|
Each team of six players played
in three separate tournaments:
singles, doubles and triples, in
that order. All players entered
all tournaments. These three
tournaments were completed in
two days in very hot and dry
conditions.
The
terrain had stones scattered
everywhere and was challenging.
The level of play was generally
very high. At the end of the two
days Tahiti were the overall
winners with the highest
accumulated points over the
three tournaments. New Caledonia
second and Vanuatu third. New
Zealand was fourth and Australia
fifth. The highest result from a
New Zealand team was by Pam
Jenkins and Imelda Mailei,
placing 3rd in the womens
doubles.
One
thing that stood out for me was
a huge effort made by the
Australian Petanque Committee
members and supporters in
co-ordinating the championships.
These people worked their butts
off all weekend and not once did
I hear any of them complain.
They displayed a true definition
of team work and the results
followed. I was especially
impressed as we were driven from
airport to hotels, hotels to
terrain, then back to hotels
daily. Fed breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily and always made to
feel like welcome guests.
Tahiti is expected to host the
next Oceania championships in
year 2000 and New Zealand
petanque will be required to do
this in the near future. This is
definitely something to look
forward to and plan for.
It
needs to be mentioned that the
level of play between New
Zealand and the countries that
placed first, second and third
is surprisingly close. The main
difference being consistency and
experience at that high level of
play. One of the great
advantages about playing in the
Oceania tournament is that New
Zealand players got exposed to a
very high grade of petanque and
plenty of it (at least ten games
each).
During the games you were there
to compete, to represent your
country, your club and yourself.
While the tournament was being
played, the attitude was you
were there to win, not to
exchange smiles or phone
numbers.
However once the championship
was completed, a much bigger
picture began to unfold. The
prize giving dinner was a
highlight I will not forget. The
pressure was now off the players
and organisers and it showed.
Everyone behaving like one big
family of passionate petanquers,
smiling, laughing, yelling and
teasing each other. We warmed to
the sound of the Tahitian
ukeleles joined by jungle style
foot stomping dance steps by the
New Caledonians. Our own Tiki
Ruta rose to the occasion
performing the haka to shouts of
encouragement.
New
Zealand petanque must ensure
that it continues to take part
in the Oceania championships as
our top players will not slowly,
but rapidly, climb the
international ladder. Our best
players need and are ready for
this high level of playing
experience. The more get, the
quicker we will improve.
The
great news, is of course, that
Oceania is only a couple of
hours flight across the Pacific
Ocean.
In
closing, I would like to
acknowledge the New Zealand
delegate, Christian Fouquet’s
efforts. The first night he was
working with other countries
delegates and organisers until
4.00am. Christian is also
secretary of the executive
committee, Oceania
confederation, a position which
demands much energy.
Thanks also to the NZPA and the
many NZPA members who sold
raffle tickets, the funds from
last year’s raffle making an
important contribution to the
teams’ costs and making it
possible for so many players to
taste international competition.
'Boules Gazette', March 1999
|
