The second day of the SPA’s Coaching Weekend was held on Perth Petanque’s piste at the North Inch Perth.Spring had sprung! The weather was fine, warm and sunny - conducive to a good day for a coaching session.

Ten members from Perth were ‘on parade‘, perhaps the potential petrol shortage put off people from further a field attending, and the session was conducted by Colin and Mags Montgomery, Colin Stewart and Ben Burnhill. We had hoped that Mike Dow would have been with us to hone our shooting skills.
With an 11am start the session progressed in a relaxed atmosphere, good company, good crack, a break for a pie and a pint - no “back for 2pm or else !” - and continued until about 4 o’clock.

Few people realised how tiring a coaching session can be but when you think about it one throws many more boules when practising than in a five or six game competition!

The unanimous consensus was that the session was most helpful to newcomers to the sport and seasoned campaigners alike and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Thanks to the coaches and all who attended for a ‘grand day out’.

Article by Douglas

On Sunday 20^th 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 18^th May and the 22^nd 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.

The second Club Competition of the 2008 Season was the FENTON QUAICH run by the Perth Petanque Club at the North Inch Perth.The weather forecast for Sunday 13th was all doom - snow, hail and rain so it was nice to wake up to spring sunshine which decided to continue throughout the day - so much for weather forecasts!

Ten teams turned up so a five games round robin was the order of the day.

Although there was a clear winner it went to the wire for third place - young Mr Findlay Ross throwing the winning boule in a 13 -12 thriller against uncle Bob and aunty Zandra to hand third place to his granny Mabel!

The result was as follows -

  1st - Robbie Stronach and John Wilson - 5 wins + 37  

2nd - Stephane Maurage and Byron Milton - 4 wins + 14 

  3rd - Mabel Danraj and Margaret Mauchline - 3 wins + 17

The other seven teams were -

Alice Sheach and Ed Strachan; Jean Hutcheson and Steve Wallace; Sheila Anderson and Stuart Malcolm; Eileen Moonie and Elsie Watt; Findlay Ross and Douglas Hamilton; Zandra and Bobby Boyle; Fiona Ross and Derek Adam.

Thanks to all for coming to support Perth Petanque and making it a friendly but also a competitive day.

Article by Douglas

That’s right, before they have even went on sale the prices of the Perth Petanque Club kit have been slashed in a budget busting bonanza.

Polo Shirts are down to an incredible £12.50

All Sweatshirts are now just £14.50

 Take that Alistair Darling !

As well as club competitions throughout the year, we are also please to host 3 open doubles tournaments.  These are:

Sunday 13th April - Fenton Quaich

Sunday 31st August - Tay Doubles

Sunday 5th October - The Waverley Vintners

Entries welcome from all non Perth club members, and we look forward to the same spirit of competion as enjoyed in previous years.

There will be a club social evening on Tuesday 19th February at the bowling alley near Dunfermline (just off the M90 before you get to Dunfermline).

The event will start at 7 P.M. and will consist of two games of ten pin bowling at a cost of £9 per person.

All welcome; please let Ed know if you are wishing to attend, or drop an email.

The colours for this year’s must have leisure wear have been chosen.  We have gone for a blue theme as no other Scottish club has this as their colour, plus it looks rather dapper.

Polo Shirts - Bright Royal Blue

Sweatshirts - French Navy

These, when worn together, offer a nice contrast and it is hoped as many members a possible will buy these and wear them on club nights, as well as when representing the club in competition.

Prices
Polo Shirt –  Any Size =  £13.50
Sweatshirt – (S, M, L) =  £14.50
Sweatshirt – (XL or &gt = £15.00