26th May saw typical Bank Holiday weather at Bury St Edmunds as those not washed away on Sunday gathered for the EPA Mixed Doubles competition. Fifty nine teams assembled including twelve which were wholly or partially formed of Kent players. Yet this 20% chance of glory failed to turn into success. No Kent players made it to the four team play offs and the highest placed team were Irene and Colin Gibbs (Hartley) in 10th. Other top 30 Kent teams were Scott Ashby (Tovil) 11th with Sarah Huntley of Chiltern, Becky Glenn (George) and Steve Brown (Tovil) 17th, Anne and Colin Senneck (Hartley) 18th and Samantha Littley (Villager) 21st with G r a h a m G a l t o n (Southern). The event was won by Clare Brooks and Royston William from East Midlands region (pictured left with Mike Pegg) who beat Miles Gooda and Debbie Elcome in the final. Is this the end of the North Sea tournament? Mike Pegg, National President of the EPA, reports on the EPA website: A recent communication from the INSPT President, Andrew Lloyd indicates that this could be the last year of the International North Sea Pétanque Tournament. Andrew has received two conflicting s from the Netherlands Federation (NJBB); one states that they are considering resigning from the INSPT, the other that they will be resigning. Although Andrew is waiting for clarification we have to accept that it does seem likely that the NJBB will resign from future involvement with the Tournament. The EPA Management Committee has of course been discussing England's future involvement with the INSPT since Sweden, following Germany's lead, announced they were withdrawing their membership after this year. If the NJBB are resigning then we can only conclude that the INSPT has served its purpose and no longer has a place in the International tournament calendar. I will be attending the INSPT committee meeting in Denmark held during this year's tournament and will report back to our membership on its outcome. This year s competition is from 26th June to 28th June in Copenhagen, Denmark and includes Kris Smith and Matt Shrimpton, Alex Bruce and Rob Cooter from Kent. The tournament can be followed online at: Page 12

13 KPL Summer Season League update The Summer Season has started with the Preliminary and first two rounds of the Cup and Plate competition already out of the way as well as the first six weeks of the league games. Unlike 2007, the weather has been very Winter League, so far,. The divisions are still to take shape but already Division 1 has an unusual look to it with the Fighting Cocks top (must be the addition of Rob Harvey) followed by George 1, Hartley Falcons and Vale Tavern. Plough and Chequers 2 are in 5th and P&C1 are in 9th. Maybe the change of venue (see page 18) is having an impact on David Baxter reports that he is having very positive discussions with ab fab Flowers of Walderslade about sponsoring the Kent Classic in ab fab were sponsors of the 2008 event and the Plough or perhaps it is just too early in the season to be clear. Recently relegated Villager A head Division 2 from the Wheatsheaf with a close grouping of the next few teams. This looks like being a very open division. Division 3 has a divide between a group in the top half and a group in the lower half with the bottom four teams all on 7 wins and only 2 wins between the top four teams. Three teams dominate Division 4, Optimists, Borstal Mudlarks and Duke of Wellington although Hartley Hawks have a match in hand. Tovil Miners are out on Ab fab come back for more certainly helped the event be a success. David and ab fab are looking at ways of expanding the event and it is likely to be later in the spring next year; a weekend in early April is being considered. their own on top of Division 5 on 18 wins with Three Tuns, 442 Club and Bridges all on 13 wins. Just 2 wins separate the top five teams in Division 6. Ditton Kiln Barners and New Ash Green lead on 14 wins each. Luddesdown Cocks are on 13 wins and Hartley Kites and Duke of Wellington 2 are on 12 wins. In Division 7, three teams look like fighting it out, White House Presidents, Borstal Sandpipers and White House Bell although the next two teams (Sherwood Oak and Villager E) have matches in hand. Villager C and D are currently bottom of the pile but there is still plenty of time. The Cup and Plate are still at an early stage but already Division 2 teams Wheatsheaf, Seal Blues, Lordswood Moldavians and Crown A are in the Plate. For full details of KPL Summer League fixtures and the latest league positions and Cup/Plate results and draws, go to the KPL website at: EPA confirms Brean format The EPA has announced the draw for the Inter-Regionals at Brean, with an EPA Combined squad being formed once again in Division 2. As Division 1 runners up in 2007, Kent will provide two teams for that squad. So, the top 8 teams plus a junior team from the Regional Qualifiers will form the Kent Division 1 squad, the next four teams (ranked 9th to 12th) will form the Kent Challenge squad and teams ranked 13th and 14th will join with four teams plus juniors from Southern and two teams from Northern to become the EPA Combined squad. Page 13

