Hayling Island Regional Finals

43 members of Mercia Petanque Association descended upon Mill Rythe holiday village, Hayling Island, on the weekend of 10th and 11th September 2016 for their first serious event in National competition.

Saturday dawned dry and bright for the initial preparations and briefings for almost 900 players and the Team Managers for this mammoth happening, but by 9.00 the forecast rains began and continued until well into the afternoon.

Players and officials were soaked and cold but nothing seemed to spoil the amazing atmosphere. It was Mercia’s first foray into this competition and although the team finished bottom of the list on day one, there had been some close matches which could have gone our way, but sadly not. On day two, the results were better as we moved up two places on that list but not enough to improve overall.

Best memories were the ever-smiling faces and the camaraderie amongst all teams in such a serious competition and in such conditions. Sunday brightened up considerably as Sou’westers were exchanged for sun creams and the playing conditions dried out but were still difficult.

Mercia teams can hold their heads up high as their playing abilities and team spirit were brilliant. Jim.

TRI-WAY CHALLENGE, August 14th,2016

After many weeks of planning this triples competition, and all aspects necessary to carry off such a large event the day finally arrived.

Heart of England and Northern  Petanque regions arrived at Mansfield PC’s home in Titchfield Park  very early after long drives to the venue. At previous meets between the two regions, they thought it would be more acceptable to share the distances involved and hold the competition near halfway, Mercia Region’s Mansfield Club seemed to be ideally placed and the third challenger was accepted.

This would be Mercia’s first major team event since its inception and Mansfield PC  had previous success at organising important competitions, notably the Home Nations in 2014.

Mansfield Club members and volunteer helpers from other Mercia clubs were involved in the preparation and duties of producing this day to remember and many thanks to you all.

The day started very early for the volunteers as three gazebos had to be erected, pistes to be prepared and breakfasts to be ready in time to welcome our guests for the day which had dawned nice and dry thankfully.

Registration over and play began around 9.30 with the first of six rounds amid the colourful scenery of the park and the Regional “uniforms.”  After three rounds the welcome lunch break arrived, a cold buffet provided and serviced by Mansfield PC and our brilliant volunteer force.

Very soon, it was back to business for the teams as play continued until evening time when the results were added to the ongoing score sheets, giving very quick updates and a final result. Mercia Region came third with a very respectable 22 wins in their “virgin” tournament. Northern and Heart of England Regions tied on 25 wins each but the Challenge Trophy was awarded on points difference to Heart of England, congratulations to them.

Best individual team award went to Mercia, so honours were well shared out.

Our visitors then began their long treks homewards and our willing band of helpers finished the day with lots of clearing up and cleaning of the park and premises after a very long and tiring day for everyone.

The final verdict on a fabulous day’s competition was that everyone had enjoyed the experience, played in a wonderful friendly atmosphere and all in all a very successful occasion and another large feather in the cap of Mansfield Petanque Club.

Many thanks to all who helped out and/or competed on the day, Jim.

Lots of event photos can be viewed at :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mansfieldpetanque/

Then click on “albums”….Tri-way Challenge