Round 3 of the 2022-2023 InterClub Competition was held at Gawler Petanque Club on Sunday, 20th November 2022. Breaking news! Novar Gardens Petanque Club have jumped to the top of the Club Championship with a 1st and 2nd place.
As southern Australia’s wet and wild winter drags on into late November, Round 3 was another one played in less than ideal conditions. It was windy throughout the day, punctuated by frequent rain squalls – some more severe than others. Nevertheless, that was not enough to deter 84 enthusiastic players, the biggest turnout we’ve had at the Gawler venue for at least 15 years.
They were rewarded with a few brief bursts of sunshine together with some great competition.
In a season of fluctuating fortunes, this time it was Novar Gardens’ turn to shine. Taking the top honours for the day were Bruce Lucas, Giselle Whiteaker & Jean-Luc Gonnet. These three players have the distinction of claiming the first Interclub gold medals to go to Novar Gardens – a significant milestone for the competition’s youngest club as they continue to assert themselves as a genuine force to be reckoned with. For Giselle and Jean-Luc, the win also gives them a complete set of bronze, silver and gold from their last four Interclub outings.
However, the story does not end there. Completing the one-two for the Supernovars were Justin Smith, Selina Dally & Christian Puccini in the silver medal position. This made it two in a row for Justin, but it was Christian’s first League medal and Selina’s best result since transferring to Novar Gardens.
In third place were Gavin Scott, Ha Nguyen & Van Nguyen, from Prospect. Coincidentally, their result also made it a complete set of gold, silver and bronze over the last four rounds for this team as well.
It has been a couple of years since any club has taken the one-two and earned the maximum possible haul of 54 points. Doing so was enough to lift Novar Gardens from fourth to the top of the premiership table – another first for the club. They now sit 12 points clear of second-placed ESP. This season is shaping up to be just as dynamic and competitive as the last one.
Thanks to the umpires and to the Gawler club and volunteers for hosting the event and keeping everything running smoothly.
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