Black Cats rolled over

City of Norwich Winter League

Black Cats 0, Lamb Chops 3 (7-39)

We just didn't turn up for this one.  I played worse than a novice (I blame my new tight fitting jacket) :(

Triples - Russ/Dave/Jenny lost 13-2
Pairs - Dave/Harry lost 13-1
Singles - Russ lost 13-4


No joy either for our other team but at least one game went to the wire...

Buckaneers 3, Dees & Ells 0 (39-14)

Triples - Les/Diane/Dan lost 13-2
Pairs - Les/Dan lost 13-0
Singles - Darren lost 13-12

More scores...

Black Cats 2, Diss Waveney 1

Good performance in the triples especially as myself, Cyril and Russ had never played together before.  Pat & Jenny narrowly lost in the pairs.  Before that, Russ staged a spirited comeback in the singles.  There was a sporting gesture from Dave Marsh (the opposition's captain) when Russ was unsure whether he had put his score up on the board.  Result card to follow.

Hubb Capps 2, Dees & Ells 1

Pic supplied by Darren

A 2-1 loss ain't so bad as it is still a point gained.

Final score

Both Bressingham teams were in action today.  The Black Cats match was played at Bob Carter in Drayton.

Dees & Ells 0, Hedonists 3 (22-39)
Triples - Les/Darren/Luke lost 13-10 
Pairs - Les/Dianne lost 13-3
Singles - Darren lost 13-9

Black Cats 1, Bob Carter 2 (23-38)
Triples - Dave/Mike/Harry lost 13-5
Pairs - Pat/Jenny lost 13-5
Singles - Russ won 13-12

Russ (our captain) saved the day, shooting out his opponents boule with the last shot of the match.  Had he missed, we would have walked away with no points.

Next matches will be played on the 1st December.  Dees & Ells are away to Hubb Caps while Black Cats entertain Diss Waveney.

Black Cats win derby

The City of Norwich Winter League kicked off on Sunday.  The two Bressingham teams were drawn against each other - Dees & Ells versus Black Cats.

It didn't start too well for us (Black Cats) as we lost the triples fairly quickly.  In the second round of games I was trailing 9-2 in the singles against Les but fortunes then changed and I clawed (pun intended) my way back to win.  Meanwhile Pat & Jenny put up a good display in the pairs.  Jenny produced a master stroke with her last boule in an exciting last end to win the match.

It is worth noting that in this league that points are awarded for games won and not for the win.  So teams teams that lose 2-1 still score one point.

Next matches 17th November - Dees & Ells v Hedonists, Bob Carter Center v Black Cats  (please note the change of venue).  Go here for other results and league tables... http://norwichpetanque.wordpress.com/

New rake passes test with flying colours

To make this rake you will need... a piece of wood (2 x 2), nails (both straight and 'U' shaped) and an ordinary rake.  Tools - a large hammer, pencil and measuring tape.

Directions for use - for best results, the rake should be pushed and not pulled.  Running with it is permitted but could be considered dangerous.

Sometimes larger stones get caught between two nails and should be removed.  I have enough wood to make another one but there seems little point.

New boules please

Eight of us turned up this week for practice on a mild Octobers morning.  Luke brought along a brand new set of boules made especially for him (must be his birthday or something?).

The bronze boules are made by Linea-Futura in Italy.  Octagonal box made by MS petanque.

Black Cats lucky mascot revealed

He (I've checked) was bought at a jumble-up sale for 50p in Norwich some time back.  He doesn't have a name.

As you can see, he has plenty of cochonnets to scoop up into the air (but prefers resting).  Picture by Adam.

Snippet and N&N Winter League fixtures

Les Shilling was called up to play for Norfolk last Sunday against Suffolk at Bury Sugar.  It was a close match by the sound of it, 25-23 in Norfolk's favour.  Well done Les (and the rest of the team)!

Norfolk & Norwich Winter League fixtures (well just the important ones)...

Diss put a team in at the last minute, so ten teams in all.

Dees & Ells - Les/Daniel/Diane/Darren/Luke
Black Cats - Russ/Mel/Harry/Mike/Jenny/Pat/Dave

Winter League starts November

It was agreed at our AGM that Bressingham would enter two teams for the Norfolk & Norwich Winter League. The teams names are at present, S.W.A.T  (Special Weapons and Tactics) and BBC (Bressingham Black Cats). I have found out that Diss will also have a team (they are just down the road from us).

