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New Zealand Open 2009
“New Zealand is
catching up,” Francis Vinni
(Tahitian pointer, NZ Open
2009).
Once again, New
Zealand players enjoyed the
challenge of top overseas
competition at Auckland’s Herne
Bay Terrain, in the fourteenth
NZ Open. Players from as far a
field as the UK and France
joined a 20 team strong
contingent from Tahiti,
Australia and New Caledonia.
Together with 25 or so local
teams, the tournament once again
established its reputation as
the most esteemed tournament in
New Zealand.
The two-day event
took place under a clear blue
sky, with temperatures exceeding
25 degrees at 90% humidity.
Whilst the intermittent zephyr
did little to cool players, it
kept the multi-nation flags
fluttering happily over the
event, creating a truly
international ambience.
It is reflective
of the developing relationship
New Zealand enjoys with its
international neighbours that
teams, comprising players from
different countries are starting
to form. This year we saw three
NZers playing with Tahitian
players and one with two
Australia players.
The format was
five round robin games on day
one with top qualification for
16 teams in the Open and 8 teams
in the female division. The Open
triples and female doubles
divisions enjoyed some very
tense and lengthy games played
in the intense heat. Players
appreciated the stop of play
midday to enjoy a one-hour lunch
break, and were grateful of the
excellent choice of hot and cold
buffet.
The first day of
the tournament saw an increase
in the number of local teams
making it through to pool play
on day two. This year 38% (n =
6) of the Open teams in the top
16 included at least one NZer,
with 50% (n = 3) of those being
all NZ players. In the female
section, 50% of the teams
qualifying to top eight were NZ
teams. Not bad statistics when
you consider the calibre of the
field.
A feature of play
on day one was both Ian Baker’s
and Oscar de Jong’s team winning
all five games to qualify as
first and second respectively.
Not to be outdone, Danilla
matched her husband, Oscar, to
take second spot in the female
division with teammate Sarah
Jane Wright.
Day 2 did not
disappoint as NZ teams continued
to display a solid performance
across all the divisions. In
fact, a NZ team was in every
final except the Plate. Once
again, NZ proved they could step
up to the gauntlet pulling off a
victory in 50% of all finals
played.
Ann Clayworth and
Myrine Gilbert battled very
close contests to the very end
losing narrowly 13 - 9 in the
female Trophy final. Jean Parley
and Margaret Maher once again
showed why they are in the
senior team winning the female
Plate division.
The three CBs
(Charlie Brock, Clive Bartleet
and Clem Boer) endured a long
and intense days play to prevail
champions 13 - 12 in the
Consolation Plate. Keeping up
their continued improving form
Walter de Thierry, Eddie and
James Inia gained victory in the
Consulate final with a stunning
13 - 0 win against Tahiti.
However, the
greatest nail biter came down to
the semi-final of the Open
Trophy with NZers Ian Baker,
Richard Swaney, and Michael
Emerson beating Siaou, Turiva
and Teriinoho 13 - 12. We all
anticipated a good match and so
it proved - long ends, point for
point. NZ slowly eroded the
early lead by Tahiti with a
solid performance of pointing
and shooting to prevail as the
victors.
It was indeed a
battle royal!
In the intense
heat and after a fraught and
torrid semi, NZ were gallantly
defeated 13 - 1 by one of the
regular high performing Tahitian
teams.
C’est la vie!
An interesting
observation a few spectators
made is that typically, it
seems, the quality of a semi
final is higher than that of a
final - why is that?
-
Do players
pull back a little when they
have ‘made it?
-
Do players
suddenly begin to think more
and (over) analyse what is
normally instinctive
tactics?
-
Is the
pressure too great at this
stage and thus performance
drops off?
-
Or, is it
simply one game too many?
It is probably a
combination of factors.
Nevertheless, one thing is for
sure, playing all day in the
intense sun in NZ definitely
affects player’s performance, a
la the French Team last year.
Their performance was definitely
below par. They usually begin
play at midday and progress to
the evening.
Is this a
consideration for NZ? Why do we
insist on starting play at 8.00
or 9.00am!
Notwithstanding
the heat or any of the results,
without exception NZ players
demonstrated an improving
display of petanque over the
weekend, which was not lost on
our visitors. Some of the
Tahitians later commented that
the game in NZ had certainly
lifted in recent times.
They believe this
is due to the emergence of
terrains that require plombe and
boule to boule shooting. They
also noted that NZers are
getting more tactical savvy.
Do they realise
FIPJP are considering holding
qualifying championships in each
region (Africa, Americas, Asia,
Europe, Oceania) prior to each
world championship?
