The convenience and consideration of Japan ...

After some fun games between Albert-Greg and Bob-Steve on a weather-wonky Sunday afternoon, the crackle of thunder grew louder and the dancing lightning became brighter. The inevitable downpour soon followed and after initially taking refuge under the shelter of the Himalaya Sugi tree clubhouse, we were washed out and retreated to the safety of the nearby 7-11.

Sipping a Sapporo while waiting under the awning for the storm to pass, the sympathizing manageress came out and after a mandatory "taihen desu ne," invited us to drink our beers in the warmth of the dry shop. A few sticks of yakitori later and exchanges of pleasantries, the boys finally headed home.

The Japanese can be very considerate.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Pisted off! More league frustrations

HSPC traveled to the shoreline of Shinkiba on Sunday, May 11, to take on defending champion Mon Soleil in the Tokyo Petanque League. After a poor start to this year's competition that has left HSPC with one draw and a defeat, the boys needed a win and got off to a solid start, easing out to a handy 3-1 lead before Mon Soleil shuffled their team, brought in the big guns, and clinched the clash 5-3.

Congratultations Mon Soleil!

Full results can be found on the TPL site.

HSPC battles back for draw after another slow start

HSPC hosted Hiratsuka Beach Petanque Club at Myoshoji Park on May 3 in the second round of the Tokyo Petanque League and once again found themselves four games down before battling back for a 4-4 draw.

Some fine play by our opponents, a morning start, and a lack of "fuel" were all cited as causes for our disappointing performance.

Thanks to Okawa san and his crew, you have a great club.

Full results can be found on the Tokyo Petanque League site

Next up HSPC plays away to last year's champions Mon Soleil and like in 2008, HSPC will be looking for (and needing!) a win!