UPDATE - Darren and Les tell me that Diss did not enter a team in the end.  Also S.W.A.T  is now Dees & Ells.  There are seven other teams in the division - so nine in total.  Each team will play each other once only.

No joy in last match of season

NCPA Division 3

Wanderers S.F. Wallabies 4, Bressingham Flyers 1

Even with, what looked like unassailable leads in both the triples games (9-3 and 11-3 respectively) we still somehow managed to lose them,  It didn't go very well in the pairs either... Darren and Russ winning our only game on the night (13-4).  Final League table to follow once all results are in.

Six wins and ten losses overall with an even games difference.  That's pretty good, considering it was the first ever league season for most of us.  Well done crew.

Bob Bruce Memorial Open Pairs 2013

Thirteen pairs turned out on a nice sunny day at the Morley Buck at Morley St. Botolph.  £60 was raised for the Quidenham hospice and a great day all round.  Thank you to Margaret and the others for organising it all.

There were six of us from Bressingham (Dave/Lindsay, Les/Diane, Darren/Luke).  It was only the first time Lindsay had played since the first match of the season.  She played well and we came away with four wins from five.  Les and Diane won three games (very impressive last two ends against Richard and Roz) but sadly no wins for Darren and Luke.

One league match left.  A win would at St. Faiths Wallabies this Thursday would take us out of the bottom three.  I am remaining positive for this one.

Experimental team gain experience

NCPA Division 3

Bressingham Flyers 1, Wanderers St. Faiths Wildcats 4

Fifth straight loss but the team did include two 8 year olds (Luke and Harry) and Daniel who has only been playing a couple of months.  From memory, four out of the five combinations had never been tried before.

The triple of Les/Daniel/Luke were doing well (in a long drawn out game) until the last few ends when it all went pear shaped.  Harry, (who had to use heavier/larger boules due to strict league regulations) struggled with the longer jack throws (more on this later).

The only win came in the pairs, when Pat/Daniel (who had given away six points on an earlier end) pulled off a well earned victory.

Last league match next Thursday against Wallabies at St. Faiths.  The team will include, Dave, Pat, Darren, Les, Cyril and Russ.  Lindsay said she would play if Russ is working.

Good turnout for final coastal league match

Yaxley Cherry Tree 3, Bressingham 1

League table courtesy of Doug Benger

Ten players turned up for this one but only eight could play so I introduced a couple of newbies into the team (Mel and Diane).  I thought they did pretty well, all things considered.  It was Yaxleys first win so they were happy bunnies.  Man of the Match - Darren (he even smashed out one of Diane's boules just for fun).

Left - here the piste is being swept (during a game)!  Right - that's me observing.  Pics by Darren.

Thank you to Nikki and Andy for the delicious grub.

Flyers grounded (again)

NCPA Division 3

Bressingham Flyers 2, Norwich White 3

Our run of consecutive defeats continued last night at the hands of bottom club Norwich White.  It has been quite a while since we have won a game in the triples.  However, the match was played in a good spirit.

Only two matches left, home next week, away the next.

Bressingham crash out of plate

ASCL Plate S/F -  Gt. Finborough Chestnut Horse 4, Bressingham 0 (played at Framlingham).

A disappointing end to our mini cup run.  Team lost 8,2,11,8 (52-29).  

This is the first time in a match (in seven years of playing) where I have had to re-throw the jack and replay my first boule because the jack was deemed too short (we didn't have a long enough measure to confirm whether it was or it wasn't).  Had my first boule been wayward, would my opponent have played on?

Thank you to the Railway Inn and Derek (from the Framlingam Shunters Pétanque Club) for their co-operation and hire of the pistes.  We wish Gt. Finborough well for the final.

Penultimate match in ASCL ends in defeat

Kings Arms Stowmarket 4, Bressingham 0 (52-30)

Our heaviest loss of the season but it was a against one of the favourites for the competition and the points aggregate wasn't so bad.  The terrain was mainly large road scalpings but I've played on worse.  The games seemed quite long and we needed a few car headlights at the end to see us through.

Dave/Jenny lost 13-8, Les/Mike lost 13-8, Les/Pat lost 13-9, Dave/Mike lost 13-5.

We play at the Yaxley Cherry Tree in our last league match on Sunday 25th August.

Warning, warning - Norwich White are unable to drum up enough players for this Thursdays NCPA division three match.  Rescheduled date is for Thursday 22nd August.

