Monkstone Pétanque Club

With the mid-point of the 2018 League season reached the following is a brief review of how our 5 teams are getting on.

FIRST DIVISION

The Monarchs started well and were top of the division for a couple of weeks. Results in recent weeks have fallen away slightly and they are now lying in 3rd place in the league. In the Cup/Plate the Monarchs suffered a surprise defeat away to Creigiau Crusaders.

The Minotaurs have struggled a bit but have recorded 4 draws and a win out of the 7 games played. Except for 1 week, they have regularly been in the next to bottom slot, which is where they are now lying. In the Preliminary Round of the Cup they had an easy win away to Barnes Wallace as the opponents could only field 3 players. In the next round they face the Monarch’s conquerors, Creigiau Crusaders, at home.

SECOND DIVISION

The Marauders, led this year by Phil Roberts, have not had the best of starts winning 1 match and getting 3 draws. They are currently next to bottom in the division. In the Cup, the Marauders had a bye in the Preliminary Round and now face third division side Monkstone Inn Youth away in Round 1.

THIRD DIVISION

The Musketeers have struggled to get a team together some weeks but have always made it in the end. This reflected in their 6th place in the table. Hopefully with 5 new players having joined, or about to join, the Club, the situation will be eased for the Musketeers and the other teams in Division 2 & 3. In the Preliminary Round of Cup the Musketeers lost in a difficult away tie to first division side Wenvoe Dragons.

The Mystics, led this year by Judith Smith, have had an excellent first half of the season and currently lie in 3rd place with 2 wins and 4 draws. In the Preliminary Round of Cup the Mystics came out on top against fellow third division side, Penarth Panthers. In Round 1 they have a more difficult tie at home to Maesteg who are running away with Division 2, not having dropped a point at the halfway stage.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON

A very enjoyable Melee was held today organised by Mike Jones. The weather was a bit iffy but 16 players turned out to take part. It was especially encouraging to see potential new members Bob, Marge and Tony competing. Only 2 games were played and 7 players managed to win both games including newcomers Bob and Tony.

When all the scores were totted up, Tom Mills & John Barnes were placed joint 2nd and the organiser, Mike Jones, declared himself the winner.

Heard in the Club afterwards when explaining how a melee works “Its a great way for the weaker players to compete as, if they get paired with a good player in each game, they have a very good chance of winning”.