And so, another
NZ Open ended and it was no
exception this year as once
again we experienced the
petanque culture of other
countries. We had tears,
laughter, good humour, tension,
even inebriated brawls (although
no death threats like Philippe
Suchaud has when he plays in
Marseille) and the usual betting
on games to the tune of hundreds
of dollars.
A truly
international affair!
Sincere thanks to
sponsors Auckland City Council
and Peugeot Sime Darby. Warren
Barrett as Tournament Director
and John Degueldre as Arbitre
and to the many organisers and
helpers including:
Paul O’Connor,
Alan Heron, Ian Baker, Keith
Taylor, Judy Barrett and Nicola
Brock
To the caterers
and bar staff and to Michael
Emerson for doing the draw. An
added treat was radio and
television coverage of the event
on TV I on the Saturday 6 0’
clock sports news. Several
copies of the news clip are
available but Sharon Cannon (the
guest speaker) is still
re-playing them all!
Reflections on the PNZ
Representation Process
The inaugural PNZ Representative process
concluded at Herne Bay with the second selection
camp in March.
The full process is available on the PNZ
website, but essentially comprised individual
baseline skills assessments and assessment camps
where players were scored in doubles or triples
combinations, in their preferred positions.
It is a good time to reflect on the process, to
look at what went well, what could be improved
and where to from here.
The remainder of the article is transcribed
comments from players whom registered in the
process, the Technical Directors involved in the
development of the process and the coaches, and
scorers involved in Camps 1 & 2.
Technical Directors
The Technical Directors (TDs) felt that overall
the implementation of the process went very
well. The aim of the process was to move to a
more structured and professional approach to
turn petanque into a competitive sport as well
as a pastime game in
New Zealand.
The TDs wanted to ensure that the process was
available to every player and transparent
throughout, so that players could see where they
were tracking. Based on the French system, the
TDs devised the triangle system whereby players
went through a series of skills assessments and
game play, the results of which form their
ranking, in their preferred position.
The TDs believe that process played out pretty
much as most people expected regarding the
selected squad. Those players, most people would
predict to ‘make it’, did. These players
consistently hovered towards the top of the
ranking all the way through, whilst others went
to the wire with the last couple of positions
down to one or two people.
There are some lessons to learn from the process
for next year including:
-
Ensuring quality control over the regional
skills assessment to ensure the application
of a standardised approach, as much as
possible
-
Clarification of players preferred positions
early on in the process so that player
ranking reflects their level in preferred
position compared to their peers i.e.
pointers with pointers vs. with everyone
else
-
Consolidation of team combinations at camp
two as a squad rather than still vying for
position
-
More involvement of the coaches in camp two,
in particular with teams of four and how to
use the impact player
-
Expect a 20-30% withdrawal rate. Most
players cited personal reasons or change in
circumstances as the reason for withdrawal.
Some simply decided to withdraw as the
process progressed
The TDs are keen to run the system for two years
to obtain good data before PNZ make any changes.
Notwithstanding this, some minor modifications
as bulleted above will be made.
The overall impression and feedback to the TDs
is that players recognise the process was well
thought through, well structured, and serves to
improve the performance of NZ players by putting
together compatible teams and supporting those
teams with ongoing coaching.
The TDs maintain that this process will not
reach its desired state in the first year,
rather it is likely to take five years, but they
are delighted with the results of the first year
and encourage players to put their name down
next year.
The players involved in the process offer the
following feedback
The majority of players acknowledged that this
representative process is by the far the most
comprehensive, professional and transparent
process petanque in NZ has had. Players
appreciated being in a process, where their
individual actions and team results spoke the
loudest
Some initially felt the process saw the sport
going backwards as it came down to simply
measuring skills (on the day) and boules thrown
rather than the other, equally important stuff –
team work, application, character.
Players wanted to know – would the process
elicit those players with all round ability, who
can play in different positions, are good
strategists, mentally tough and who add value to
the team, other than skills?
The answer to this question will probably be
different for every player. However,
irrespective of peoples concerns, most players
recognised that it did achieve its objective -
To select our best performing players to
represent New Zealand
Of course, our ‘best performing players’ are
those who are in the system and therefore
available.
Some players first challenge was whether to try
for the Senior or the Open team. However, when
players suggested that seniors shouldn't go for
the Open, they did!
“If those boys and girls wanted to be in the
Open then they had to show they could beat all
comers even the seniors.” Good fighting spirit
from the outset!
For others, the first challenge was the Regional
Assessment Day when they realised they had to
point over a ‘wooden wall 2 metres high’ (or so
it seemed at the time) and stop in a circle on
the other side. Some admit they made a mess of
that, but now it's "what piece of wood."