14 First Over 60s event held at Hartley On Sunday 4th May, Hartley held its first Over 60s competition. The weather was pleasant but due to the bank holiday weekend with grandparents entertaining grandchildren or perhaps ashamed to admit their age, only eight couples attended. However we were able to welcome two pairs from Crowborough. The competition was divided into two leagues of 4 with the top two in each going into the main knockout and the Page 14 Please read on, before thinking this doesn t apply to me it just might. Every year the Kent ensure that players with Pétanque Association the same number of wins runs a series of competitions to allow players to other. Among the benefits are playing against each qualify to represent the of this change are: County at the EPA Inter- Regional Competition at at every level, play remains competitive Brean Sands, Weston- Super-Mare in September. The next one is on throughout the day eliminates leagues/ Sunday 22nd June at pools of death in the Hartley Country Club. morning waiting between games is spread more evenly, both through the day and the teams If you have played in previous years, format changes mean you should read on and if you haven t joined us before there is some exciting news for those who don t qualify to play at Brean which might just tempt you out. Format Change: This year we are operating the Swiss system all day, rather than just in the main competition in the afternoon, which means you will play 5 or 6 games during the day, with draws taking place between each round to bottom two into the plate. Two teams won all their morning games, the DJs (Dennis Peareth & Josie Elvin) and Jemma 2 (Jim and Babs Carr). The second placed team in each morning group proved too strong for the unbeaten pairs and the final competition was between Frogami (Jean-Louis & John Friend) and Cedarmint (Gill Pearson & David Brooks). Frogami won the Main final by a narrow margin. Points & Ranking: When play is finished teams will be ranked by wins and points differences, with ranking points being carried forward between competitions to determine the 14 teams that qualify for the EPA Inter- Regional competition at Brean Sands in September and for this year s prize fund. As with last year, the Region will be supporting 4 teams with a payment of 150 per team to attend either the Dunkerquoise or another major international competition that the KPA committee will select.. It will be up to those teams who win to decide which competition they wish to attend to allow maximum flexibility. Those who went last year, I am sure, enjoyed themselves and will be trying hard to be in the top 4 again this year. Nord Maritime: This year it is the turn of Dunkerque to come to us, and on Saturday 16th August we will be hosting them at Lordswood Sports and Social Club for a day of friendly - but competitive - play, and a convivial lunch. The Kent squad of 16 teams for this comes from those who have played in the Regional Qualifiers and is generally such a great day it is reason enough to take part. The plate finals were between the Chefs (Ron & Mags Yates) who had volunteered to provide a BBQ for the expected hordes and the JoLos (John & Lois Adam). The Plate was won by the Chefs, perhaps appropriately. It was a shame that more people didn't turn up and it was considered that we should try again another year but stay avoid a bank holiday. Report: Liz Friend Chairman s Cup: For those who enter one or more of the Regional Qualifiers but who do not go to Brean, we are introducing the Chairman s Cup a brand new competition to be played on Saturday 13 th September at Lordswood Sports and Social Club. This event will be free to enter and will have a top prize of 150, so well worth turning out for. This competition will run alongside the final day of the Kent Junior Pétanque Academy, which will include their award presentation, so it will be a great way to support the next generation, too. So why not come along to try your hand, play against people you may not normally meet and hopefully enjoy a pleasant day s pétanque in the summer sun. Annette Eggleton