Welcomed point gained in ASCL

Gt. Finborough Chestnut Horse 2, Bressingham 2

Even though Les and Mike gave away two 'fives' in their game, they stilll managed to pull off an unlikely win. On the flip side, Jenny and Pat could only muster three points.  In the second round of games, Jenny and I were annoyingly brushed aside in just five ends.  In the final game, Les and Pat held their nerve to win in a tight encounter and help Bressingham to their first point against the 'big three'.  I thought Les played a real captain's role today (even though he wasn't).

We are due to play Finborough again next Sunday in the Semi final of the plate competition.  We play Kings Arms Stowmarket in the league this Tuesday.

Flyers on slippery slope (NCPA - Div 3)

Buckaneers 4, Bressingham Flyers 1 (58-52)

Closer than the score might suggest with two very close games.

Only three matches left, the first of these is against bottom club Norwich White at home next Thursday.

Circle in the Sand event 2013

The weather was perfect and a great turnout (27 pairs).  Many from the Bressingham Club made it (Les/Diane, Russ/Mel/Harry, Darren/Luke and myself and my son Louis.  There was also Dave and Vic from Diss.  For Mel, Diane and Louis it was the first time they had ever played in a proper game.

Most people had gone off to lunch at this point.  We played both sides of the groyne.  Photo by Louis Smith.

Everyone from our lot had at least one win.  Louis and I were lucky enough to finish with four wins from five games and gain fifth place.  Our only loss was against Glen and Keith (the eventual winners).  Thank you to Lynne Urquart from the Wanderers St. Faiths club for organising it all.  We will now have to wait another year for the next one :(.

Nul points in local derby on hottest day

Bressingham Flyers 2, Diss Vikings 3 (37-51)

Jenny and Mike played their first Norfolk & Norwich League match and came away with one win each (with a little help form their mentors).  We probably drop a place after this defeat with Vikings one step nearer promotion.  Scorecard to follow (if I can find it).

Circle in the sand on Sunday at Walcott Beach.  There seems to be quite a few from our club going.  The weather outlook is good for this event.

Action packed weekend (weather great)

I teamed up with Les Pridham (not pre-arranged) at the Norman Guest Memorial Pairs at the Cottage on Saturday.  We'd never played together before although he had beaten me on several occasions before (twice at the coast).  Our first match was against Russ and his son Harry (8), both from the Bressingham club and played on the specially built terrain dedicated to Norman.  The day went on and somehow we ended with four wins from four and finished in first place!  Les is definitely a better player than I had first thought.  Anyway we were chuffed with the win (pic to follow maybe).
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Bressingham 1, Meadlands 3

Sunday, the Bressingham team entertained Meadlands in the Suffolk Coastal League.  Our opponents had only three players (one pulled out at the last minute) so had to forfeit one game.  As we had seven players on our team I opted not to play.  This gave a chance for Luke and Harry (both 8) to get some match practice.  Mike also played his first game (with his new boules).  Others included Jenny and regulars Pat and Darren. Unfortunately for us, Meadlands (winners of the competition outright last two seasons) were too strong and the team went down 0, 4 and 6.

Bressingham Bugle

Thank you to Pat for helping us man the 'Target Boules' at the Bressingham School Fete/Flower Show on Saturday.  Despite being away from the main field of events, we got good support from the community.

Almost actual size

Lindsay assisted the younger ones in making their own 'stick and rubber band notebooks'.

News/league match result

We attended the funeral of Peter Turner in the morning (nice service).  Later that day we went along to the Diss Football Club for refreshments and watch a carefully constructed video snapshot of Peter's life, painstakingly put together by Yoshi.

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Les Garnier 3, Bressingham Flyers 2

It was first versus second which went to the wire.  With Les Garnier leading 2-1 and with Darren and Cyril leading 12-3, all eyes were on Les and new boy Daniel.  At eleven all, Dan played two magnificent shots to win the game.  In the other, the substantial lead was dwindling and when the jack got accidentally moved, the opponents had acres of room to point in and win the match.

It was also third versus fourth (Diss Vikings v SF Wildcats).  It means we drop down into third place whatever the result from that match.

Sunny weather brings a win with it

Bressingham Flyers 4, Norwich Stars 1 (agg 62-39)

There was some fine play by both teams and the terrain held up well considering the dry spell.  This win keeps us in touch with the top two.  Good to see Cyril returning to the fray.

Thank you to Lindsay and Diane for helping out and to everyone else that brought food and drinks.  Next up, Les Garnier who are currently top of the division.

