Young Players Shine at Anglia Adult/Junior Pairs Competition

3 hours ago
2 min read

Group of Adults and Juniors pose outside beside a St. Faiths pétanque club sign, smiling in sunlight before green hedges.

The Anglia Adult/Junior Pairs Competition took place on Saturday 22 August, hosted by St Faiths Pétanque Club and expertly run by Stuart Picton.

People play pétanque on a sunny gravel court, with others seated by a hedge-lined pavilion under a blue sky.

Seven pairs entered the competition, with each junior partnered by an experienced adult player. Five of the juniors came from the Norwich Pétanque Club Junior Programme, which has now completed its first successful year. The other two juniors were trying pétanque for the first time—and enjoyed the experience so much that they are now looking to join the programme!

With seven pairs taking part, the competition was played as a seven-round round robin. Every team played six games against the other pairs, with one bye to provide a much-needed rest round.

Each game lasted 30 minutes plus two additional ends, providing a real test of stamina—particularly for the many juniors taking part in their first-ever competition.

Cody throwing a boule
Michael and Cody throwing their boule
Molly getting ready to throw a boule
Bradley throwing a boule
Cody throwing a boule
Michael throwing a boule
William throwing a boule

The weather was perfect, with the sun shining throughout the day, and the competition was played in a wonderfully friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Winners: Effy & Simon posing with their trophy & medals.

Effy Greener and Simon Doble were crowned champions after an outstanding unbeaten performance, finishing the day with five wins and one draw.

Runners-up: Bradley & Alle posing with their medals.

Bradley Hayter and Allen Kemp secured the runners-up position following another excellent display, recording four wins and one draw.

All the Juniors posing with their medals. Effy is also holding her winners trophy

A huge thank you must go to all the adults who generously gave up their time to play alongside and support the juniors. We would also like to thank everyone who has helped with the juniors’ training and development throughout this year-long journey. Your time, encouragement and commitment have made a real difference.

As we begin planning for the second year of the Norwich Pétanque Club Junior Programme, we are looking at how we can make it even bigger and better.

If you would like to get involved, please email coach@norwich-petanque.co.uk.

We would also be delighted to hear from other clubs interested in starting a similar junior programme. If you would like advice or support to help you get started, please contact us using the same email address.