Beer Social Club - Sam's Boules Reports
Lamb (mutton) v Beer Club - 16th September
We Are the Champions
On Tuesday 16th September, the Beer team set off for Axminster in the most important game of the season, a game that must be won to triumph in the league. Not a pleasant evening, the summer had coincided with Boules to end on this night. Mimi Mark a.k.a. grouse and gay (due to his proclivity to mince when moaning) and the more respectable Maureen took to the piste for the first game which we hoped would set the scene for the evening's foray, The stability of Maureen mixed the more controversial but occasionally accurate boules of Mimi the Mincer to set Beer on the road with a 9-3 victory. Next up were the fine pairing of Gerry the water man and Big Kim. Surely this pair would carve out another victory. We did not get off to a good start, were nerves creeping in? Gradually, though our pair started to work out a rhythm as we gradually pulled the score back. However the rhythm struck a false note as The Lamb finally pulled ahead to win 9-7. Then came the final pairing as the so far undefeated pair of Captain Incredible Steve Ward and Lanky Sam Carlin. back from his travels, faced the opposition for the final pairs. Beer took an early lead and with some fine bouling bringing gasps of amazement from the massed crowds continued to win 9-1. The final triples began with Dave, Maureen and Colyton Mark playing for Beer. They all played very well to see off the opposition by 9-4. Beer 3-1 up with one to play, Steve, Gerry and Sam were to play the final game of the season. Although the game was nip and tuck, with Beer 8-7 up, The Lamb bouled a remarkable final end to run out winners 9-8. We had won 3 games to two but would it be enough to be champions. We had to wait. The team returned to the club in jubilant mood but all too aware that if the Kings Arms win 5-0 then they would steal the championship. After waiting for one week the news came through that the K A had won 4-1. Whilst that meant that they tied with Beer on points. Beer win the title because they won two more games. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. Congratulations to everyone that took part this year. You were all great and we would not have won without each one of you. Particular thanks to Captain Incredible Steve, not only for his playing skills but his organisation. Thanks also to all those that drove the team to away matches and to all those that gave the team their support. Next year we are expecting to be as successful in the first division. If anyone is keen on playing this entertaining game, do let any of the team know or see Bar Steward Ashley. You are guaranteed to enjoy it.
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Beer Club v Kingfisher A - 2nd September
Bitten by Kingfishers
Just a very short report as Lanky was away and not in possession of the details. The Beer team, somewhat depleted, unfortunately lost this match 2-3. They played reasonably well and ther match was only decided in the last game by 8-9. don't be disheartened lads, we will return.
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Kings Arms B v Beer Club - 26th August. Re-Arranged Match
Delay due to Nag Racing
I apologise for the delay in the report but Lanky Sam has been busy training his horse for the Beer Handicap at Berry Hill on Saturday. For all his hours of sweat and toil, his prize racer is still running and Sam has been searching for it. Back to Boules. This was a re-arranged match and one that Beer needed to win by at least 3-2 to go back to top of the league. The pressure is mounting. The first pair, the two Marks, Mimi and Fisherman Mark took to the piste and played amazingly to achieve an excellent start by storming to victory 9-0, All past misdemeanours forgotten. Dave and Maureen were next up, boosted by the first result. They played well without achieving their best form and lost 5-9. Now up to Captain Incredible and Lanky Sam, yet to be defeated as a team. They did not falter, as did Lanky's horse, and they were positively rampant in beating a good K A pair by another 9-0 score. It was like Kevin Pieterson and Freddie Flintoff in tandem even though Steve did not quite equate to the stature of that pair. Beer 2-1 up and feeling good. Gerry joined the two fishermen, Kim and Mark in the penultimate game with Mark's confidence sky high after his first victory. All three played well with the lead going back and forth, one more win to go top. Unfortunately K A put in a supreme effort to run out winners 5-9. 2-2 and all to play for. The final threesome had to save the day. Steve, Mark and Sam were playing a skilled three from K A but the boys were in confident mood. Not an auspicious start by Beer but their skill and stamina prevailed and Beer ran out comfortable winners by 9-4. Beer had achieved the win, 3-2 they wanted and next week are playing at home to the Kingfisher, a team we beat in the first leg but only after a close fought match. Spectators will be more than welcome at this critical point in the league. We would like to thank all the support that travelled to Seaton this week and those drivers that transported the team there. Amber nectar flowed well back at the club.