Bressingham through to ASCL Plate Semis

BT Antares Allstars 2, Bressingham 3

Bit of a trek this one but the terrain was one of the best I have encountered (played true).  This match went all the way to a decider.  Russ and I were trailing 7-2 when I heard that Murray was now two sets up with a break in the third.  This seemed to inspire me as we didn't concede any more points after that and came away with a hard earned victory.  In between nattering, Harry (only 8) played some fine shots.

Dave/Les won 13-5, Russ/Harry lost 13-5, Les/Russ lost 13-2, Dave/Harry won 13-9.  Tie break game... Dave/Russ won 13-7.

We are due to play Gt. Finborough Chesnut Horse in the semi-finals (they have beaten us once already this season).  Thank you to Carl, Mark, Matthew and Melanie for the providing food and drinks afterwards.

Bonus ball - just got back to the car in time to tune in to the last few points in the Murray/Djokovic match... couldn't believe it (the radio was on full blast).  A super human effort by Andy.. he gave it everything!

Plate KO snippet

SF Wanderers Dolphins 4, Bressingham Flyers 1

The triple of Pat/Darren/Les were 11-0 up in their game but their opponents (Ted/Josh/Margaret) made an unlikely comeback.  All pairs lost (Pat and I only managed one point).  Scorecard has gone missing again
(not such a bad thing really).

Latest - scorecard has turned up but I can't be bothered to scan it now.  Next league match is against Norwich Stars at our place.

Nine Boules Triples - St. Faiths

A bit late with this but that's how it is these days...

I was invited to play alongside Peter Astle and Richard Green at this strange event.  It is possible to win in two ends but teams normally pick up one, two, three or four points per end (sometimes more).

Our first game was against three complete beginners (a lot more difficult than it sounds).  Our second included a team with one experienced player and two newbies (close game).  The upshot of all this is that we managed four wins from four, finishing second overall.

That's me in the middle (photo courtesy of Louise Robinson)

I'm in trouble as I forgot to mention Darren, Luke and Les who also took part.

Passing away of a friend

This weekend, Dave and I were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Peter Turner, one of the original members of Diss Waveney Petanque Club.

Peter was certainly one of the characters of the town and will be missed by his fellow players.

We send our condolences to Yoshi.

Lindsay.

Flyers back on track

Diss Duval 1, Bressingham Flyers 4  (43-59)

The date on the scorecard should read 27/6!  The triple of Dave, Jordan and Steven fought back from 11-4 down to win 13-12.  A fine display by all in the pairs.  The Diss terrain is really nice to play on.

This result consolidates our third place (no league matches next week).

Mini update

I have been a bit lazy recently so no updates for a while (people have been complaining :)).  Played at St. Faiths today in the Nine Boules Triples but more on that later.

Two Thursdays ago, Graham Beales from Gauloises invited a couple of us over to play for his team against Buckaneers in a friendly at the Morley Buck.  It was a bit of a grey evening (no sun) but was still an enjoyed by all.  Graham, Darren and myself won both of our games (one went to 13-12) but I'm not sure of the final score (it was either 3-1 or 2-2).  Some nice food laid on afterwards by the landlord so thank you to him and to Graham for organising it.

Flyers lose ground

Bressingham Flyers 2, SF Wanderers Wallabies 3 (47-48)

Not much to say except Wallabies thoroughly deserved their win.  I am mystified why this team are at the foot of the table.  I thought Jane Pridham (ex Norwich Whites) played particularly well early on.

It is always very difficult to win the match after losing both triples (only happened to me once when playing for Diss Sportif).  We are now halfway through the season already... no match next week.

Bend it like Darren

NCPA Division 3

SF Wanderers Wildcats 1, Bressingham Flyers 4 (Agg 46-62)

An excellent win that moves us up into third place.  It was all square after the triples and a slight change around in the pairings proved successful.  By the way, I always make out the scorecard 'who plays with who' before I see my opponents card.  I think this is how it is meant to be done.

Steven and Jordan almost let a big lead slip but Jordan saved his best boules till last.  Les and myself played a fairly high scoring game (lots of threes) but held firm.  The last pairing of Darren and Russ finished off in style, with Russ pointing in a good boule first.  No one could beat it, although the opponents had done their best to surround it.  But, within a flash, Darren used some side spin swervery (no such word) to score another three points to win the game and improve our goal difference :).

Next match - home to Wallabies (another St. Faiths team) who I think lost 3-2 to Diss Duval the same night/venue.  We also have to venture out this way again soon, as we are due to play SF Wanderers Dolphins from the 1st division in the Plate 1st round.  