It was actually a 4"X4" beam.
Players agreed they had no idea how tough it
would be. People think it is easy to point to
the cochonnet but when you have one boule to
throw and this is scored - it is tough. No
doubt, you will hear players say how easy it
must be - well let them try!
The camps were deemed a great concept -
"Toughest games I have ever played, and every
game counted"
Most agreed that it was a great experience and
they practiced hard. Some practiced once or
twice a day and improved their overall fitness.
But on the day "couldn't hit the side of a barn
with a blunderbuss (for the young ones it's a
type of gun)"
"Why
is it that I can shoot a boule perfectly in
practice, yet throw a wowser in the game?"
"and why does the biggest stone always greet my
boule!"
Can you have too much practice and too much
petanque?
Coaches - can you answer that?
One player played the shot of the weekend - The
Plombe Spin-Back Carreau Shot
"At
the time we were down 9 - 0 to David, Andre &
Maurice and in danger of being fannied. With
their last boule, they snuck inside my first
point, 500mm to the side and behind the
cochonnet.
I chose to plombe inside this gap. Misjudging my
landing spot, my plombe cracked down on their
holding boule, sending it flying. My boule spun
back to rest on a group of boule in front of the
cochonnet. The upshot of this incredible shot
was we took 4 off the end, & saved face.
Unbelievably, my skilful shot was greeted with
an immediate outbreak of hysterical laughter
from scorer Sue Nielsen and I think she scored
me an ‘F’ for Flippin’ hilarious!!”
Players enjoyed the opportunity to play with
other players whom they would ordinarily not get
to play with.
Some were quite nervous at the start, playing
with such ‘high caliber’ players. However, they
felt that they gained good experience playing
with these players and learnt so much more about
the tactics and great teamwork.
It was also good competing in a tense and
serious atmosphere and often there wasn’t a
sound as people focused on every boule. Even Mr
Porter was nervous as he called out the partners
for the skills assessment at Camp 1. Michael
Rocks was partnered with Joanne Rocks!
Everyone was very focused and friendly and kind
and despite the constant competing against each
other, players conducted themselves with decorum
and professionalism. The Herne Bay terrain is
very testing, however, there was some very good
petanque played over the weekend. Everyone
seemed to be in good spirits, and the whole
weekend went well.
At the end of this process, there was greater
respect for each other amongst all the players
and officials.
Players felt this process was more comprehensive
than previous endeavours, in terms of the skills
assessment and scoring individual’s performance.
However, it was noted that a standardised
approach to the regional skills assessment needs
to occur next time as the variances could have
affected player’s results.
One player – who did not make the cut,
acknowledged, "the outcome is the strongest team
selected, and we will do well against the
Aussies"
Most players acknowledged the hard work and
thinking that had gone into the development of
this process. They appreciate the effort and
commitment of all the volunteers, the TDs,
especially Murray Porter who ran the whole
process very efficiently and without a glitch –
well done Muzza!
The $50 registration fee
Money well spent, to participate in a process
that others chose not to be involved with, and
that was a cost to PNZ. Given the amount of work
involved in the end, $50 was cheap!
The $50 registration fee was value for money as
it enabled a skills ranking, which was
worthwhile. The time and effort, which went into
the whole programme, was very much appreciated.
One player noted that when they first heard of a
new selection process where each player had to
pay $50.00 and do some exercises, they were not
convinced it was the best way to find the top NZ
team for international representation.
However, after having been through the full
process they are now satisfied that the top men
and women had to perform consistently over 2
weekends at Herne Bay. There was a lot of
pressure on each player as scorers recorded each
boule you played and by the end of the 2
weekends, each player knew how they performed in
each game with different partners and over the
whole process.
The player now firmly believes that there will
be a lot more players who aspire to represent NZ
next year and the competition will be even
harder.
Others compared this process to past selections
by either a coach/selectors or becoming the
National Triples Champions. They conclude that
these processes were not popular or robust. The
first was too subjective and unclear. Players
didn’t know how ‘you made it’ and felt there was
never a chance to break in. The latter was too
biased towards one-chance elements and reliant
on a random draw.
Any gripes?
Not really, other than prior to the 2nd camp
some were feeling pretty exhausted mentally. So
much commitment and still one more camp to go.
It was good to finish on the Saturday and relax
on the Sunday with the mixed teams.
The process was tough, but it was fair and most
were very happy with the outcome, not just for
themselves, but also for the New Zealand Team
Some felt that the camps were too close together
which was hard on the pocket; particularly given
both camps were in Auckland. However, others
acknowledged that this was balanced by having
all the qualifying tournaments outside of
Auckland.
