This years Boccia National Championships were PACE’s most successful yet. I came in third place in the BC1 category which is a personal best for me and because of that achievement I haven’t yet been disowned by my family, so I guess you can’t win them all!

 
The Nationals for me were proof that I’ve improved as a player since last year, demonstrated by my match against a new player called Zoe.

 
I won’t bore you with the details of the whole match because honestly I don’t remember most of it. I had a chance to score three or four points; however, one of her balls was so close to the Jack ball that if I had hit it, it would have been a scoring ball. Sadly that’s what happened and I can only imagine what Sunil’s face looked like. The closest example I can think of is here.

Anyhow, I lost that end and the score was 2-2 going into the final end. Thankfully I won the match 3-2, admittedly with my last shot but that’s for another day and training session. Last year I would have probably lost that match because of my nerves but since then I’ve been to one GB Championship, two Lions Squad weekends and four Premier Inns. I think that, together with Sunil’s training, has really helped me conquer those situations and is what I am most pleased with.

I would also like to congratulate Reshad on his performance at the Nationals where he came second in his category, BC2. In my opinion it was the best I’ve seen Reshad play ever.
I’m sure you have seen Sunil’s piece on the results and if you haven’t, why not? Don’t make me find and another internet Sunil face.

Anyway Reshad, I’m really pleased for you and I know I’ll see you in a GB tracksuit soon 🙂
Lastly I would like to thank Sunil, Andrea and Krishna for their continued support. I’m sure I speak for everyone involved in PACE Boccia when I say, you’re like the Samuel L Jackson of Boccia – without you it would all fall apart.

That’s it! Thanks for reading. See you soon 🙂

Alex Dukes

Alex, Sunil and Reshad