Neos Zottegem has won the first provincial Neos petanque tournament. The organization was in the hands of Neos Nazareth.
That there is a demand for petanque facilities among the Zottegem elders is evidenced by the much-appreciated financial effort of the city of Zottegem to build two temporary petanque fields on the Marktplein.
“Neos Zottegem entered with five teams of three participants each. If that wasn’t a positive response to this commendable initiative,” explains occasional reporter Chris De Saveur“As honorary provincial president but certainly as local president, I felt it my duty to encourage the achievement of our Neos members. Mainly because I was curious about this game that I almost didn’t know much about. When I arrived, our five teams had already played two games and the way was still open for four teams to the final. If that weren’t good prospects. The points from the third game would be decisive. But alas… No disaster, brave fighters, taking part is more important than winning.”
“But no, all hope had not yet set sail. On runway 7 there was still heavy fighting. You could read the tension on the faces of “De Moaten”. “De Moaten”, what a well-chosen team name. Like buddies, they kept fighting to the last gasp. Neos Oudenaarde still had to score 1 point to reach the final and our Moaten still 3. The cochonnet rolls over the rough dolomite. An opponent throws her ball beautifully to the goal. “Gie niet zalle, moatje” I heard our West-Flemish shooter hiss between his teeth. With a sharp aim, he bounced the winning ball away from the opponent. And his moats just had to try to roll their ball around the little ball. Yes, 13 points. Neos Zottegem to the final. The reader may already be aware that the occasional journalist has already begun to understand something about the game.”
“Quickly to lane 5 where the final would be played against Neos Nevele. John, Mark and Willy, “De Moaten” from Neos Zottegem quickly tried how their balls would react over the rough dolomite of lane 5. A short seclusion. The church bell strikes half past five. The start of the final. Willy viciously rolls the little ball about eight inches from the outside line. His petanque ball rolls close to it. The opponents do everything they can to roll him away or shoot him. They fail. The first points for “The Moaten”. Ball after ball bounces or rolls across the court. Mark cannot be brought out of his concentration. Pats, the “enemy” silver ball is shot out of the winning field. 10 to zero for Zottegem. Willy oversees with a calm look where he will roll the cochonnet and his ball. The opponents rub their hair once more. They know it’s now or never. The Moaten are in the winning position in this game by 1 point. Mark bounces off a dangerous ball there and John calmly rolls 2 more points into the field. ”
“Neos Zottegem, “De Moaten” win the first Provincial Tournament of Neos East Flanders. They may receive the challenge cup from the hands of an honorary lady of Neos Nazareth. Each moth receives a nice package. Their pride is justified. Neos Zottegem is equally proud not only for the win of this tournament but especially for the sporting commitment of our 15 participants, who each used his or her best leg or should I say best hand. Congratulations to Albert, Chris, Denise, Eleane, Freddy, Greta, Jean, John, Josie, Mai, Mark, Marcel, Paul, Willy and Yves, our Zottegem participants. You have once again put Neos Zottegem in the spotlight. Also a heartfelt congratulations to Neos Nazareth for the courage to give shape to this wonderful initiative. A Provincial Neos Tournament to which the first pitch was thrown today and which will hopefully see its sequel for many years to come.”
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