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Axmouth v Beer Club - 19th August. Triples Qualifying
The Cup Runneth Over
Having narrowly been defeated in the singles and doubles, our three redoubtable players, Dave, Mark and Captain Incredible Steve set off with a massive array of expectant supporters to the sunny shores of Axmouth. Conditions were good and the piste in prime condition and despite the fact that the team were playing Division 1 high fliers, the boys were confident. Mark led off with a good boule but Axmouth's lead off player landed her boule adjacent to the jack. She was the thorn in the flesh of the Beer team all through the match. Some good bouling saw our boys strike back and no leeway was given as the teams went point for point up to 7-7. Still everything to play for. In what was to be the final end, Beer were holding shot when two good boules took the end for Axmouth to see Beer beaten by 9-7. A very hard and exciting game. As a consolation to our fine team, Axmouth went on to win their remaining matches rather more comfortably than they did against Beer, so give yourselves a pat on the back lads, the leadership of the 2nd Division is what we now have our sights on. We will prevail! Amber nectar prevailed back at the Beer club as Mimi Mark drowned his sorrows (and he certainly seems to speak of many) in his adopted grouse and gay. Many thanks to those supporters who gave such enthusiasm and encouragement to the boys in black (the Beer team colours).
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Beer Club v Seaton FC A - 12th August.
A Sad Loss
A very important top of the table match ensued on Tuesday. The Beer team took to the road to cross the border to the murky depths of Seaton. The weather was not smiling and things in Seaton were gloomy. Things not boding well for Beer. This was apparent in the first game when Kim, happily back on the team sheet, and Mark got off to a poor start and were well down in their first match. Not to be daunted some very steady bouling brought the Beer boys to level the game at 8-8. Unfortunately fortune did not favour the gallant Beer pair and they came out second best by the narrowest margin of 8-9. Dave and Maureen were on next, Both played well but Dame Fortune was not favouring the Beer team and after a hard fought match Seaton hung on to win 9-7. Things looking ominous for the team as Captain Incredible Steve strolled to the piste with his valiant sidekick Lanky Sam. A remarkable pairing, yet to be beaten, but they were facing a formidable Seaton pair. The Beer boys however had too much in their engine room and ran out worthy winners by 9-1. Things not now looking so bleak for the team. However the gloom was descending over Seaton and the Beer team being of sunny disposition did not respond to the conditions and they lost the two remaining ends 9-4 and 9-1. Beer had lost by 4 ends to 1. A poor result for Beer but having played all the top teams they trail by only one point but have a game in hand over the leaders. Much more to play for in the next few weeks. The valiant team made their way back to the more cheerful ambiance of Beer and the Social club. Beaten but not bowed.
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Harbour Inn V Beer Club - 5th August (Cup Quarter Final).
The Team Done Well
On Tuesday 5th August Captain Steve Ward took his depleted team to Seaton to play the quarter finals of the cup against the Harbour Inn. Unfortunately the team was without Lanky Sam and Big Kim but it still remained a skilled outfit. Confidence was high as Maureen began the tie by winning her game 9-7. Next a very tight game resulted in Water Man Gerry on the wrong end of a 6-9 defeat, Up stepped Colyton Mark who stepped down again very quickly having lost 1-9. Time for Steve to steady the boat for his team and this he did admirably by winning 9-3. Two games each and two to play. The experience of Dave gave the team hope but after an up and down game he eventually lost 7-9. What better time to call in Mimi Mark with his nerves of steel to equal the game. Another close game saw Mimi eventually succumb to a 7-9 defeat. Beer had been defeated in a very close well contested tie. The team extend best wishes for the Harbour in their future games. Next week Beer are back to full strength which they need to be for the top of the table clash away to Seaton F.C.
