The Casa D’Abruzzo was abuzz with excitement on September 10 as it played host to the Australian Bocce Club Fours Championship alongside the vibrant ‘Primavera’ luncheon celebration. This event marked a significant milestone for bocce enthusiasts and the Casa D’Abruzzo community.
The inception of the Bocce Fours championship stemmed from the collective desire of elite and junior players for more year-round competition, bridging the gap between states and clubs to provide a platform for high-level competition and skill enhancement. While the dream of a national league remained unfulfilled due to the lack of sponsorship and club support, the intervention of Bocce Australia securing sponsorship paved the way for the Club Fours championship.
More than 60 enthusiastic players and dedicated officials registered for this event, forming 12 competitive teams all vying for the coveted title of the best Bocce Club Fours champions in Australia. The championship, which coincided with the ‘Primavera’ celebration at the club, drew an audience of over 300 spectators and passionate supporters. Some watched the thrilling bocce action from the bistro area, while others enjoyed the view from the newly constructed bocce-drome balcony stands.
The Men’s Club Fours division witnessed a fierce battle between Casa D’Abruzzo and the Veneto clubs. In a tightly contested match, the Casa D’Abruzzo team of Fernando Cardinale, Aldo Mainelli, Jim Coviello, and Rocco Palladino emerged victorious with in the final with a score of 9 points to 5 points against the Veneto team comprising Vince Carapelotti, Michael Cianci, Fiorentino Chiodo, and Tony Centofanti.
While In the Club Mixed division it was an all Casa D’Abruzzo Club final with the team of Peter Manca, Caterina Manea, Jim Dicesere and Frank Barban wining the championship with a score 13 to 1 against the team of Nicola Crupi, Caterina Crupi, Giovanni Dinuzzo and Pasquale Annetta
This championship exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the enduring passion for bocce within bocce sport community. It was a day filled with thrilling competition, jubilant celebrations, and the coming together of bocce enthusiasts which saw the Casa D’Abruzzo club crowned as the best Bocce Australia Fours Champion club of 2023 as they won both the men’s and mixed titles.
Bocce Australia extends its gratitude to Sport Australia, Victorian Government, Casa D’Abruzzo and Bon Food for their sponsorship and all the players, officials, and spectators for making this event a resounding success.
Special thanks to Chief Referee Joe Maselli, Tournament Director Mary Massena, Laila Favrin President Bocce Victoria and the BA baord. The Australian Bocce Club Fours Championship will continue to grow, fostering the development of bocce talent and strengthening the bonds of the bocce community in the years to come.
The top 4 placings below:
Placing: 1st
Club: Casa D’Abruzzo
Team: Fernando Cardinale, Aldo Mainelli, Jim Coviello, Rocco Palladino
Placing: 2nd
Club: Veneto Vince Carapelotti
Team: Micheal Cianci, Fiorentino Chiodo, Tony Centofanti
Placing: 3rd
Club: Veneto Andrew Pozzer
Team: Don Difederico, Sam Mezio, Mark Pozzer
Placing: 4th
Club: Casa D’Abruzzo
Team: Tony Rizzo, Carmine Depetta, Tony DiFederico, Pasquale Mancone
Club – Mixed Fours
Placing: 1st
Club: Casa D’Abruzzo Peter Manca
Team: Caterina Manea, Jim Dicesere, Frank Barban
Placing: 2nd
Club: Casa D’Abruzzo Nicola Crupi
Team: Caterina Crupi, Giovanni Dinuzzo, Pasquale Annetta
Placing: 3rd
Club: Morwell Franco Fava
Team: Tommy Campbell, Mirella Alesi, Maria Maselli
Placing: 4th
Club: Frezzia Azzura Carol Prodan
Team: Carmela Controneo, Coni Pansin, Marija Corelli