Umbrellas in the Midst
Conditions were damp and bleak but many enthusiasts braved the elements as the Adelaide Petanque Club's super summer 2005-06 series burst into action last Wednesday night at Stirling.
The holding of umbrellas by players was as common as holding 'shot' with the boules, as persistent misty rain prevailed for most of the three rounds of matches.
Seventeen teams, comprising regular campaigners and a few 'new chums', took to the sodden Stonehenge Avenue pistes.
While many players were still shaking off cobwebs from the winter lay-off, opening night contests generally maintained a high standard, with a number of close results.
This early competitiveness was reflected in overall standings at the end of the evening, with the three leading sides finishing in close proximity after remaining unbeaten throughout the night.
The first round's bragging rights, and accompanying wine prize, was taken by RD&D. It was spearheaded by regular State League performer Dieter Loebel, as it compiled three wins and plus 20 points.
Hills Hoisters finished second, one point behind, while regular front runner The Gropers was a further point away on 18, to take third place.
The super series will continue each Wednesday night until December 14, before breaking for the Christmas-New Year period.