First win in ASCL

Bressingham 4, Yaxley Cherry Tree 0

Same score as last year.  Yaxley had a couple of newbies in their team.  Harry (7) played in his first competitive match with his dad and performed admirably.  Pat and Jenny fought back from a 7-1 deficit.

Pat/Jenny won 13-8, Russ/Harry won 13-6, Dave/Jenny won 13-1, Pat/Russ won  13-2.

Nice to see Nikki, Charlie, Geoff, Bob and Rose, again.  League tables here...       https://sites.google.com/site/scparesults/home

Late result...

NCPA Division 3

Norwich White 3, Bressingham Flyers 2

The terrain was a dry as a bone with very little shingle, so pointing proved difficult.  Steven and Jordan came away with two wins.  The scorecard is missing some names and Russ couldn't make it along in the end.

Not a bad start... three wins from six matches.  Next up is Wildcats up at St. Faiths.

Rings

A short poem about pre-fabricated circles by Darren.


The Ring.

So what is it with the rings then?
Why is it, a player likes to stand over the ring?
It is a ring so stand inside it.


I have tried to think of all the reasons/excuses for players standing on or outside the ring.

1. They don't know they are doing it.
2. To gain an advantage.
3. Trip hazard/health & safety (I'm trying not to laugh).
4. Fear of rings.
5. Players forget to pick it up which means they have to walk all the way back again.
6. Not for the purist.
7. Some don't like change.

I'm sure Lindsay could make up more amusing ones.

NCPA competition

I'm Hoping a few of us will be there, although the event clashes with our home match against Yaxley Cherry Tree in the Suffolk Coastal.  Darren and Luke are also unavailable.  On the plus side though, I have managed to persuade Lindsay to play against Yaxley as a one off (I hope she can remember what to do).

Away day cheer

Suffolk Coastal League (KO Plate 1st Round)

Huntingfield Hares 0, Bressingham 4 (18-52)

It was the first time we had played at Huntingfield and it turned out to be a fine day all round.  The weather was lovely and the setting just as good with the terrain raised high above the road.  The playing surface was very small 'sharp' gravel and plenty of it (target boule didn't move far when hit).

Pat/Jenny won 13-2, Les/Russ won 13-3, Dave/Les won 13-11, Pat/Russ won 13-2.

Pat and Russ had a field day and Jenny also impressed.  Our opponents were very accommodating and they laid on some tasty grub afterwards - thanks Ray (and all the team).

Flyers refuelled (NCPA Division 3)

Bressingham Flyers 4, Buckaneers 1

After a disappointing run of losses (in both the Norfolk & Suffolk leagues and KO matches) the team finally triumphed against a re-shaped Buckaneers side.  However, the match wasn't free from incident (something to do with the circles again).  I even had to give a verbal warning to one of my players for head movement whilst I was about to throw (sorry Pat).

My games were long and drawn out (no change there then).  8-0 down in the triples (I was playing terribly) we then staged an unlikely comeback, eventually scraping through 13-12.  The other triple had a seemingly straightforward win as they led from start to finish.  Excellent wins in two of the pairings (Pat/Steven and Les/Russ) but not so good for Darren and myself as we let a 9-0 lead slip away... silly game :).

It looks like the Vikings/Duval match was cancelled.  My guess is that they will play next Thursday as there is a free week (except for those teams still in the KO Shield).  League results and tables here... http://www.ncpa.webeden.co.uk/#/div-three/4549117164.

Suffolk Coastal... two results in one?

Meadlands 3, Bressingham 1 (42-37)

It rained all match as predicted but it didn't bother me too much as I was all kitted out.

A bit of an oddity this one, as the match finished 2-2 (for a minute or so) until I noticed that we had only notched up 12 points (I was the last one off the piste).  So the players had to return to finish the game for a second time (it took a few more ends) with Meadlands edging it 13-12 (hence 3-1).  Well done to Les and Russ as they played out of their skins to win their game.

Dave/Les lost 13-8, Pat/Russ lost 13-4, Les/Russ won 13-3, Dave/Pat lost 13-12.

We are currently bottom of the league with three defeats but we were complimented by the Meadlands team on our performance and sportsmanship.

Update - it looks like I can't add up either as it was pointed out to me that we scored 37 points and not 36!

Success story

A crowd of us went along to this years Russell Harris Fun Pairs at St. Faiths on the outskirts of Norwich.  The entrance fee was still only £3 per person which included a free hot dog/burger and special (non-edible) 30th anniversary pen.  The event was well organised as usual.

