Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ron up for next challenge

PERENNIAL CONTENDER: Ron Sandilands
is swapping his boules for bowls..
From the Howick and Pakuranga Times:

"JUST as the dust is settling on his career in one code, Ron Sandilands is proving he’s an unstoppable force.

After more than 60 years of sport, he’s retiring from petanque, the sixth sport he’s excelled at having represented New Zealand in open competition for the past six years.

The insatiable 76-year-old has previously played to national championship level in tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis, and reached a five handicap in golf. “I have decided to call it quits,” says Mr Sandilands, who has lived in East Auckland with wife Judi for 24 years...."

Read two page article here>>

Sunday, November 07, 2010

45th World Petanque Championships Coach's Report

"It was my pleasure to provide support to the New Zealand team at this year’s World Championship in Izmir, Turkey. The team was made up of four successful and experienced players … Maurice Belz, David Lippard, Michael Rocks and Richard Swaney.

A month prior to the competition the players and coach got together for a training weekend at the Herne Bay Club. This assisted in the preparation of the team and enabled the players to discuss their individual aspirations and to set team goals for the tournament...."