How do we strike a balance?
Scorers’ comments
At the end of each game, it was interesting to
see very quickly, how a player had done eg. 12
ends; pointing first boule consistently at Bs
but second boule at Ds. Therefore, in a minute
you can sum up how someone performed.
The marks for the middle player were somewhat
lower than a pointer because the end is crowded
and harder to point in or they played a
defensive boule. The shooter also scored zero if
they miss, even if the miss is very close.
Some scores were more difficult to determine.
For example, a first point scores a B, if it is
say 50cm from the cochonnet - this is deemed a
good boule. The opposition however, may
consistently out point the boule, yet these
boules score the same - B. Perhaps the
first boule would be scored differently.
Another example is a boule pointed right on the
cochonnet. The shooter misses twice and then
their pointer sits on the inside of the boule
and takes the point. This boule should have been
an A but was only scored a B.
As scorers become more experienced and confident
in the scoring, it will better reflect the game.
It was an astute tactic by Murray to have each
scorer, score every team over the weekends, to
even out any variances in the scoring.
Irrespective of our learning, the statistics do
tend to reflect a player’s performance and are a
very useful measure to use. As scorers, we could
see which player performed compared to their
peers and which teams were compatible and
performing. Some players played a similar
tactical game, which reflected in their scores
and performance.
The scores may not identify total team
performance, as someone could be off for the
game and the players change around to give that
person some breathing space.
However, over a series of games the scores
probably do elicit the compatible player
combinations. It is also important to observe
the team’s demeanor and interaction during the
game.
So, we all lick our wounds of battle and lament
on the missed carreau for game, the crucial
point that hit the stone.
Some of us can enjoy the taste of achievement as
we toiled through the process and made it all
the way.
Others will no doubt feel disappointed. Some
will blame the system and look for ways it did
not work for them, while others will reflect on
their performance and re-focus even harder for
next year
Whatever a player’s disposition, everyone will
undoubtedly get behind and support our players
going to the Trans Tasman this year. It’s a
great team, all very dedicated to the sport and
we are well represented by them. We all will
want the NZ Trans Tasman team to achieve the
hitherto unachievable – win in Australia!
Summer Petanque? Yeah right
The inaugural
South Island Women’s Triples
Tournament was held at Timaru
Town & Country Club on Sunday 21
February. The ‘gals’ weekend
away started with a most
enjoyable social dinner at a
local restaurant on Friday and
all retired to bed ready for the
following day’s fray. Little did
we know the trauma that awaited
us the following day?
Saturday dawned -
totally miserable weather with
torrential rain that did not let
up all of Saturday. However, we
southern women are made of hardy
stock so we decided to ignore
the weather and continued to
play and drip and play and drip.
Consensus was
that the number of random games
planned should be shortened and
after three games the top 8 went
into an elimination playoff. By
this time only the top tier of
terrains were playable and all
games were held on the 5
available pistes.
Eventually the
finals were reached and the
Championship came down to the
teams of Kirsten Kearns, Amy
Beatson and Mavis Thompson (Timaru
T&CC) playing the ‘MAD’ team of
Marilyn Bunce (Alexandra), Anne
Sinclair (Caversham) and Diane
Findlay (Christchurch).
The Timaru team
prevailed 13 - 12 in a tense and
see sawing final. The Plate
final was won 13 - 10 by Philipa
Browne, Karilyn Murray, Barbara
Parker (Timaru T&CC) who
defeated Maureen Morgan, Val
Partleton, Caroline Kinloch (Papanui).
The presentations
to the winners and runners up
followed before everyone dripped
out the door and headed for a
hot shower. Most returned in the
evening for a social meal at the
Timaru Town and Country Club.
Sunday saw a
beautiful fine and sunny day
(wouldn’t that just make you
weep!).
The South’s
Regional coaches, Mark
Richardson, Warren McConnell and
John Targett were on hand to
conduct workshops on playing
technique, tactics etc and all
players were intermingled with
different partners. This was a
most enjoyable session and
fitted in with the philosophy
behind holding a women’s event.
Thank you guys for giving up
your weekend and time to assist
the players.
The proposal to
hold a women only event had
little to do with 'sexism'. ft
was about encouraging the
development of women as players
to enter and learn from a
tournament environment. It was
pleasing to see so many women
from different petanque clubs
entering this tournament.
The ‘MAD’ team
weren’t able to display their
exotic outfits to the fullest
because of the weather. Maybe
that wasn’t such a bad thing!
All players are encouraged to
make up teams and plans to enter
next year. Let’s make this event
fun and get away from the idea
that you need to win to have
fun.
