Welcome to the The Extreme Boule Autumnal Review. As we move into the last 4 months of the season we take a breather from the hectic world of Extreme Boule to have a closer look at some of the favourites for this World Championship title. Odds for winning the championship have been supplied by the only person available, Seb Moss.
Mike Hopkins
The Gentleman of Boule
Those of you familar with the story of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson will see the unmistakeable parallels between Johnson and Hopkins. Both were average at their choosen pursuits (see Johnson prior to 1928, Hopkins in 2011) then both disappeared from the scene only to re-emerge with some of the finest playing ever scene. Johnson's transformation into a blues legend was attributed to a deal with the devil. Hopkins it has been noted turned on the flair after a trip to Extreme Boules own spiritual birthplace Llyn y Fan Fach - home to the Lady of the Lake. Did Hopkins obtain his boule powers after striking a deal with the lake dwelling harpie of the underworld? Who knows? What is certain is that Hopkin has played some of the finest boule seen in 2012. Johnson ended up revered but dead after being poisoned by a jealous rival (supposedly working for the devil). If Hopkins wins the 2012 title he will become a legend - but will he have to keep a closer eye on his ale?
Current Rank: 1st
2011 Rank: 8th
Odds to win 2012 title: 2 - 1
Gwen Thomas
The Godmother of Boule
A living legend in the Extreme Boule scene, Thomas has brought grace into the game. Smashing her way up the rankings after a glorious weekend in mid Wales, Thomas out played (and out classed) seasoned Extreme boulers Waterman, T. Wort, Moss AND the 2011 champion Woolridge. Having sparred with the greats including Jean Baptiste Gressier, Thomas should be quietly confident about being this years World Champion.
Current Rank: 2nd
2011 Rank: 16th
Odds: 9 -2
Tom Webster
The Boy Wonder
June 2012 - Webster unheard of, and yet to figure in any world rankings ever!
August 2012 - Webster, Number 3 in the World.
Webster smashed onto the scene in a game of legendary extremeness. Burying Seb Moss in a gully is one way to announce yourself onto the Extreme Boule scene and that's exactly what Webster did. Taking Moss apart on an extremely extreme terrain and then following it up by smashing T. Wort 6-0 in the Gravel Dome has woken to world up to Webster. Can he maintain it? Having gone on a training camp overseas who knows what his next move will be? Can he win the title? Only Webster can answer that.
Current Rank: 3rd
2011 Rank: n/a
Odds: 5 - 2
Pippa Cox
The Eliminator
The hot topic at the start of the season was Pippa Cox. Shooting straight to the number one spot and holding for a few months Cox certainly made a splash on the scene. Her playing style was admired by many and her sass mouth ruffled a few feathers. Doubt began to creep in as Cox slipped down the world rankings. Many believed she had peaked to soon and then Cox answered in style. The Eliminator form of Extreme Boule was pioneerd in May is certainly not for the faint hearted. Cox dominated it. Many experienced boulers quivered with fear as Cox shouted her now trademark call of "Eliminated! Eliminated! Eliminated!". She has flown back up the rankings is amongst the favourites for 2012.
Current Rank: 4th
2011 Rank: n/a
Odds: 4 - 1
Richard Waterman
The Wizard of Edale
Regarded as the most consistent Extreme Bouler on the scene, Waterman has not slipped from the top 10 in over a year. Not one to crash and burn Waterman will be up there at top end of the rankings come the end of season, but will he have a sprinkling of the necessary magic to be World Champion? If his proposed Mole Boule game plays comes off maybe he will.
Current Rank: 4th
2011 Rank: 6th
Odds: 4 - 1
Sam Murphy
The Mother of Extreme Boule (and Olive)
Having taking time out of an impressive Extreme Boule season to produce the next generation of Extreme Boule superstar, Murphy's chances for the title hang in the balance. Having clearly been inspired by the brief, yet brilliant, career of P. O' Brien, Murphy has the talent but has she got the desire?
Current Rank: 8th
2011 Rank: 14th
Odds: 8 - 1
Jim Murray
The Cardiff Maestro
Refered to as the Anna Kournokova of the Extreme Boule World many regard Murray as fine player but one too involved with the 'Razzmazztazz' that comes with being a boule star. Undoubtedly the King of the Cardiff Scene Murray needs to prove his worth against some of the giants of the game in order to get the number one spot. One thing's for sure he doesn't lack courage when it comes to the Collinson Round and anyone who saw his 15m kisser earlier this year know he can produce some of the finest play around.
Current Rank: 5th
2011 Rank: 5th
Odds: 5 - 1
Darren Woolridge
The World Champion, The Gift Snatcher.
After a turbulent season it's a miracle Woolridge sits in the Top 8. Is the World Championship trophy that sits on his mantlepiece now a curse? All other World Champions have struggled to relive their glory days and some are even rumoured to dead or incapitated with port addictions. For every glimmer of his glorious 2010 form there have been setbacks. The crashing defeat by Balance Boy is one of the talked about events of 2012 and is yet to be avenged. Some say The Cat has licked Woolridge's bacon. Perhaps it's time for Woolridge to lick his own bacon and live the dream - a second World title.
Current Rank: 7th
2011 Rank: Champion
Odds: 3 - 1
Ben Martin
Balance Boy
The favourite at the beginning of the season, Balance Boy has gone quiet in recent months. Tactics? Fear? Who knows. What is certain is that no one creates a buzz on the Extreme Boule scene like Balance Boy. His demolition of defemding champion Woolridge and the celebratory cigar that followed is one of the most talked about moments of the season. Flash in the pan? Or 2012 World Champion? One thing is for sure, Balance Boy needs to hit the boule turf soon and win a few points before the fans loose faith.
Current Rank: 14th
2011 Rank: 2nd
Odds: 15 - 1
Other odds as supplied by S. Moss:
M. Wort: 59 - 6
L. Cranshaw: 201 - 10
P. O' Brien: 195 - 1
J. Ossett: 112 - 1