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Beer Club v Kings Arms A - 29th July.
Top of the Table clash
This was a big night for our hardy team as Kings Arms are leading the table from Beer by a mere two points. The Clash of the Titans 2. Maureen and Dave were to kick start the team into action. Unfortunately our illustrious captain had been delayed and without his dynamic inspiration, Dave and Maureen, in the face of some great play by Kings could not hone their natural skills into the much desired first win and they succumbed by 3-9. Beer one down! Steve had now arrived and with his charismatic influence, Mimi and Colyton Mark were stirred into some skilful play and ran home winners by 9-1. One game all and everything to play for. That old stalwart Kim Aplin was with the team this week and his presence should inject experience and deftness into the third pair. Kim took the piste along with Sam the Lank. They were playing a highly skilled pair from Kings but our team's skills were breathtaking as they demolished the opposition 9-1. 2-1 to Beer with the triples to play. Gerry, who was once again confusing the opposition with his water drinking, stepped into the fray with Dave and Mimi and proceeded to play beautifully with great support from his other two team members. The Kings were so bemused they did not win an end and our gallant three ran out winners by 9-0. 3-1 to Beer with one to play. Captain Steve was back to bolster the team for the final game along with Colyton Mark and Sam. For the first few ends it was very nip and tuck but The Kings began to draw away and our boys were facing an uphill struggle at 4-7 to the Kings. However in the next end our stout hearted boys found the inspiration to win the end with four points, putting us 8-7 up. The next end provided some excellent boules from both sides but Beer gained the one point necessary to win the final game 9-7. Beer had won by four games to one, a splendid result. Beer are now equal top of the league but with more games won and with one game in hand. Things are progressing well. We adjourned to the club bar where we relaxed to dwell on our victory with the necessary quantities of liquid refreshment. Next week we are playing in the quarter finals of the cup. Come on the lads!
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AFC Visitors v Beer Club - 22nd July.
The Lank Returns
I must first of all apologise for the lack of reports over the last two weeks and can imagine your apprehension on how the bunch of stout individuals have been progressing. Last week Mark (mimi) Edworthy and his partner Maureen continued their fine progress in the final of the pairs. Unfortunately they were beaten narrowly in the final and they should be congratulated on their performance, This week the team headed off to Axminster to play AFC Visitors at the Lamb Inn. We had already beaten this team comfortably at home but was traveling going to be a problem? Upon arrival the team was in good spirits especially Mimi Mark who had heard of the artistic quality of the conveniences at the Lamb and rushed off to experience them himself. He finally emerged 25 minutes later with a big grin on his face possibly due to the quality of the art work or more probably due to the fine victory achieved by Dave and Maureen by 9-3. Beer an early lead and Mimi in fine form to engage in his match with Gerry who was taking the game so seriously he was drinking sparkling water. Obviously astonished that a member of the Beer club was drinking water they were obviously put off their stroke and their boules were flying everywhere. Consequently Beer had a convincing victory 9-5. and so came Captain Incredible Steve and the newly returned Lanky Sam fresh from his Boules appreciation course in the South of France. The opposition were transfixed with the accuracy of our pair and finally found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-1 defeat. 3-0 to Beer. After repeated visits to the "gallery" Mimi took his place alongside the more reputable Dave and Maureen and with some fine boules dispatched their opponents 9-5. 4-0 up with one to play as Gerry, Sam and Steve went for the all conquering win. The score was 3-3 and our trio were looking good when in the next end they were two up with one to play by our French artist. Summoning all he learnt he threw an extremely accurate boule. Unfortunately he had learnt too well as the boule struck the jack which rebounded in the direction of the opponents to pick up three shots contrary to the run of the end. Our trio not to be outdone were looking good in the next end when a boule from nowhere gave AFC three more shots to win the end 9-3. Steve and Gerry took it very well uttering a barrage of French (or was it) at Sam. Beer had nevertheless won 4-1 and are still placed nicely at the top of the league. Back to the club for amber nectar with Mimi partaking in his Grouse and gay with a twist. Look out Karen, the smile on his face still lurked from his time in the Lamb Gallery. We are home next week. Do come and enjoy it.
