Thursday 24th July saw the return of the annual BPAA Boules tournament and we couldn’t have asked for better weather with temperatures reaching a blistering 27 degrees centigrade. The event was sponsored by Beach Baker Property Recruitment, Rupert Stuart-Baker, Director said; “This is the seventh consecutive year Beach Baker have sponsored this popular BPAA charity event, we had stunning weather and a highly competitive afternoon of boules in the glorious setting of Goldney Hall in Clifton.”
With a staggering 42 teams all competing for the BPAA Boules Champions Cup and Silver Plate and of course bragging rights for the rest of the year, the competitive spirit was at an all-time high with 189 attendees causing the grounds of Goldney Hall to be a hive of activity.
The competition kicked off with the group stages, individual boules matches were happening in every direction, some even throwing over the water hazard. The top teams of each group qualified for the BPAA Champions Cup competition and the runners up qualified for the Sliver Plate Competition leaving the rest to soak up the sun and enjoy the delicious BBQ in the beautiful gardens.
Cup Competition
Some solid scores achieved in the quarter-finals meant CBRE 2, Zest Design & Marketing, Veale Wasbrough Vizards and CBRE 1 all went on to compete in the semi-finals, CBRE 2 knocking out last year’s winners RBS by just 1 point. The semi-finals saw out and out wins from both Zest and VWV knocking out both CBRE teams and taking their places in the final. As the sun was setting Zest and VWV took to the green for one last time to compete for the coveted BPAA Cup. VWV stormed into an early lead but as the game drew on the jack moved further and further away giving Zest the advantage who eventually went on to win the thrilling encounter by a margin of 5 points and to take the Championship Cup as their prize (see photo).
Silver Plate Competition
The reigning Silver Plate holders, Foot Anstey, made it through to the semi-finals along with Savills, AWW and Burston Cook. Foot Anstey beat Savills with an impressive 7-0 in the first semi-final, whilst Burston Cook beat AWW to take the second spot. In a hotly contested final, Foot Anstey came through as Plate winners beatingrivals Burston Cook 7-3.
Jeremy Richards, BPAA President and Senior Director at JLL in Bristol said “We were delighted to have such a good turnout once again for this popular BPAA event. The fantastic weather made for a great afternoon of competitive play and networking, and through the event we have raised valuable funds for our two nominated charities this year, Penny Brohn Cancer Care and Transplant Sport.”
