The Scottish petanque season began in earnest on Sunday 7th April at Perth Petanque Club with the annual North v South challenge.

A total of 56 (that’s 56!) players registered – the North v South is clearly a popular format! Hopefully we will see similar numbers attend club open and SPA competitions this year.  Players were divided into 10 teams for each side, with only 8 lanes available on the purpose built terrain, two games in each round would need to be played in the carpark – an unprepared surface with tiles, bricks and large stones scattered across it – a very real challenge!

Scotland’s clubs were well represented in the 10 teams on each side:

SOUTH; Troon (12 players), Inverleith (7), Penicuik (4), Birds & Bees (5)

NORTH; Birds & Bees (3) Perth (12), Inverness (9) and Fochabers (4)

The damp and cold weather meant that the planned five rounds were restricted to four.  The North roared to a 7-3 lead after the first round.  Honours were even in the next round meaning the North took their lead of 12-8 into lunch. The third round saw the North claim a further 8 victories, taking the match score to 20-10.  This left the South needing to win all games in the final round to tie and retain the trophy.

In the end the South claimed 7 games in the final round to leave the final score North 23 v 17 South.

The SPA would like to thank Perth Petanque Club for their hospitality including the breakfast roll, hot drinks and warming lunch which were much appreciated on such a cold day.

The next SPA event is Grand Prix 1 at Fochabers on Sunday 21st April.  Don’t forget that Fochabers Petanque Club are holding their ‘Spring Fling’ on Saturday 20th April (1 pm).