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Seaton FC A v Beer Club - Cup 2nd Round - 24th June.
The Cup Beckons
On 24th. June, Captain Incredible, Steve, mustered his troops for the second round of the cup against keen rivals at Seaton. Although missing some key players and our coach, the team was confident as we set off. Mark (g&g) was drinking beer again although he was reluctant to show this more masculine side of his character to Gary after their contretemps last week. Dave was the first to take to the piste and after a long and entertaining game he beat the Seaton leadoff man 9-8. Beer had drawn first blood. The team watched in trepidation as Mark stripped for action. A manly sight in his new club shirt and gripping a pint of Amber nectar (is it supposed to be that clear?) Not to be undaunted Mark played well winning 9-5. Beer 2-0 up. Maureen was next to the mark. She appeared a little out of sorts compared with her doubles form and unfortunately lost her match. Heads up team we are still 2-1 up with some world class players to come. The Colyton Kid was next to play and playing with skill which belies his inexperience, won 9-7 putting us into a 3-1 lead, only one more to win to go through. Captain Steve approached the piste amidst great acclaim and expectation from his team. Despite some very good play he suffered at the hands of the Seaton umpire who made some highly questionable decisions which invariably favoured the home team and Steve ended up on the wrong side of 9-6 score. One to play and one to secure a place in the next round. Lanky Sam, a shadowy nervous figure lost the toss and began by going 1-0 down. Sam is made of much sterner stuff, however, and began exerting pressure on his able opponent despite some serious sledging by the Seaton spectators. The match veered both ways but Sam's class began to take over and he succeeded in pulling his team through by 9-6. Beer had booked their place in the next round much to the joy and relief of all the team. We made our way happily back to the club to revel in our victory and decent beer. Much to Gary's relief, Mark, having had a surfeit of beer, was now back on the grouse and gay thus saving Gary having to face an inquest on the clarity of his beer. Unfortunately and to the great disappointment to all readers, there will be no report for the next two weeks as Lanky Sam is on a sabbatical to the South of France where he is embarking on a course and writing a treatise in French Petanque the French equivalent of Boules.
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Beer Club v Lamb Inn (Axminster) - 17th June.
Nearly an Upset at the Club
Trouble began early as Mark (Grouse and gay) Edworthy a stalwart in the Beer team team decided to exert his manhood by ordering a beer. Unacustomed to the taste, Mark queried the ethnicity of his strange liquid. Gary(I know more about beer than anyone) Aplin, guffawed loudly and remarked something about Mark having him in stitches. Mark took exception to this and by the time he started the first doubles with Maureen his partner, his mind was not on the job. Grimacing throughout he did not play his best Boules and despite Maureen's valiant efforts the pair succumbed
5-9. Dave, whose form had evaded him so far this season was on next with Mark, the Colyton kid. Dave was on the mark with his Boules as he concentrated more on his Boules than his angling yarns and ably assisted by Mark (Colyton kid) they won through to an impressive 9-6 victory. The yet undefeated pairing of Captain Incredible Steve and Sam the lank were on for the final doubles. Despite playing against two feisty ladies Steve's concentration was not diverted sufficiently for the opposition and Beer ran out winners by 9-4. Beer 2-1 up with the triples to play. A remarkable strategy was brought about by Captain Incredible as fledgling Gerry and the old stalwart, Kim were brought in to replace Dave and Maureen. Unfortunately 'the Kid' could not reconcile experience and novice and in spite of a sturdy effort by all three, Beer lost the first trebles
9-6. The match score stood at 2-2 and all to play for. Fortunately for Beer, Mark had thrown away his beer if not his hang dog expression and was now more at home with his favoured liquid, grouse and gay. He lined up alongside Captain Steve and Sam for a game they dare not lose. This was never going to be the case as the Beer team played well enough, if not at their best, to run out 9-2 winners. There was a hint of a smile back on Mark's face. Beer had once again been victorious 3-2. The team is growing in stature and confidence and has now a good pool of players and diverse characters. May the winning streak continue as they head off to Seaton next week in the second round of the cup. Thanks to all for their support and to Gary (pre-eminent barman)for being so understanding in the face of adversity. He loves you really Mark
.
