A fantastic afternoon and once again a friendly but serious competition where not only the weather was hot with the sun blazing down but also the competition taking place.
A total of 28 players took part with each expat teamed with a Portuguese in 7 groups of four for the initial stage. A straight forward draw took place to decide the teams so that no favoritism took place with anybody choosing their team mate. Therefore 3 games per group and each game consisting of 7 ends only with the points scored counting. This as opposed to the normal rule of playing until one team reaches 13 points to limit the time a game takes. The winner of each group plus the next highest scorer going through to the traditional knockout stage. Expats included not only English but Germans and Belgiums also.

In fact there were 3 knockout stages, one for the first eight, one for the second 8 and then the final 12. Therefore there was interest throughout as everybody would be placed from winners down to the last in 28th.
After about 5 hours of playing the results were in.
The eventual winners were Dieter Peschel and Jose Barbudo  with Jose having a strong knack of hitting the opponents boule out of the way consistently. The runners up were Steve Scott and Maria Jose Martinez, Steve being the winner last time and having beaten a German, Rosie and her partner Calixto could not quite make it this time and lost by one point to Dieter, who is also German, and Jose. (Steve and Maria thought they would be out at one stage as they required 5 points from there last end to go through and actually managed 6.)  In third place was Ian Johnson and Carlos Palminha.

The presentation followed and starting with the wooden spoon which meant a bottle of water (normal type this time) for both Dave Hill

and Adelino Duarte in 28th position. A soft drink followed for the next three and for all others a half bottle of wine each. The winners also receiving a small trophy to keep.

Refreshments were available throughout the afternoon to quench ones thirst which was desperately needed and after the prizes were distributed everybody was ready for the BBQ . This consisted of chicken, pork, sausage with a tasty salad and crisps. Music now played in the background and as time passed the dancing started.

Another great event with thanks to all who helped in one way or another to ensure the day was another success story. This includes the Petanca Clube ladies for preparation of the food, the Petanca Clube for laying out the lanes, Sue Bedford our photographer, Rick Hursthouse for helping to set up tables and chairs, Rick and Jose Brito for assisting with the draw, Ian Bedford for keeping a close eye and recording the scores accordingly.

The next competition will be in 2018 for the coveted cup which is retained on the Amovate premises. Details will follow at a later date in the New Year.