Le Rocquier School try out petanque
Two classes of Year 8 pupils from Le Rocquier celebrated International Day by trying out the sport of Petanque at the Weighbridge Gardens this morning.
Most had never played Petanque so members of the JPA were on hand to instruct and umpire the games. Players competed as doubles teams and each played two games. To make up an even number of teams, their teachers also took part. Many of the competitors showed a fast understanding of the required technique and there were many close games. Due to the limited time available games were timed and if neither team reached the winning score of 13 points, play was stopped at the whistle.
Winners in each of the first round matches were than pitched against each other in the second. Winners in from Class 8X were all girl partnership ‘The A Team’. They won both their games with a net points difference of +12.In second place was another all girl team; ‘Shanic’ on 2 wins and net =7 despite a strong challenge from ‘Aston Utd’ whom they beat 11-10. ‘Red Bags’ were in third and the top boys team in the competition. (2 wins +3). There was a very close game between ‘Red Bags’ and ‘The Enemy’ which finished 11-10.
The later session was contested by Year 8Y and there was no holding ‘Haribo’ who took two convincing wins 13-3 and 13-0 to take first place with +23 – another victory for a girl team. Runners up were ‘Madeira Beauties’ whose games were tighter and their two wins netted +5. Third place was won by ‘Fantastic Two’ who had drawn their first game at 6 points each with ‘Hearts Utd’ – two very evenly matched pairs.
Each player of the winning pairs was presented with a voucher from Magic Touch – sponsors of the JPA.
All players enjoyed the experience and though it was a short session, some talent was emerging. Who knows, maybe one of these young people may become a champion one day!