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Kingfisher A v Beer Club - 10th June.
Top of the Table Clash
On Tuesday10th June, the Beer Boules team set out from the metropolis of Beer to the Sleepy Hollow village of Colyton for a top of the table clash. The team were short of one of their more experienced members, Kim Aplin who was trawling the depths of the ocean. Unfortunately the highly respected coach, Pete Spencer was feeling a little fragile and could not come. However the rest of the team entered the Kingfisher at Colyton with a confident bearing. The first game featured Maureen and Mark, our successful doubles pairing. The piste was good and M and M played as if they had been on it going 6-0 down straight away. Then a dramatic turn around. Our potential champions began to play and took the next end. 6-1 to the Kingfisher. in the next end M and M pulled back another 4 points and were only 1 down and within 4 points off winning. They pulled out all the stops and won the next end by 4 points. Beer had pulled off a remarkable victory by nine points to six, The team were in confident spirit as the next game commenced with Dave and Mark (who had to endure unmerciful barracking due to his residency in Colyton) Off putting for Mark and he and Dave quickly succumbed to a 9-1 defeat. On to the piste walked Captain incredible Steve Ward and his trusty partner Lanky (you can see his picture in the View From Seaton) Carlin. A game against a very competent pair, S and S were in good form and ran out 9-1 winners. Steve and Sam are so far undefeated in pairs. 2-1 to Beer and two ends to play. Colyton Mark, hopefully recovering from the slings and arrows of the opposition, Maureen and Gerry, who had been on a Boules learning experience in Spain (unfortunately no one told him it was not Spain but France that is the home of Boules) stepped up. Gerry's experience with his incorrect geography and Mark's cruel taunts did not do a great deal to aid their quest to wrap up the match and despite Maureen's endeavours, they succumbed to defeat. 2-2 and one to play. When the going gets tough, Mark, Sam and Captain Incredible Steve get going. The Kingfisher had brought in their secret weapon 'The Bomber' This for a while disturbed the Beer trio as bombs hurtled accurately all around the piste and Kingfisher steadily developed a lead. However the stout Brave Hearts of Beer toiled manfully to eventually run out winners 9-7. Beer had triumphed once again and should extend their lead at the top of the league, depending on the results of Seaton FC. There was Doom in the Colyton bar as we consumed some delicious sandwiches. We soon hit the road to Beer so Gerry could have a pint of amber nectar. Thanks go to Gerry for driving and we are grateful that with his lack of geographical knowledge we all returned safely to the Beer Social Club where we were met by a rousing welcome from Chairman Ron and our resolute bar person Gary, Home next week, do turn up to support any time from 7.30 onwards.
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Singles Competition - 3rd June.
Summer Robbery at Boules
Sam Carlin was considered the man most likely to triumph in the Boules singles competition when his name was drawn out of the hat when play commenced at Axminster on Tuesday 3rd. June. The first round proved this to be correct as he powered his way to success in the 1st round by way of a bye. The crowds streamed out of the clubhouse to see the second round match, Captain Steve, Dave, Mark and Mark to the forefront. Boosted by the crowd, Sam worked his way to an early lead despite some outstanding play by Les from the Kings Arms in opposition. Tension was high and the crowd were working up to a frenzy. At 6-6 Sam had his chance to take the match as he had two boules holding with one to play. Unfortunately the last boule broke to the off side on the rather uneven surface instead of to leg side and Sam was only 8-6 ahead. Les played some amazing shots in the next two ends and the score was 8-8. The crowd were hushed, Les was holding shot with Sam to play the last boule. This was dead on target until it hit the piste. Taking on Barnes Wallace proportions it bounced away from the jack. Les had achieved a remarkable victory. Sympathies were with Sam but not to be daunted, he led the way back to the Beer club where he proceeded to celebrate a great game by imbibing in splendid beers with his loyal team mates.
