On Sunday 20th April two teams plus a Perth Renegade and his ladies represented the Perth Petanque Club in the first of three rounds of the Grand Prix series. The Hill Billies (Jean Hutcheson, Stuart Malcolm & Steve Wallace) and the Pointirs (Alice Sheach, Eileen Moonie & Ed Strachan) were the two full Perth team representatives. Maboule (Douglas Hamilton (the Perth Renegade)) was partnered with Dani Cassini {Inverleith} & Zandra Boyle (Birds & Bees)) and they made up the final team with a Perth interest, which gave us seven members participating in this event.
Although the weather stayed reasonably good with dry conditions and broken cloud which gave way to the welcome sunshine, it still remained a rather chilly day in the cold northerly wind. This however didn’t spoil the day for the 14 teams that participated in this event.
Relative newcomers to the Grand Prix competition, the Hill Billies gave a very commendable account of themselves gaining three wins out of six. At the end of the day they did better than the other two Perth teams due to a better points difference. However bragging rights at the Perth Club are still in doubt because the Pointirs beat the Hill Billies in a very intense and extremely close game, the Pointirs running out 13-11 winners. The Pointirs also won three of their games and are breathing down the necks of the Hillbillies. As for Maboule, they suffered a horrendous start to their campaign losing the first four of their games. However, fortified by some wine from the Troon Club at lunchtime, they picked up their game in the late afternoon and they rallied to win their final two games.
All three teams are now looking forward to the next two Grand Prix rounds, which are to be held at Perth on the 18th May and the 22nd June. So if you happen to be out for a walk in the North Inch, Perth then come visit the Petanque Piste and give us a bit of encouragement.
