60th Post......Matchplay Madness and Tapegate!

 

In the absence of our normal Monday Competition Ciaran's Matchplay Competition has admirably filled the void.  As you can see we are already at Quarter Final stage with interesting pairings still there and  unexpected absences.  

Not alone has it introduced a new dynamic and probably more thoughtful play but for the first time we had had an audience at games.  That, in itself, increases the interest not alone among ourselves but with the casual passers-by since these games are generally played later in the day when more people are using the park.

All information is supplied through the App created by Ciaran.  The top group in the pairings arrange the fixture and the winners supply the result to the App with the scores from each game.  Please ensure that if you are playing in the Matchplay that you give the fee to Ciaran asap.  please make known through the App when you are playing so available group members might pop down.

Below are some photos from the first day of Bayside Boules Community Matchplay Competition.....

The 1st Matchplay group...;/

We are managing to play on the Mon., Wed., and Sat mornings while in Phase 3 Covid-19 restrictions by having reduced numbers [below 16] ; playing outdoors; wearing our masks; not sharing equipment and staying 2 metres apart.  Hopefully the rising cases doesn't scupper our continued play.

Masks and Distancing....the order of the day.

As our numbers increase we have created a Group B who play from 11.30 on Mon., Wed., and Saturdays.  It is important that we restrict the numbers on/below 16 in each group, on any day.  If somebody from Group B arrives for 10 a.m. start they will not have precedence over Group A players.

Ideally they will arrive before 11.30 so the organiser/s don't have the unenviable task of asking somebody to step aside.  In time Group B will have their own equipment and organisation.  We are delighted to see the development and as numbers grow we possibly will have Group C and Group D etc. all eventually self maintaining under the banner of Bayside Boules Community/.

Historically, Group A is too large with 21 players.  In the absence of volunteers moving to Group B we  currently manage by asking a defined group to defer playing to a later time on Mondays. [contact Tom Donnellan if you wish to move into Group B before if fills up also!]

After the large numbers from Group A that turned up this Saturday we may have to ask a defined number to play later each day of their week.  That group will rotate each week.  We were just lucky that TB, CG, CW, JG were unavailable this Saturday.

The Matchplay will include willing players from all groups and will be the link to cement our sociable Boules Community.  Below are some photos of Group B playing on Saturday last.

Jim and Deirdre enjoying their new sport...

Ciaran....the Masked Crusader.

Even the Rakes stay apart!!

How very French!!

RULES  SECTION    [ probably more important now with the Matchplay ]

Article 17 – Behaviour of players and spectators during a game.

During the regulation time allowed for a player to throw a boule the spectators and players must observe total silence. The opponents must not walk, nor gesticulate nor do anything that could disturb the player about to play. Only his or her team-mate/s may remain between the throwing circle and the jack. The opponents must remain beyond the jack or behind the player and, in both cases, to the side with regard to the direction of play and at a distance of at least 2 metres the one from the other. The players who do not observe these regulations could be excluded from the competition if, after a warning from the Umpire, they persist in their conduct.

Tapegate:

The case of the missing tape was simply resolved.  It was discovered at the end of the trolled and not in the zip bag!.  To add salt to the wound there were two tapes missing after Saturday's session.  A loud hail resolved the issue.  Please leave the tapes on the side wood until the games are over and somebody then return them to their zip bag at the end of play.  They play a vital role in community relations!!!