The Cuckoo Mixed Triples 2007
(at the North Herts Irish Association)
I think this photo sums things up:
* Great weather
* Pleasant surrounds
* Many old friends
* Some new ones
* Great family participation
--- all along with some excellent pétanque!
The NHIA have provided the district with a very pleasant venue where the surrounds and even the playing surface is improving with age.

-- and we find a welcome under the tri-color which extends to the bar!
There were plenty of good friends full of good humour - whilst not standing in the circle
Once in the circle however, things are for real and players revert to type.

On the left we see nothing but calm, considered determination.

On the right? Do I detect a tad of naked bloody-minded aggression?
A few more well known faces:






Hey! Would you like a rogues gallery?

-- or perhaps the judges?

-- but I'm not too sure about the use of those feet under Article 26.

Along with our regulars there was at least one team that I'd never met:

They were from the West Midlands Pétanque Association (Click here for their website)
They gave me a handout mentioning several events on their calandar but not giving the venues. As I was not au fait with their area I was unwilling to put them in our Events Diary until I had further details. Since then Ross Woodward has been in touch, given me more details and I've posted a flyer for their West Midlands Classic.
And so to a few action shots
I've just about mastered the art of catching boules leaving the hand (and even a distance on their way if they travel horizontally.

But the plombé causes problems. Presumably I could get one just leaving the hand but how would that indicate this classic boule? No, the shot must be taken with the boule at or near full height. As far as I can see, this demands some knowledge that the shot is going high and then a guess as to how high.
So back to the easier shots (photo that is).

Almost the classic coaching shot (boule that is)!
And here's a lass anyone would be pleased to have in their team!
(Was it only 4 years ago?)


I must finish with this shot ..

as my camera stopped working shortly (very!) after taking it.

Well done the Cuckoos -- Great day!