75th Post - Green Shoots

Today saw the tentative restart of play for the Bayside Boules Community.  We are starting a Singles Competition for a two month period involving players from Group A, Group B and Group C.

Players were invited to put their names forward if they were confident enough, after their preliminary vaccinations, to counter the Coronavirus that has plagued us for over a year.

We received an amazing 36 names and Ciaran has been establishing Groups, Fixtures and Scoring spreadsheets to accommodate the interest level.  He has created a dedicated WhatsApp Group for the Competition through which the competitors can organise fixtures and return scores.  He has put in the equivalent of two days work in creating the play systems.  Our grateful thanks.  

There are two groups of 18 players each to play every other player in the group.  The top 4 players from each group will contest the final stages.  In the event of players on the same points score, at the end of the league phase, the scoring average will determine the outcome.

Players, in a generous two hour slot, will play 3 games.  A point is scored for each game won.  The winner texts in the result.  Out of  'an abundance of caution' players will wear masks and handle their own equipment only.  We will wear the masks, even though some are from the same household, to demonstrate solidarity with those who are not fully vaccinated or fearful of gathering in groups yet.  Homemade scoreboards or Apps can be used for scoring.  Agreed throwing circles or marks will be made or marked.

One Piste will be left free for casual play at each timeslot as we don't own the facility.  Eight players maximum playing at the Pistes.  The School have the 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. slot on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The first Pairs to play on Monday May 3rd. between the showers!

The same players masked up for play .

The Blog will be updated each weekend with Group Standings and Updated Fixtures.  Only two weeks will be available to book at a time.  Please try to organise two games a week to ensure we can complete the 300+ fixtures within the timeframe.  

Whether we win or lose it is great to be out playing again though in a controlled situation and taking no risks.  Should other, non BBC players be playing when you arrive, just advise them of the competition and the notice board but do not get embroiled in an altercation.  The free Piste is there to cater for players outside our group or casual play by our own group members..

The rakes are available in the usual place with the addition of a set of cards for drawing for the Pistes.  We want to avoid players playing all their games on the same Piste so the draw of cards is fairer, if the three group arrive together.  Please leave them attached to the rake after and ensure the return of the rake after your game if nobody else is playing afterwards.

Rake with Cards attached.


The B.B.C. Singles Competition Fixtures as of Mon 3rd May

Keep those names coming.  Remember, try to play twice a week.  Playing earlier in the day should mean less competition for Piste space.  Remember the School slots to be kept free, even if they do not show. 

Arrange your matches off the WhatsApp Group and when arranged text it in to the WhatsApp Group.  If your proposed slot is still free you will be entered.  If not you will be texted to rearrange.  Also, one player texts in the results of each game in their match.

5 euro per player in an envelope with your name to Ciaran or Tom D to purchase a voucher for a local business and a trophy for the winner.