Petanque Competition – Clan Donald Hawke’s Bay

A small but very keen group of Clan Donald Hawke’s Bay members gathered for the first event of the year. This was held at Bruce and Halina McGechan’s   residence in Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay, on Saturday the 22nd of February.

After putting the final touches to the pavilion, it was time for a break, and although it was slightly overcast it was very warm, so everyone relaxed with a cool drink.

Around 10.30am it was time to start the competition. There were three teams made up as follows: The McGechan Team of Bruce and Halina, The Parker Team of Ruth and Bruce Parker, and the Ellis Team of Don Ellis and Doug McGechan.

 

Standing from the left, Bruce McGechan, Ruth Parker, Don Ellis and Bruce Parker. Seated Halina McGechan and Doug McGechan.

 

Each team selected which boules they would use, and the first game was between the McGechan and Ellis teams, which was won by the McGechan team.

 

Don Ellis, Bruce Parker and Bruce and Doug McGechan selecting the boules for their teams.

 

Halina McGechan about to play her third boule while being watched by Don Ellis.

 

Halina’s third boule was still no closer than her first boule. 

 

The next game was between the Parker and McGechan teams, and this time the Parker team well and truly beat the McGechan team.

It was jokingly suggested that Ruth must have been practising a lot, as she was so accurate during the game. She placed her boules so close to the jack, blocking the opposition, and also knocking away the opposition boules. She was a natural being so consistent throughout the competition.

 

Bruce McGechan and Bruce Parker checking that the Parker team had well and truly won the game.

  

Ruth Parker and Doug McGechan watching the games from the shade.

  

After a couple more games everyone enjoyed some refreshments before lunch.

 

 

Enjoying refreshments before lunch are Halina and Bruce McGechan, Doug McGechan, Don Ellis and Bruce Parker.

 

The competition continued, after lunch, with another round of games. This time The McGechan team managed to beat the Parker team by one point. However, that was the only time, with the Parker team beating both the McGechan team again as well as the Ellis team. Then it was the turn of the Ellis team to beat the McGechan team.

 

 

Don Ellis on the right, carefully watching Bruce Parker about to throw his third boule.

 

The boules being cleared away after the last game.

 

The winner of the Petanque Competition was the Parker team, which was no wonder with Ruth being such a natural player. Second was the Ellis team and of course the McGechan team was last.

Afternoon tea and coffee was served, as well as other refreshments, and then the winning Parker team were presented with a couple of bottles of sparking wine. One bottle was opened immediately, and everyone drank to a great day and a very enjoyable competition.

 

The winning Parker team in the centre, flanked by Bruce McGechan and Don Ellis on the left, and Doug McGechan on the right.

 

Everyone enjoying some of the winners sparkling wine. Guess who is taking the photograph?

 

Everyone enjoying some of the winners sparkling wine. Guess who is taking the photograph?