I teamed up with Enzo for the first time.  I wasn't expecting much as it was a venue where I normally end up getting thrashed.  The draw was a little kind to us and Enzo's shooting was prolific.  We ended up with four wins from four (plus our joker win) to take top spot.

That's me on the left. Enzo's 'scooter' shooting was first rate.

That's not all... Darren and Luke 8 (okay, so they had a six start) and Les and Daniel (four start) both finished in the top eight (out of 22).  Each pairing had some fine wins against experienced players, winning three games each (four if you include the joker round)... well done chaps.

Local derby

Diss Vikings 3, Bressingham 2 (54-52)

It was a fairly cold and windy evening (still wore shorts though).  The terrain has had some shingle added since I last set foot on it and it played really well.  It was encouraging to see Jordan putting in some good boules in the first triple.  Cyril/Pat/Russ missed out by a single point in their threesome.  On a brighter note, we won two of the pairs but it wasn't quite enough to swing the match.  We're home to Buckaneers next.

The Bressingham club would like to wish Trevor Forder a speedy recovery (he is still poorly) and Peter Turner a successful op.

Boules rouge

Tea stained with a lashing of red marker pen - should last about five minutes :(.

I plan to use them in the Diss match this Thursday (which is nearer than a home match for most of us).

Here's something that was sent to me a while back that may be of interest...

PetanqueTube.com is site born from the idea of creating a platform that connects players around the world. PetanqueTube is an non profit video community, run by passionate petanque players. You can share your petanque videos and watch others. Site has a YouTube integration what makes uploading really simple. If you have your video already uploaded to YouTube then you can simply submit your video with just one click.

Kind regards from PetanqueTube team.

http://www.petanquetube.com

Flyers falter (NCPA Div 3)

Bressingham 1, Les Garnier 4

A disappointing result for the team on a glorious sunny evening.  My triple were already on our second end when one of the players from the opposition (in the other game) refused to play using the official Obut circles. This caused a delay in both games.  I resolved it by allowing the player to play on (drawing the circle instead of using one) as I deemed this to be more in the spirit of the game.  It was either that, or the away team would have had to play with only five players making it a mismatch.  However, this didn't go down too well with one or two of my team mates.  Please leave a comment to explain what you might have done in this situation.

Not only that but in my pairs game, the dreaded equidistant rule came into being.  This is the rule where you play bowls halfway through a pétanque match.  All this does is confuse everybody and where you have to stop players throwing in mid swing because it isn't their turn.  My view is - if you don't beat your opponents boule (being level with it is no good) the same team should throw again until they do (the fundamental rule of pétanque).  Ray Ager agreed with me on this so it must be right :).

On a much sadder note, we send our condolences to the Eccles club on the passing away of Chris Golding.

ASCL - the 'tough' division

Bressingham 1, Kings Arms Stowmarket 3 (agg 36-45)  

Same score as last weekend (and the one before that) but still a valiant effort from the team on a glorious sunny day.  Les and Pat pulled off a surprising win.  Good effort from Luke (still only 8) and Darren (still only 30 something).  Well, onto the scores...

Dave/Luke lost 13-7, Darren/Pat lost 13-8, Les/Pat won 13-6, Dave/Darren lost 13-8.  Our opponents (Andy, Tanya, Aaron and the other bloke) have been playing many years and are contenders to win the competition outright.

Slight break from the Suffolk Coastal League but we'll be back on Thursday for another match in the Norfolk & Norwich... stay tuned!

Flyers fall at first hurdle - NCPA KO Shield

The Mutton 4, Bressingham Flyers 1 (Agg 63-36)

The playing surface had only recently been relaid but played pretty well.  The rain held off and there was plenty of nice grub afterwards.

Triples: Darren/Les/Cyril lost 13-6, Dave/Jordan/Pat won 13-11
Pairs: Darren/Les lost 13-6, Dave/Jordan lost 13-1, Pat/Cyril lost 13-10 

We are at home to league leaders Les Garnier next Thursday... should be interesting.

ASCL - Explorer Division (aka A140 League)

Bressingham 1, Gt. Finborough 3  (weather - sunny)

Same result as last year but with different players.  Cyril and Jenny played their first competitive match since joining our club.  Russ, Pat and Les also played while myself, Lindsay, Mike, Mel and Harry watched on.  Even though the match was lost, the team performed fantastically well.  It was only afterwards that I told them that Gt. Finborough (formerly Cotton) were last years finalists.

Cyril and Pat playing on the far side... Russ and Jenny near side.

