A finale that was ultimately cut short with a final victory by the magical triplet consisting of Philippe Quintais, Philippe Suchaud, and Henri Lacroix, who claimed their fourth Europétanque in the 11 years the competition has existed.
Yet the first lead was in favor of the Montoro/Peyron/Delforge team (0-1), who logically took an early lead. But from the second round, a twist of fate (a shot at goal falling short by a few centimeters) and the experience of the multiple World champions stepped in, with four points falling into the Dream Team’s bag in this second end (4-1). In the third, it was Peyron who had to face the natural challenges of a terrain that seemed truly adverse to him, although the Montoro team managed only to lose one single point (5-1).
In the fourth round, each member of the Montoro team again missed one of their two boule shots, and it was naturally the Dream Team who scored three new points to break away at 8-1. The 5th round began with two misplaced jack throws, but once captured, it was a solo march for the pétanque aliens who, despite a final attempt by Delforge to cancel the end by shooting at the jack, pocketed the last five points needed to finish in that very round, winning with a decisive score of 13 to 1.
“It is always a great pleasure to return to Nice where I have left many friends, and I am just as proud to win this prestigious tournament that we had already claimed three times with my playing companions,” said Philippe Quintais, a giant cup under his arm, smiling broadly like his teammates Henri Lacroix and Philippe Suchaud, as they reunited with theirs.
As for Montoro, Peyron, and Delforge, there were no regrets because the mountain seemed insurmountable last night on the honor square of Place Masséna, and the little Rafael Montoro, inconsolable and tearful, could finally find comfort in the arms of his father, who undoubtedly has nothing to be ashamed of having delivered a high-flying performance throughout this highly-quality Europétanque 2012.
See you next year to decide whether to shoot or point…
Final Match Details
1st Round: It was Philippe Quintais who launched the first jack at 7.40 meters. The first point was slightly long for the champion, immediately challenged by Delforge. A new point by Quintais a few millimeters from the jack and another hit by Delforge. Henri Lacroix pointed, and now a new point for the blues. Peyron hit back in his turn. Lacroix once again aimed at the jack, and Peyron missed his target, slightly moving the jack. Montoro saved the day by staying in play, a nice first boule by the Niçoise. Suchaud pointed and took the point back. Ludovic Montoro landed a wonderful shot that triggered applause from the audience. Suchaud could only push Montoro’s boule, which scored: 1-0
2nd Round: It was Ludovic Montoro who got in the circle to kick off this second round with a lovely point. Philippe Suchaud removed the danger with a half-point shot. Peyron made a hit. Ludovic Montoro played very wide of the jack to avoid the shot. Peyron’s first missed shot placed his team below the boules. Delforge shot the jack but the picky jack hit a boule before going out. Unfortunate for the Montoro team. Delforge closed ranks by pointing near the point. Quintais added and Henri Lacroix entered the circle with his two boules placed perfectly: 1-4
3rd Round: Jack at 8.80 meters. Quintais in the circle and a point that engages the jack. Luck favored the Dream Team tonight. Ludovic Montoro missed for the first time, being a little too long. The second boule was perfect, a few centimeters from the jack, and the first miss by Philippe Suchaud was corrected by clearing the danger on his second. Delforge in the circle and regains the point just before the jack. Henri Lacroix cleaned up with his first boule. Delforge entered again, making Lacroix shoot again successfully. It was Peyron’s turn to point, but a stone deflected his delivered boule. A second attempt and another miss, Peyron passed by the round. The last boule and another surprising miss for Philippe Quintais, leaving only one point on the ground: 1-5
4th Round: Jack at 8.90 meters. Another average point from Philippe Quintais, but Ludovic Montoro couldn’t do better and missed a good opportunity to take the upper hand. Much better on his second, and the advantage went to the whites. Quintais in the circle with a superb placed boule that approached the jack before being canceled by a good shot from Peyron. Henri Lacroix also aimed and snuck in, but Peyron was too long on his second shot. It was Delforge’s turn to try and save the game, but he was also long. It was a round that could cost the Montoro team dearly. Luckily Delforge tightened up, but the Dream Team still had three boules in hand. An excellent shot by Philippe Suchaud only removed the opposing boule before shooting again with, this time, an unfortunate counter. Lacroix hit for 3 points at the point-blank: 1-8
5th Round: Two attempts to throw the jack before finding the right distance at 8.90 meters. Another excellent point by Philippe Quintais and another miss for Peyron, who wasn’t in the game, but he redeemed himself on his second attempt. Philippe Quintais again at the point but a bit long, which Ludovic Montoro could not capitalize on with two tries. It was complicated for the whites. Delforge tried to shoot the jack, but without success, and then missed again at the point. Four boules left for the Dream Team to finish. Henri Lacroix added twice, three points on the ground. Philippe Suchaud landed one and then another to deliver the victory to the Dream Team in just over 30 minutes of play: 1-13.
A beautiful final in which the great champions didn’t leave much chance to their juniors and the tears of little Rafael Montoro, snuggled in his father’s arms, are indeed proof of the humanity and passion that defines pétanque.
So, see you in 2013 for a new edition of the Europétanque.