15 The day I fannied a World champion... Those Pétanquers of all nationalities lucky enough to live in southern France must think they're in heaven. Within a 20 mile radius of my home village Collioure near Perpignan, you can find a competition to suit you every single day of the year; of course you need to be retired or not working... On any given day you can choose to play in a "mêlée" or a " formée ", doubles or triples. You would normally start at 2.30 finishing at about 6.30 in time for your first aperitif. The local newspaper of course would publish details well in advance. This would be in addition to the more formal "national" competitions. Tuesday is the day when such an event is run in Collioure. It attracts all the top players from the region, including Francois. Francois is a legend in the area: twice a World Champion and twice a French singles champion in the Seventies. He is also a friendly, pleasant individual who, in this game, has experienced everything that can be experienced. Never says much during a game (good players seldom do), and never gets upset... On Tuesday 29th April, I was drawn against him in the first round. I played with a young lad I had not met before. I asked him what he wanted to do. He said " shoot ". Having learnt that he plays prop forward in one of the many local rugby teams, I did not make a fuss and opted to point. Francois did not have a very good game missing 2 out of the 15 boules he shot. But unusually for him and more importantly for the game, he did not get a single carreau. With my shooter as good on the piste as he must be in a killer scrum, that was enough to give us the edge and we won Playing less formidable opponents, we lost the next game 13-2! C'est la Pétanque! Jean-Louis Guiot (Hartley pétanque) Norma wins another competition in Spain this time We have just arrived back home after 4 days playing pétanque in Spain. We commenced play on Tuesday morning at 9am and finished on Thursday afternoon, in my case not until gone 7pm as I got to the final with Barbara Potter from Hartley Country club. There were 28 ladies doubles and 64 men's triples and it was brilliant weather. More so as Barbara and I won the competition 450 Euros and these enormous glass vases (see picture). It is the first time that a British team has won the competition and we got wonderful appreciation from the crowd and the biggest applause which is really nice. Page 15 We felt like film stars as they all wanted to get a picture taken with us, think it was the trophies that they really wanted a picture of as they are over two foot high! Barbara stepped in at the last minute as Margaret from Guernsey has had a operation for Breast Cancer and had to go to London for a few weeks for Radio T h e r a p y. Poor old Stuart won only two games all week with his triples team, he will have to try harder next year. Submitted by Norma Parkway (via Jack Milner). Norma and Stuart Parkway are ex-kent players, now living in the South of France

16 More from the Lady of Kent in the south of France I played in the ladies triples Champion of the Herault competition on the 24 th and 25 th May. On the first day it rained so hard that the terrains got water logged so we had to stop for about 40 minutes. When we commenced play it was on the car park in mud and gravel. Dreadful conditions but we managed to get to the semi final that was played on 25th from 10.30am. The weather is most odd for this time of the year, the locals are baffled and the vineyards have never had so much rain. The boulodrome that is normally closed for the Summer was reopened for the competition with the men's doubles. Much better in the dry and the terrains were better, we got to the final but unfortunately lost to a team that I had beaten last year in the ladies doubles. Obviously they had an extra player for the triples and she played extremely well. Attached is a picture of the trophies that we won as Vice Champions, that's 2nd out of 40 teams. Still we had a crowd of 200 w a t c h i n g with 8 officials from the Herault region so it was big e v e n t. Have to do better next year. ( E x - K e n t p l a y e r, Norma Parkway reports via Jack and Mo Milner) One custom that Norma came across in this competition which she had not experienced before, occurred in the final. As she prepared