The Chanticleer challenge was held in Auckland over the weekend of 18 & 19 August 2012.
The teams comprised the following players:
Ian Baker, Clive Bartleet, Paul Bickleman, Jean-Pascal Cuer, Charles Peni, Selwyn Sainty
Francoise Case, Margaret Maher, Jean Parley, Bill Peachey, Margaret Penny, Ray Pierce
Georgio Vakauta
Claire Bradburn, Yvonne Futcher, Annick Le Guen, Graeme Morris, Tony Simpson, Richard Turfrey
Brian Frampton, Sue Gurr, Richard Lawson, Shirley MacDonald, Bob McCarthy, Margaret Mordecai
Richard Turfrey
The match consisted of 2 games of Singles (1 point per win), 3 Doubles (2 points per win), and up to 4 games of Triples (3 points per win). Although Wellington was fairly close in the singles, the Auckland team was too strong in both the doubles, and the triples. The match was conceded after just two games of triples on day two. It was then decided by the two coaches, that the remaining two games would cross over, with Open playing Senior, Senior playing Open.
The final score was Auckland 79, Wellington 29.
The organization that the APA put into the event was obvious. They laid on plenty of Soup and Food both days, for morning and afternoon tea, as well as lunch, at no cost to players (all paid for by the APA). Harry Gosselman prepared a 3 course meal for the teams for Saturday night at a cost of $20 per person (including partners).
Ruby Vakauta managed the whole event for the APA, and it went like clock work.
Auckland players live in close proximity to each other. As well as Herne Bay's club night each Friday night being available, Georgio & Andre coached the team for 9 weeks. In addition the APA held a winter series each Sunday, for I think 6 weeks. The Auckland Team was definitely match fit.
Wellington players are spread over a stretch of almost 200km, so regular practice is difficult to organise. There were two Group training days organised, and some of the team played in the Park Avenue Winter series. All of the team played well, and had several great results. However, the difficult Herne Bay Terrain and the match fitness demonstrated by Auckland, helped their consistency, and resulted in a comfortable win for them.
I felt that the Wellington team would have benefited by having a non playing Coach, and the obvious choice for that position is Dirk Winnie, as he has been involved in all of Wellington's successful challenges.
I extend a big thank you to everyone in the team. Thank you for putting time into your preparation, attending practice session, and meeting the expense of travelling to Auckland. I felt the Camaraderie amongst both teams was brilliant.
Although a year away, I believe we need to start planning for the next Match now.
I spoke with some of the squad, and it is hoped the responsibility of organising sessions will be shared. The senior squad may separate from the Open to make training easier. And training grounds will be spread through the clubs, from where players originate.
Auckland did an amazing job of hosting this years Chanticleer challenge. I propose that the venue for the next challenge be Wanganui East, for obvious reasons. And I ask the WPA to agree on this now, so that Auckland can prepare early.
I recommend that the WPA match the APA, in regard to the daily provision of food, agreeing to pay the cost of food to be provided. It maybe reasonable, for the WPA to assist in other Inter-Regional events, as well, when they are hosted by Wellington.
Richard Turfrey