South East Boccia Tournament – 20th May 2017

Four Phab clubs from the South East gathered at Bancroft’s School for the third Boccia Tournament organised by Epping Forest Phab Club. Up for grabs was the Open Trophy, funded by the national office, and won previously by Chelmsford and Epping Forest.

Seven teams, representing Chelmsford, Nazeing, Unity 70 and the hosts, Epping Forest, under the watchful eyes of Kelly, Phil and Olivia, our referees, played in two mini leagues to determine which teams would go through to the semi-finals.

The aptly named Epic Epping won their league, winning their game against the Unity Dragons and drawing against the Chelmsford Jaguars.

The other league came down to the last match against the Chelmsford Pumas versus the home side Fab Forest. The Pumas put on a stunning display of consistent scoring to demolish the Fab Foresters 10 to 0, knocking them out of a semi-final place.

In one semi-final, the Phabulous Four from Nazeing played Epic Epping, winning narrowly by 5 to 4 and progressing to the final. In the other semi-final, the two Chelmsford teams met with the Jags coming out on top in a hotly contested match with some superb boccia played.

The final, expertly refereed by former Phab trustee Simon Brown-Lamont, saw a titanic battle between the Nazeing and Chelmsford sides. The Phabulous Four stretched ahead with Chelmsford fighting back, winning an end to bring the scores to 5 – 3. However, the Nazeing side proved to be too strong, with some superb play from Marc Belsey, winning 7 – 3.

The player of the tournament, chosen by the referees, was Anthony Rew (pictured) from the Epic Epping team. Simon Brown-Lamont commented on his excellent development as a player since the first tournament two years ago.

Thanks must go to Bancroft’s School, especially Dave Bish who expertly marked out the courts, for lending their superb sports hall for the day and of course our referees who helped produce a perfect blend of fun and fierce competition.

Please contact george.whittingham@phab.org.uk (South East Regional Officer) if your club would like to be kept informed about the next Epping Forest Boccia Tournament.

Nick Maloney

Trustee