Pat/Cyril lost 13-3, Russ/Jenny lost 13-8, Pat/Russ won 13-3, Les/Cyril lost 13-7.

Some of the pairings were 'brand new' but you wouldn't have thought it.  A special mention to Pat and Russ who had an excellent win.  We take on another 'top' team (Stowmarket) next Sunday, same bat time, same bat channel.  Thanks again to everyone who brought stuff to eat and drink... and of course Darren and his team for making the trip up.

Flyers off to good start

NCPA Division 3

Norwich Stars 0, Bressingham Flyers 5

Garden gnomes come to mind (sorry - fuzzy pic).

The match was a lot closer than the score suggests with two games going down to the wire and another to 11. The terrain was very dry (the rain showers somehow missed Norwich) and most of us found it difficult to read at first, with boules scattered all over the place.  Jordan (14) has returned to our team in place of Lindsay. Darren and Les were the last to finish and had the whole terrain to play on.  I did my usual trick of losing the scorecard but it magically turned up the next morning.

It was nice to see Tracey and Stuart Ross for the 'Stars' again after some years.  I'm glad to see the Cottage still serve up those delicious fat chips!  We're off to Strumpshaw next week to play The Mutton in the KO shield.

ASCL KO 1st round

Bresingham 1, Framlingham 3

The nice bunch from Framlingham bouled us over in this first round knock out tie.  A good effort all round though with Darren and Luke just missing out by a single point.  Russ did well considering he hadn't played for some time and Les and Pat conceded only two points in their game.  It was quite nice watching a match for a change and the weather was good albeit windy.

Next match Thursday 18th April: Norwich Stars at the Cottage (NCPA division 3).  Talking of the Cottage, I played up there on Saturday in the 'Big C' charity pairs event.  I teamed up with Mike Cushion from the Norwich Reds... he is a mean pointer.  We won two games and lost one... about £160 was raised for the cause.

NCPA result - our first match

Bressingham 3, Diss Duval 2 (48-48 aggregate)

The match seemed a bit low key, however we scraped through, Les and Darren winning both their games.  Luke (8) also had a win.  Good to have Steven back with us (a team mate from yesteryear).

Here's Darren with his rather unusual throwing action.

Triples - Dave/Lindsay/Steven won 13-8, Darren/Les/Luke won 13-5.  Pairs - Darren/Les won 13-8, Dave/Pat lost 13-8, Steven/Luke lost 13-1.

Thank you to all that helped in setting up and others that brought food and drinks... next match on Sunday against Framlingham Shunters in the 'other' league.

Boules - spring colours

I have been colouring my boules again but instead of painting I have been experimenting with staining.  The new colours for spring 2013 are black olive and copper coin (the 'coating' easily lasts a couple of games).

NCPA league season starts

Bressingham 2, Gauloises 3 (friendly - both of us had byes).

Some of our team played under floodlighting for the first time so well done to them.  Graham Beales was in top form for the visitors as usual.

Scorecard has since turned up...
Triples -Dave/Lindsay/Pat lost 13-0, Darren/Les/Luke won 13-3,
Pairs -Darren/Luke lost 13-3, Dave/Lindsay lost 13-8, Les/Pat won 13- 3.

Les, Luke and Darren had a fine win.

Thank you to Cyril for providing the much needed Gazebo (with sides), Diane and Lindsay for making teas and coffees, Marie for baking a delicious cake and everyone else who brought food and drinks.  Thanks also to Graham and his team for making the trip down.

Next match - Home to Diss Duval (11/4).

Who we are...

For the benefit of the teams who have to visit us.

Welcome along.  Our terrain is situated in the Bressingham Village Hall car park, High Road, Bressingham, IP22 2AT (opposite the village stores).  There is plenty of parking space with toilet facilities on site.  We will be supplying sandwiches, teas and coffees (but no beer) after matches.  The local pub here has been closed for some time but you can bring your own drinks if you wish.

We use the official Obut circles as they can be clearly seen and are the correct maximum diameter.  All NCPA matches start at 7.30, Thursday evenings.  Suffolk Coastal League games are usually played at around 11.30, Sunday mornings.

Let's hope it warms up a bit otherwise I shall be wearing gloves (which is allowed)!

Floodlighting

We will be setting up and testing our portable floodlighting tonight.  If all goes to plan we will then have a game, as many of us have not played under lighting before.  There are four poles (in two parts) with two LED 10W low energy lights on each, so between 280-360 lumens in total.

