An invitational competition at Mirfield

It was perhaps not the most obvious of venues to hold an invitational pétanque competition featuring a crop of highly experienced players, but it was the best fit on the day for many reasons.

Mirfield Pétanque Club plays a vital role in their local community by bringing people together to partake in social play. Due to the club's welcoming approach, it's difficult to 'not enjoy' oneself when you are there.

Although no members of Mirfield PC took part in playing, their contribution in providing hospitality was both evident and valued by the event organisers and the players alike. In addition, the club brought with it a host of supporters to follow the action from the sidelines, proving yet again that pétanque can be a spectator sport in the UK as it is in many other countries.

The competition was held as a mixed-format melee. Players drew numbers to determine their run of play, with 2 rounds of triples, followed by 3 rounds of doubles. It was decided towards the end of the day that a third round of triples would be played to bring the competition to a close. The draw ensured that participants would play with different teammates in each of the triples games and likewise the doubles.

As the autumn sun went down and sparks started flying from the boules, the final two games of triples were played out. Up to this point, only 1 player had won all their games. Would they go all the way to ensure victory on the day? As it happened, this wasn't to be.

With the games all wrapped up, the scores were in. It was close at the top with 4 players on 5 wins out of 6 with the top 3 separated by only a very slight points difference. 3rd place was Sylvester M, with Ewan C in 2nd place. John E of Leicester Pétanque Club ended the day as the overall winner having strung together 5 consecutive wins, losing only the final match in a closely contested game where every point mattered. Again, all overseen by an engaged crowd that had remained on the edge of their seats throughout the day.

Undoubtedly, another competition at this venue is very much on the cards. Whether scaled up or not it won't matter. Mirfield Petanque Club demonstrated how they can contribute to a great day and the players can be sure to feel welcomed and play a great game.