90th Post......Summer Madness.....
GROUP A Competition Presentation:
Ciaran was presented with the trophy, named in honour of his late father Tommy, after play this morning.
Tom D, in his presentation notes, commented on how close the Covid-delayed competition was and that first placed Ciaran was only one point ahead of second placed Chris with Tom D only two points further adrift.
The presentation was made in seasonably good weather with the twelve players plus Nigel and Dennis and Gwen and the boys in attendance. Ciaran expressed his delight at winning the dedicated trophy and thanked the players who aided his achievement along the way.
Group A Play:
A number of players are away on holiday or otherwise unavailable. Those available played today in glorious conditions following the monsoon-like conditions of the past couple of days. New boules were tested and great enjoyment was on offer in blind-drawn combinations.
A couple of our fellow BBC compatriots arrived later to play on the free piste. How good are you at rear identification??
In case you missed the rain at the weekend here's the proof.......if you weren't sure where the slopes are now you know!!!
I.P.A. All-Ireland Singles Competition:
Ciaran entered the competition as an individual from the BBC Group. He progressed through the qualifying group the previous Saturday and played last Saturday, 21st August, in the finals. Some players were unable to make Bushy Park for the finals because of the weather conditions but play went ahead.
The group was split in two and Ciaran played the five other players in his side of the draw winning one and marginally losing four of the games. It was a great experience for him and us, as spectators, to check out the standard of play. Ciaran was by no means out of his depth........literally or metaphorically!
The frequent thundery rain showers halted play at times but the competition was completed.
What we did learn was that 'Shooting' is an essential requirement and 'Carreaus' [ where you shoot out the opponent but also replace their boule with yours!] is the consummate skill. Lob shots over the puddles were also demanded but one of the finalists mainly 'pointed' throughout the day managing to roll the boule in tight to the 'jack'.
Sariff, the first player on this list below, was the eventual winner beating Christy Nolan in the final......and No....Not that other Christy Nolan RIP!
Ciaran over the next couple of weeks will make the draw for the eligible players for the Doubles Matchplay Competition. Contact him if you haven't already expressed your interest.
It will run in conjunction with the next Group A Monday Competition. We will put up a laminated timetable on the notice board identifying the times for Group play and the School Slot.
Don't forget that there are Boules on Saturday mornings from 10.30 in St. Anne's Park if anyone wants to try a different surface. Contact Larry or Nigel, if interested.
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