UPDATE:  I'm afraid the lighting was not sufficient for our needs.  We have now opted for 500W halogen lamps as they are tried and tested.  The others are up for sale if anyone is interested (for the garden perhaps) - £5 each (normally cost around £10).  Two have been sold already!

Rule snippets

As it is nearing the start of the season, I thought it might be a good time to brush up on the rules.  Article 8 is not one I am particularly fond of (second paragraph).

You can see the rest here... http://www.englishpetanque.org.uk/documents/Official_Rules_of_the_Game_2011.pdf

Don't forget we have a meeting tonight... same bat time, same bat channel!

ASCL rearranged matches

Adnams Suffolk Coastal League 2013

There have been some changes to the fixture list, as a couple of teams are unable to play on certain dates (new dates in brown).  There is also one additional match against Framlingham in the KO tournament (in blue).

14 Apr	H	Railway Inn Shunters Framlingham
21 Apr	H	Gt. Finborough Chesnut Horse
28 Apr	H	Kings Arms Stowmarket
14th May	A	Meadlands Stowmarket*
2 Jun	H	Yaxley
23 Jun	A	Gt. Finborough Chesnut Horse
21 Jul	A	Kings Arms Stowmarket
28th Jul	H	Meadlands Stowmarket
25 Aug	A	Yaxley

* Match to be played on a Tuesday evening at 7.30.

Not long now...

Apart from the Adnams Suffolk Coastal League, we have also entered this season's Norfolk County Pétanque League, which kicks off on April 4th... official fixture list below.

4 Apr	H	Gauloises (friendly TBC)	27 Jun	A	Diss Duval
11 Apr	H	Diss Duval	4 Jul		KO Plate 1
18 Apr	A	Norwich Stars	11 Jul	H	Norwich Stars
25 Apr		KO Shield 1	18 Jul	A	Les Garnier
2 May	H	Les Garnier	25 Jul		KO Shield 3/KO Plate 2
9 May	A	Diss Vikings	1 Aug	H	Diss Vikings
16 May	H	Buckanneers	8 Aug	A	Buckanneers
23 May		KO Shield 2	15 Aug	H	Norwich White
30 May	A	Norwich White	22 Aug		S/F KO Shield/Plate
6 Jun	A	Wanderers SF Wildcats	29 Aug	H	Wanderers SF Wildcats
13 Jun	H	Wanderers SF Wallabies	5 Sep	A	Wanderers SF Wallabies
20 Jun		Bye	12 Sep		Final KO Shield/Plate

It will be interesting (perhaps surreal) to meet up with the Diss crew again (our old club) and all the others that we know.  There are bound to be a few new faces, as it has been two years since Lindsay and I last played in the Norfolk & Norwich League.

The terrain that never was...

When at the Diss Waveney Pétanque Club, I created a overflow terrain (two pistes) on the car park of the Diss Town Football Club.  It was situated about 50 metres from the main pistes and made up of sand and shingle.

I remember there was much weeding and I almost broke my back lifting the vibrating plate out of the boot of the car.  Mick (a friend of mine), made up a wooden surround (not shown) which had holes for scoreboards.

The terrain was only in use for a short period of time and soon became neglected, as it proved too difficult to maintain.

They think it's all over...

Experimental Winter League (limited ends) - all matches have now been completed.

Framlingham 2, Kettleburgh 4 (played last Sunday)

Kettleburgh 2, Bressingham 4 (played today)

Our opponents laid on some piping hot potato and leek soup... delicious!

Les and Russ on the far side - they won their game.

Luke throwing, me standing around doing nothing - we lost ours.  Photos supplied by Darren.

Darren/Les won 6-4, Russ/Lindsay won 11-10, Darren/Luke lost 7-4, Lindsay/Dave won 13-1, Les/Russ won 8-2, Dave/Luke lost 10-5.

A big thank you to Kettleburgh and Framlingham for taking part.  Bressingham finished with four wins from four games - well done to you all.

Bressingham Flyers

It's official... we will be entering the Norfolk & Norwich Pétanque League for the 2013 season.  Still a few odds and ends to tie up but we'll get there.  Team name was decided by a special vote, Flyers pipping Buzzards by one point with Bears and Scorpions just behind.

Les at the ockey.

Lindsay, boules and snow - a lethal mix.

Messy boules

Three of us played on the snowy terrain on Saturday.  It was fun for a while until our hands and feet got cold and wet.  Our match on Sunday against Kettleburgh was called off and has been rescheduled for February 10th.