The first regional event of the year for Devon Petanque saw them host old rivals Kernow in the annual clash of the two neighbours.
The match was also the first competition to be held on the newly constructed terrain set in the splendid surroundings of the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho!
At the end of a long day, Devon came out on top, winning the encounter by a decisive 22-14 score, though as usual with this fixture, the games were all very competitive and played in a friendly atmosphere.
The match was contested in the triples format by six teams from each region over six rounds of games. It featured club players from all around the Devon Region and all teams contributed to the victory.
After the first round of games, Devon led 4-2 and then remained in front for the rest of the match. Round two was drawn 3-3 but a strong 5-1 third round for the hosts saw them firmly in control 12-6 at lunch.
The afternoon session started with some unwelcome showers, which did nothing to dampen enthusiasm, and Devon continued to dominate by winning the next two rounds by the same 4-2 score - and so clinch the overall match win.
Kernow did fight to the end, taking the final round 4-2 to give them some consolation for their efforts. Best team performance of the day came from locally-based players Chris Jeffrey, John Violet and Gary Smith, who went undefeated all day with six wins.
Devon President Ged Barton thanked the Golf Club for their excellent hosting of the event and acknowledged the work of the newly formed Petanque Club in preparing the Terrain for the match.
He added: "Although regional club activities have already been underway for a few months, this was the first main competition of the season and it feels good to be back after missing the whole of last season due to the virus.
“This was the main achievement of the day but naturally I am delighted that Devon had such a good win, especially as we have suffered a string of defeats against Kernow in recent years."