to start the final match, one of the officials came across holding out his hand. Norma assumed he was being polite and went to shake it. He pulled his hand away and indicated she should pass him the jack. It seems the tradition is for an official to throw the first jack in the final. Has anyone else come across this tradition or any other strange local activities on the piste? Let The Gazette know via the contact details on page 21. Are you smart enough, Steve? What was he thinking? Tovil s Steve Golder has received confirmation that he has been accepted as a contestant on Are you Smarter than a 10-year-old?. Final details and actual involvement are still to be confirmed but we all wish Steve (pictured right) well. Kent Singles 13th June The Kent Singles competition is being held at The George, Meopham on the evening of Friday 13th June. Registration is from 7pm until 7:30 with play to start very shortly after. Steve Golder (pictured left) of Tovil is the current holder Page 16

17 International Junior competitions Despite dwindling junior numbers (they keep getting older and there are not enough new c h i l d r e n c o m i n g through) the KPA is committed to concentrate on youth in our game and determined to offer development facilities and encouragement to our juniors (and their older Espoir brothers and sisters). The Junior Fund is well supported and will be used to fund attendance at international junior competitions where possible. Contact is being made in France, the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic regarding specific junior competitions for later in 2008 and in The KPA is considering holding its own international Junior and Espoir event in KPA Junior Pétanque Academy started Espoir s welcome All Espoirs (18-23)should note that they are welcome at the Academy days for any coaching advice or practice that they may wish to have. Coaching will be by Kent s Grade 3 coaches who will help with basic coaching needs. Espoirs will not be part of the Academy, or receive the Academy top or be in the mêlée. The KPA Junior Academy started on Saturday 10 th May at Tovil. Page 17 Unfortunately Ebbsfleet FC played their FA Trophy football match at Wembley that day and Madonna headlined an event at Mote Park Maidstone, so the coaches outnumbered the juniors. However, the next event is at the Villager, Vigo, on Saturday 14 th June, from 10:30 to 1pm and everyone is welcome. Juniors who are not registered with the EPA are especially welcome and, if they enjoy themselves they can join for as little as 3. KPA Juniors who attend will each get a special edition KPA Junior Pétanque Academy hoodie (pictured right). A mêlée competition will also be held to select the Kent Junior Champion for With coaches there from 10:30 even the more experienced Juniors will get something out of the Academy so please encourage your children, grandchildren and friends to come along on the 14 th June at 10:30 at the Villager in Vigo. KPA to help improve top players You don t see Tiger Woods or Roger Federer ignoring the advice of their coaches they know that however good you are, a coach can always help you get better. So the KPA is planning a master-class for coaching with a top French coach. It is never too late to correct some of those errors you are making. The KPA will announce further details in due course via the website and The Gazette. It is hoped that our top players will recognise the value of regular coaching and take up the opportunity to improve their play setting an example to the Juniors and Espoirs. This is part of the KPA committee s plan to re-establish Kent as the top UK region, attracting the best players

18 Something in the water (or could it be Bob's beer)? Who knows what was in the air nine months ago?? Was it that the Wheatsheaf won a game for a change? (Last season wasn't our best!)... Anyway - nine months on - we now have two new additions to our future team - Emma and Nigel Mannering are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy, Luca, and Louise and Steve Higgins are in the same position with the birth of Maisie, their lovely baby girl. Thank heavens I didn't drink whatever Nigel and Steve drank that night! Congratulations to both families! Lindsay Jardine Wheatsheaf Club has moved (1) Following doubts about the future of the pistes at the Plough and Chequers and despite reassurances from the owners, the Plough and Chequers club has decided to move away from its venue because of a lack of support from the pub. For the remainder of this summer