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In a repeat performance the "Big Guns" of Peter
Horgan, Dirk Winnie and Georgio Vakauta
maintained their favourotisim at the HB Lawn
Tennis Autumn Triples Petanque tournament held
this weekend.
They defeated the pretenders to their throne,
"Young Guns" Morgan Cheveaux, Nico Toyne, and
the not so young Lee Taffard convincingly in the
final 13 - 0.
The Horgan led team were in their 3rd
consecutive finals appearance for the tournament
where they were expected to repeat their 2009
result .
The ever-popular Horgan, boasts a “list” of
people wishing to partner him. The fact that he
and the club can attact players of the calibre
of 3 x National Champ Dirk Winnie from
Wellington, and New Zealand’s most successful
player with 16 National Titles, Aucklander,
Georgio Vakauta is a credit to both Horgan and
the club.
The Autumn Triples is viewed as one of the more
social tournaments on the Petanque Calendar
where a beginner can cut their teeth without
feeling overwhelmed. Although you wouldn’t know
it (was social) when speaking to Horgan. “I
just keep reviewing the list” says Horgan
casting a withering eye at his successful team
mates. “Anyone not pulling their weight in the
team gets a warning, and after that they’re off
the list, it’s the only way to keep ahead of
these young fellas!”.
The young fella’s referred to are Morgan
Cheveaux of Wellington, and, in particular 16
year old Nico Toyne of Wanganui, captain of the
NZ Youth Team in 2008. Toyne who has yet to win
a regional tournament, has however been in 4
finals this season alone.
“Good things take time” says Toyne in reference
to a certain cheese advertisement.
For Horgan, Winne and Vakauta, that time can
wait as all 3 have pledged to be back for the
"3-peat" in 2011.
In an exciting plate final, Aucklander and NZ
Rep Ian Baker, and locals John Maxwell & Eddie
King came from 9 - 2 down to defeat 13 - 11 the
composite team of local and current National
Singles Champ Maurice Belz, who was partnered
with Aucklander Paul O’Conner, and Whanganui’s
Richard Turfrey.
Maurice Belz
(This article
appeared in "Hawkes Bay Today", 6.5.10) |