Next year’s
format is expected to differ
slightly from 2009.The proposal
is to hold a training session on
the Saturday morning with the
tournament random games
commencing on Saturday
afternoon. The tournament
knockout rounds would be held on
Sunday morning thus allowing
players time to travel.
South Island
Women’s Triples Championship
Trophy:
1st: Kirsten
Kearns, Mavis Thompsom, Amy
Beatson
2nd: Diane
Findlay, Anne Sinclair, Marilyn
Bunce
3rd=
Sarah Bennett, Val Moon, Deirdre
Wilkin; Janet Goodin, Val Allen,
Kelsey Bradshaw
Plate:
1st: Philipa
Browne, Karilyn Murray, Barbara
Parker
2nd: Maureen
Morgan, Val Partleton, Caroline
Kinloch
3rd=
Daphne Bell, Nola Turnbull,
Norma Campbell; Pat O’Sea,
Yvonne MacKenzie, Glenna
Sutherland
Diane Findlay
14th
Northern Schools
Petanque Triples Tournament
Herne Bay
Petanque Club, Salisbury
Reserve, Friday 27th March 2009.
The initiative
for the tournament again
emanated from Alliance Francaise
du Auckland, representing
College Sport. This year saw
several people organising the
Alliance Francaise side of the
proceedings with Rosemarie
Arnoux coming out of retirement
to take charge in the final
hours.
This is the third
year that I have been the
convenor and organiser on behalf
of the Auckland Petanque
Association, I am still learning
hopefully from mistakes made in
the past, on reflection there is
still room for improvements.
The success of
the day can be attributed to the
input of the following
volunteers (seniors of
grandparent vintage):
Warren Barrett,
Judy Barrett, Ryan Cha, Myrine
Gilbert, Barry Hickman, Val
Home, David Lippard, Margaret
Maher, Bob Murphy, Charles &
Jean Parley, Frank Pinder, Jim
Wills, Rex Wood, Norman
Stanhope, and Keith Taylor.
These volunteers
were from the Herne Bay, Cockle
Bay, Kennedy Park, Northcote and
Stanley Bay Clubs.
A special thanks
to Ian Baker for dividing the
Herne Bay terrain into 30 pistes
for me.
We had a visit
from Graeme Easte Councillor,
Western Bays Ward who was very
impressed with the gathering and
passed on information which
could be useful for the APA in
obtaining our own grounds.
Thanks to the
Herne Bay Petanque Club for the
use of their facilities, for
without their generosity this
event would not take place. My
humble apologies to any one
missed.
I never cease to
be amazed at how the youth who
attend this tournament react
with each other, It is a joy to
witness the rapport and mutual
respect that is so evident
between the players and the
helpers throughout; to many of
the volunteers this aspect was
the feature of the tournament
and a humbling experience to
realise that the upcoming
generation is not as bolshy and
impolite as the news reports
would have us believe.
Friday 27th March
dawned with a cloudless sky
which remained with us all day.
This year saw a huge increase to
the number of teams 58 and
schools 18 entered, plus
approximately 25 teachers and
guardians giving us with the
Alliance catering members
approximately 220 people on
site.
The tournament
format provided for continuous
play for all, with a qualifying
random draw round of 3 games per
team in the morning, these
results culminated in 6 pools of
8, 1 pool of 6, & 1 pool of 4
playing a further three games in
the afternoon, a scheduled total
of 174 games. The morning
seeding games were played to 9
point and the afternoon pool
play was to 11 points.
Naturally playing
standards varied, with many keen
tyros having their first
experience of tournament play.
In the hot and dry conditions
the terrains were fast, but in
keeping with petanque tradition,
did not always run true.
Nevertheless, we were treated to
some very interesting &
competitive encounters and some
very fine bouling.
This year saw the
team from Glenfleld College of
Regan Baucke, Levi Callaghan and
Blair Duncan win the ‘Boules To
You’ Cup with Auckland Girls
Grammar Girls team of Whitney
Barnes, Zoe Sheltema, Rosie Land
coming second.
As an aside one
of the players in the Glenfleld
team Regan Baucke is Trevor
Neilson’s grandson and the other
two had never played before.
Rangitoto College
Team 2 of Chad Booysens, Dwight
Booysens and Zach Morrison were
third.
This is the third
time in three years the Cup has
gone to a different school. The
top three teams in the top four
pools were awarded medals for
their efforts. (a total of
thirty six medals).
Congratulations
to all who took part and we hope
you return again next year.
The organisers
acknowledge with thanks the
support of the following
sponsors:
Warren Barrett
Convenor
President Cockle
Bay Petanque Club |
