Euro Cup Heartbreak for Norwich as Kettleburgh Edge Decider

3 hours ago
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Norwich Team from Left to Right:
Gavin Seymour; Sharon Thorndyke (Capt.); Tom Ralph; Mervyn Bell; Mark Bell & Richard Jeffery

Norwich Pétanque Club welcomed Kettleburgh Pétanque Club (Suffolk Coastal) to The Cottage on Saturday 25th April for a closely contested 3rd Round clash in the Euro Cup, with a place in the Semi-Finals group stage on 28th June at stake.

Kettleburgh Team from Left to Right:
Martin Inglis (Capt.); Andy Wilson; Phil Pearson; Mark Adamson; Steph Adamson; Steve Bell

With both teams fielding strong line-ups, the match got underway with the two triples games.

Triples Round

Norwich struck first as Sharon Thorndyke (capt.), Mark Bell and Richard Jeffery secured a solid 13–8 victory over Martin Inglis, Steph Adamson and Phil Pearson.

In the second triples, Mervyn Bell, Tom Ralph and Gavin Seymour were involved in a tight contest against Andy Wilson, Steve Bell and Mark Adamson, narrowly losing out 10–13.

Four people playing pétanque, focusing on the boules scattered on a gravel court. Green foliage in the background. Bright, sunny day.

With honours even at 1–1, the match moved into the deciding doubles round.

Doubles Round

All three doubles were finely poised, but it was Kettleburgh who took the early advantage as Martin Inglis and Phil Pearson defeated Tom Ralph and Gavin Seymour 13–2.

Norwich responded immediately, with Sharon Thorndyke and Mark Bell producing an excellent performance to beat Mark Adamson and Steph Adamson 13–2, levelling the match at 2–2 and setting up a decisive final game.

The last match, featuring Richard Jeffery and Mervyn Bell against Andy Wilson and Steve Bell, carried a tense atmosphere as both teams battled for the final semi-final place. Despite Norwich’s efforts, Kettleburgh proved too strong in the closing stages, taking the game 13–4 and the overall match 3–2.

Match Result:

Norwich Pétanque Club 2 – 3 Kettleburgh Pétanque Club

Kettleburgh progress to the Semi-Finals group stage, while Norwich bow out after a hard-fought encounter.

People in black attire shake hands outdoors on a gravel path. Lush green trees form the background. The mood appears friendly and relaxed.

Both teams competed in excellent spirit throughout, showcasing the very best of competitive yet friendly pétanque. Norwich Pétanque Club would like to wish Kettleburgh the very best for the remainder of the competition and hope for a rematch in the future.

A special thank you also goes to Gavin Seymour for preparing the terrain to an excellent standard ahead of the fixture, and Mark Haistead for supplying the photos.