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Beer Club vs Seaton FC A - 27th May.
Beer stepped proudly into their top of the table clash with Seaton F.C, A on Tuesday 27th. May. The victorious pairing from last week, Maureen Stone and Mark Edworthy continued their partnership and sent the Beer club into a well earned victory by 9 points to 4. Both played very well and seem to be blooming since ditching their former partners. 1-0 to Beer. Unfortunately for Beer, their highly gifted player and raconteur, Kim Aplin had been sent on a refreshment quest and was not available for the pairs. Nevertheless Mark Snell, an able recruit stepped up to the mark with Dave Bowyer who has not yet found his old form of previous seasons. Lacking the grit and steely nerve of Kim. the pair succumbed to some top class boules by their opponents and soon found they had lost 1-9. Captain incredible Steve Ward and his trusty sidekick Sam “the Lank” Carlin entered the gladiatorial arena but despite some very fine boules they found Dame Fortune did not favour them and they were defeated for the first time 4-9. 2-1 to the footballers. Kim had now completed his quest and took his rightful place in the line up. Unfortunately the vigour’s of food preparation had taken its toll and he along with Maureen and Mark lost 1-9. 3-1 to Seaton and things in Dire straits for Beer. Time for the "Sultans of Swing" as Steve , Sam and Mark set about their task of retrieving the match. this they did with much aplomb, Captain Steve re-enacting the final boule from two weeks ago to land on the jack thus giving Beer a 9-4 victory. Although Beer were defeated on this occasion it was a close run contest and the Club still remain as division leaders. Much fun. frolics and gourmet goodies were had at the club afterwards. Anyone that would care to support their team will be more than welcome and fun and excitement (plus lovely Branoc and other fine refreshments) are there for all. See the fixture list on this site.
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Pairs Qualifying - 20th May 2008.
On Tuesday 20th May, Beer Boules Team competed in the pairs knockout competition. The two competitors were carefully selected by the master tactician Steve Ward by pulling names out of a hat. Mark and Maureen took up the mantle for Beer and proceeded to win their first game with little trouble. The same happened in the second round and our pair were now through to the quarter finals. Seaton F. C. were their opponents and after some very sound bouling Beer were the successful winners. Congratulations Mark and Maureen. We have no doubt you will be successful all the way to the final.
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Kings Arms A v Beer Club 13th May 2008.
A beautiful May evening, the intrepid band from the Beer Boules club ventured across the border to take on the might of the Kings Arms in Seaton. The first game was neck and neck for some ends until Kim Aplin found some of his old form and with his partner Mark eased Beer into a 1-0 lead. The next game featured Dave and Maureen (both from Seaton) and in the third end performed the amazing feat of gifting the opposition with 6 points. The Kings did not falter and easily finished D & M off 9-2. In the last of the pairs, team captain Steve Ward and Sam Carlin played a very able pair from the Kings. After some early fencing The Beer couplet ran out 9-2 winners. Score 2-1 to Beer. Back for the triples came Dave and Maureen still smarting over that ignominious first round loss and they with Mark pulled off yet another defeat. Score 2-2 and the final session vital. Pete (the coach) stepped in to assist Steve and Sam and after same early skirmishes, Beer began to draw away with some impressive Boules . However with Beer needing only one for victory, Seaton formed a cluster of Boules around the jack and the end was looking good for them. however up to the mark stepped Steve and with an amazing sleight of hand (or good fortune) nestled his Boule on top of the others so it was actually touching the jack. Unnecessary for Sam to throw the two remaining boules, the game was won! the final score was 3-2 to Beer Club and they remain undefeated. A great, amusing and friendly evening was had by all, and shared by a very bored Ashley when the evenings experiences were related to him over a few beers back at the club.
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