Eurocup Update 2
Having beaten Feering Bell in Round 2, the Kettleburgh team travelled 'up north' for their Round 3 match, playing Bob Carter Centre Pétanque Club in Norwich, who had beaten British Sugar Sports and Social Club 5-0 in Round 2.
With a place in the Semi-Finals at stake, this was always going to be a tough challenge, and in the open triples Phil Pearson, Matt Conway and Baillie Inglis never got into their stride at the start, and the BCCPC team took full advantage, scoring 10 points in two ends to win 13-1.
In the mixed triples Deborah Bell, Steve Bell and Richard Baker had closer game, and with neither team able to capitalise on their opportunities, the game took over 90 minutes to play. At 11-11 BCCPC put their last boule right on the coche, with Kettleburgh having 2 boule left Richard’s shot ran back with the coche to give Kettleburgh the win 13-11.
In the open doubles Steve and Richard were able to get ahead with some good pointing and shooting and despite a late comeback from BCCPC, they were able to run out 13-7 winners to put Kettleburgh 2-1 up,
Deborah and Baillie had another close game in the mixed doubles, with neither team able to get more than a couple of points ahead. At 9-9 BCCPC edged closer to victory scoring a 2 to go 9-11 up. Kettleburgh replied with 2 points of their own to level the game at 11-11. In the next end a good first point by Deborah took 3 boule to beat, before her second point picked the coche up and moved back with it. BCCPC missed the shot, and failed to out point this with their last two, leaving Deborah to point in for game with her third boule, sealing a 3-1 win for Kettleburgh.
In the last open double Phil and Matt were involved in a tight battle, however with the score at 7-7, BCCPC conceded the game as a dead rubber once the mixed doubles were completed.
Thanks to BCCPC for their hospitality, with the game being played in great spirit.
A good team win for Kettleburgh means we now go forward to the Semi-Finals in June/July with the other 15 top club teams in the country.