The Francis Faber Memorial Pairs was held at Inverleith Petanque Club on 11th April.

Last year a fine summer’s day drew fourteen teams, this year an even finer spring day only nine teams turned up. All the usual suspects from Fochabers, Inverleith, Perth and Stirling registered to play for our sadly departed Frenchman Francis Faber’s Trophy.

Three leagues of three were played before lunch and in the afternoon a league of four for the Trophy and similar for the Plate. But there were nine teams you say – shimples klick – ‘One of teams not making top four from morning’s leagues not do plates!’

Regardless of the good weather we were warned that Francis always rained, or words to that effect, on his parade, well Francis, where were you on Sunday? Have you turned over a new leaf!

The Trophy produced keenly fought games and was won by John W and Robbie S with two wins and a better points difference than Emma M and Colin S with Jean and Henry H coming third.

Mags and Monty M were unbeatable in the afternoon to win the Plate.

The Francis Faber Trophy

Winners – John Wilson and Robbie Stronach – Fochabers.

Runners up – Emma Montgomery and Colin Stewart – Inverleith.

Third – Jean and Henry Hutcheson – Perth.

The Francis Faber Plate

Winners – Mags and Monty Montgomery – Inverleith.

Runners up – John Watson – Bees and Douglas Hamilton – Perth.

A fine day out and yet again excellent stovies at lunch time, but where was the gateau, courtesy of John P and his lady wife, was enjoyed by all.