AGM Report of the League Captain 2007

AGM Report of the League Captain 2007
Well once again we have had a busy year home and away, our standard of play is improving all the time. We are making the name of Amities Boule Club known in all circles of our sport.This year we have played two teams in the NDL and one in the Southern counties 6 side league div 4.Our North Downs teams have played well. Mike and I divided the members wishing to play between us, both having around 16 people per team.The Wasps and The Bees both came 3rd in their leagues, both teams with the same points. The finals where against Bordon and Oxshott novices with Bordon taking the honours.

The SCPA 6 a side team played very well again this season to come 2nd beating Hampshire Rose by 1 point. Once again we will have to wait for the teams rejoining next year, if they are the same as this year we will be promoted to the 3rd division.

We took 27 players and 2 non playing guests to Jersey this year this is the most for an away open, once again a good weekend was had by all.We had a few of our group collecting winnings at the gala dinner.Jan and I came third in the 1st consolage, Kath and Carolyn came third in the 2nd Consolage.Dan and Joan won the longest name prize “psychological and medical”Bobby and Sue won the prize for the most app name “Bobby and Sue”Our guest Ray Austin from Adur won the men’s mêlée on the Sunday and Jan came 4th in the ladies mêlée.

Next year May 2008 we are organising a trip to the South of France to take part in the 11th British Boule Challenge. This is a 10 day trip playing boule against French club every other day of the trip.See Jeff for the full details.
Boules on the beach was a great success with over 40 players coming from over 6 clubs. The weather was not as good as it could have been but it was dry until just after our lunch. Ten people back to our house for a Bar b q in the evening when the weather was fine and warm and we all sat outside until after 9.

The North Downs league mêlée this year attracted 28 people; this meant that we could all play doubles all day. The standard of play was very good and the Winner was our own Chairman Joan who was the clear winner. We made over £50 on the day including entry fees and raffle. This money is held in the North Downs League pot, and is used to pay for entry fees to the league, to subsidize sandwiches and chips at our home events, and pay for some of the wine and the hire of the building for the North Downs League party which is held for those who have played in this years league matches.

We have also taken part in the European Clubs Championships we played Southampton City and were beaten in the first round. This was a new competition for us, it being a knock out competition against all of the EPA clubs, the final 8 clubs would represent England in Europe next year

And finally as a club I think our finest day this year was our Open Triple competition which we dedicated to Rachel who had just passed away.. There were 49 people taking part coming from Kent, Croydon, Welwyn Garden City, Southampton, Worthing, Bordon, Oxshott. We played leagues in the morning followed by knockouts in the afternoon. We borrowed the drive from our next door neighbours which gave us 8 piste and allowed constant play all day.The standard of play and players was fantastic..Taking part included one of this years ladies EPA triples champions, 1 of this years EPA juniors triples and doubles champion, 4 of this years GB players. 1 GB umpire (who is now umpiring in NZ). Plus over 20 players who where using this competition as a warm up for the National regional competition.The winner for this year was Merl, Dan, and Mark from Croydon.I would like to thank everyone who helped in making this day run smoothly and enjoyable for everyone taking part.

Here’s to next year’s competitions.

But before we do, we must decide what our club requires of their league captain.North Downs league, do we continue playing 16/17 players per team and enjoying the social side of the game or do we concentrate on finding a winning team to compete against the likes of Bordon, Racing Club, Vikings and Oxshott who produce teams just to win competitions.Southern counties, this year I have tried to put out our best players out in all games, due to holiday etc we have not always been able to do this. But we have produced some cracking scores when we have.I believe next year we should have two teams in the Southern counties, and two teams in the North Downs league. This will mean more of us joining the EPA, come on lets get playing boule improving skills as we enjoy our games

Thank you all for your support.