Ninety-nine players turned out to get the new SAPL Interclub season underway. Despite the wintry weather and a pandemic that continues to reach new heights, this equalled the highest ever attendance record for this competition, set two years ago. One feels it won’t be long before the 100-player mark is breached.
The conditions were overcast, with a constant threat of showers, but it remained dry for the duration of play.
There were not too many surprises in the results. The reigning premiers, Eastern Suburbs, got off to another strong start with four teams in the top seven. The top honours went to their powerhouse combination of Deb Rodda, Raja Jamaleddine & Lionel Chazal, playing together as a team for the first time. No surprise there, you might think. However, despite a long and distinguished petanque career including a plethora of League silvers and bronze and success at the inter-state and international levels, along with many strong performances in state championships, this was Deb’s first ever gold medal in the Interclub competition! She will be pleased to finally get that box ticked on her CV.
Also following on from where they finished last season, in second position on the ladder, is Prospect. Their star team, Gavin Scott, Ha Nguyen & Van Nguyen, were the only ones to seriously challenge the gold medallists. They finished with silver, which makes it three top-two finishes from the three times this team has played together.
The bronze medals went to Club d’Adelaide’s Rada & Dominique Pierre, playing with new recruit Kenny May. The resultant points put Adelaide into third position, ahead of Novar Gardens and Adelaide Hills. With the demise of the Port Noarlunga club, there will now be renewed incentive for the other clubs to avoid being at the bottom of the ladder. In this case, it was FAB who were fastest out of the blocks to get a toehold on the ‘not last’ position.
Thanks to all who participated and to the Prospect club for hosting the event.
Download full reports (PDF) :