season, the home league matches will be played on the Lordswood Sports and Social Club pistes. As yet, no long term decision on venue, club formation or name has been made. Anyone for boule? Enterprising business boulezvous.com are organising corporate events around the country and are looking for associates to work with them and earn some extra money at the same time. If you are interested, or want to run a corporate event, go to home.htm for more details. Video clips online A new French website with high quality video content has b e e n s e t u p a t It will be charging for some content but the initial free videos on line at the moment, while it is still under construction, are worth having a look. Also check out pétanque video clips on YouTube. Club has moved (2) Due to forthcoming building works, our Club has had to relocate to a new venue and changed its name from Hilden Park PC to George & Dragon PC Five Oak Green Road Tudeley Kent TN11 0PW Roland Baumann, Club Secretary World Record achieved As mentioned previously, Michigan Pétanque Club in the USA were attempting to beat the world record for a continuous game of pétanque. Over the weekend of th May they broke the previous record by almost 8 hours, achieving constant play (under the guidelines of the Guinness Book of Records) of 48 hours. Surely we Brits can better that! Women s World s in doubt The FIPJP website reports that due to recent events in China [the earthquake], the Chinese Federation can not ensure the Women's World Championships this year. The F.I.P.J.P. [is] working to find an organizer who can handle the organization of Women's Championships It is rumoured that Turkey and France are being considered. Junior Funds The Junior Fund was boosted by a donation from the KPA Winter League of their surplus 196. In addition, the organisers of the raffle at the Hartley Regional Qualifier report a donation of 62 to the fund. They thank everyone who took part. Page 18

19 Photographing Juniors the debate Jack Milner raised the issue of photographing juniors at the recent EPA junior competitions. This is a sensitive area that other sports have addressed. The following response was received from Mike Pegg, EPA President. We are forced into having a policy of not permitting just anyone to take photographs of juniors/ cadets/minors during an EPA event. We now have a form which in future will be sent to parents asking for their consent to have photos taken of their child for publicity purposes. Having a statement or anything else on an entry form seeking a parent s signature to allow photographs to be taken of their child would be open to manipulation; this idea has not been considered suitable for our use. You may not be aware but any newspaper or television camera man/reporter will have proof of who they are and will ask if it is OK to take shots of juniors and in some cases adults as well. The KPA management committee has decided to put notices at KPA competitions advising parents that photographs may be taken during the event so they should advise the organisers if they object. Junior Shooters Cadets & Minors Gift Bags please The title of EPA Junior Shooting Champion moved from Kent in Last year s winner, Phil Jarrett is no longer a junior and Matt Sylvester from Southern Region took his crown. Kent Junior, Gary Atkinson (George), came 5 th with Alex Bruce, (Vale Tavern) usually a sure bet for a high shooting score, coming 6 th this time. Next came Elliott Fribbens (George) in equal 14 th with Daniel Rudden (Lordswood), also 14 th, Ben Littley (Villager) 1 6 t h, R y a n R u d d e n (Lordswood) 25 th and Josh Littley (Villager) 27th. It seems more shooting practice is required. The EPA Cadet and Minor day has been postponed from 14th June to 12th July at Adur Pétanque Club, Lancing, Sussex. The aim is to have a come and try all-day family event from mid-morning. Cadets are under 14 on 31st December and Minors are under 11. World Championships at risk? With the 2008 World championships being held in Senegal, the EPA is keeping an eye on the situation in the country which has had periods of instability in the past. Lynn Shrimpton is collecting gift bags as a means of raising funds for a Breast Cancer charity. Have you received a present in one of these attractive (and expensive) gift bags? Possibly something sparkling or sparkly? Well, keep the present but hand in the bag to Lyn Shrimpton at the next Regional as she can turn that bag into money for charity. It is recommending keeping up to date on the Commonwealth and Foreign Office website which currently advises Most visits to Senegal are troublefree. Page 19

