This time Tony McDonald takes over as chief sports reporter for our first 2024 fixture…
A fantastic start to the season..
Our first game of the new 2024 league saw weather suitable for all four seasons of the year in one match.
We started to play in bright sunshine wearing only t-shirts and then turning bitterly cold with hail and wind. We all finished well wrapped up to keep the elements out.
All players turned up early after dodging their way through roadworks and bad traffic heading into Harrogate for the flower show.
GAME ONE (Triple Clive Kath and Roger)
Despite going down 4-0 in the first 2 ends, after getting the measure of the terrain they started to play.
The newly gravelled piste was always going to suit Clive’s lobbing and he played well throughout.
Roger was leading out and put in some great opening points putting pressure on the Harrogate side. They were well supported with Kath playing well as the middler in this talented trio.
They won the game 13-4!
GAME TWO (Triple Ian Tony and Alma)
All three players played well with Alma pointing to her usual high standard. Tony shooting well taking out a few crucial boules and Ian playing a couple of outstanding boules to bring the end back to Heckmondwike
They won 13-6 and that gave us a 2-0 lead in the match going into the pairs games…
GAME THREE (Double Clive and Kath)
Our husband and wife team Clive and Kath recorded a 13-2 victory. I didn’t see much of this game but Clive came off smiling so Kath must have played well.
GAME FOUR (Double Tony and Alma)
Tony and Alma complemented each others play with Alma once again pointing to a high level and Tony continuing to hit most of his shots. Both keeping pressure on the opposing side not letting them get into the game. Coming out worthy 13-2 winners.
GAME FIVE (Double Ian and Roger)
Ian and Roger had a much closer game, nip and tuck all way through seeing it level at 10 across. Both teams playing tight ends eventually our senior pair (in age) came good and had a great 13-10 win.
Conclusion
A fantastic start to the new season. A great team effort by all players making it difficult for the selection committee in choosing the next team to play Wetherby away in our match Tuesday 30th April at 10:30.
Also a big thankyou to Karen who came to support the team (she did travel with her boules just in case we required her services) , although she watched some games much of her afternoon was spent in the shops of Harrogate….
Heckmondwike Petanque Club 