20 Your letters and s Your s are very welcome and we will always publish your thoughts and comments (assuming they are publishable and you wish them to be shared). Please send your s for publication to Letters are also welcome at the address on Page 21. Amazingly, no letters or s have been received for this issue. Come on, there must be something you want to rant about the new Regional Qualifier format, the cancellation of the Espoirs because of the weather, photographing juniors, the management of the KPA, the fixture congestion, the KPL organisation, the EPA officials, umpiring decisions? Whatever gets your goat, send us a note! What s on in June and July? Note dates and venues can change. Please confirm with organisers before travelling. Also note that EPA events require pre-registration. For the full calendar, go to British & International Events EPA - English National Events KPA - Kent County Events Kent Club Events Junior Events June 2008 Sun 1 st KPA County Qualifier 2 Hartley Triples Sun 8 th EPA Triples Championship: Top 16 Harrow PC Triples Sun 8 th NAF Cup Harriers, Tovil WMC Triples Fri 13 th KPA Singles Championship The George, Meopham-Evening Competition Singles Sat 14 th KPA Junior Academy: Morning Session The Villager, Vigo Mêlée Sun 15 th Mossy's Doubles Old Sheaf - Mossy's Bar, Chatham Doubles Sun 22 nd KPA County Qualifier 3 Hartley Triples 26 th - 28 th North Sea Championship Copenhagen, Denmark Triples Sun 29 th Lordswood Open Triples Lordswood S&SC Triples July 2008 Sun 6 th EPA Home Nations Qualifier Princes Park, Dartford, Kent Triples Sun 6 th Bastille Day Triples The Villager, Vigo Triples Sat 12 th KPA Junior Academy: Morning Session Hartley Mêlée Sun 13 th KPA County Qualifier 4 Lordswood S&SC Triples Sun 20 th KPA Doubles Championship George, Meopham Doubles Sun 27 th EPA Ladies Triples (top 8) Harrow PC Triples Sun 27 th Town Trophy Crowborough Doubles Organisers - please remember to send reports and pictures to The Gazette Page 20

21 Detling feedback from Denmark The feedback the KPA received from the Danish visitors to the ab fab Flowers Kent Classic at Detling was excellent competition, top quality teams, challenging terrains and well organised. Can it be made into a 2 day competition next year? The KPA is looking at possibly holding an informal doubles competition on the Saturday next year, starting after lunch. This will depend on enough officials being Don t forget the Chairman s Cup It is not too late to join the Regional Qualifier competition. Although it may be a little difficult to gain one of the top spots with only two qualifiers remaining, remember that 14 go to Brean and the teams who do not qualify for Brean will still be automatically entered into the Chairman s Cup competition at Lordswood on 13 th September (and for free). With a top prize of 150, it is still worth turning up to the remaining regionals at Hartley (22 nd June) and Lordswood (13 th July). And some teams will also be selected to represent Kent in the annual Nord Maritime competition on 16 th August (also at Lordswood). At the Chairman s Cup we will also be holding the finals of the Academy mêlée competition and will be awarding prizes to our top juniors. Kent Members 2008 As at 31st May 2008 the membership for 2008 saw 696 adults registered together with just 19 juniors, located in 39 clubs. This is over 50 down on last year. The Kent Pétanque Gazette is edited by: Martyn Fribbens Any items for inclusion should be sent to: The Editor, Kent Pétanque Gazette, 16 Old Downs, Hartley, Longfield, Kent DA3 7AA Tel : gazette@fribbens.co.uk The views expressed in the KE T PÉTA - QUE GAZETTE are those of the editor and contributors only. They do not, necessarily, reflect the views of the Kent Pétanque Association, or the English Pétanque Association Page 21 15% off your pétanque orders Pétanque Clothing Work wear Corporate wear Sports wear Equestrian/Pets Gifts Logo Digitising 25 Online Catalogue No job is too small Alan Cregeen Proprietor 28 Milner Road Elvington Dover Kent CT15 4EQ or sales@embroiderydepot.co.uk Embroidery Depot Embroidery Depot supplier and embroiderer of your logos onto a wide range of clothing and gift ideas. Embroidery Depot are able to supply and machine embroider a wide range of polo shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, rugby shirts, fleece, jackets, caps, bags, towels, flags and other garments, sew or ironon badges.