Petanque players battle it out for spot at Euros
The Scottish Pétanque Association brought this year’s EuroCup qualifier to Carnoustie as Inverleith, Fochabers, Perth and Newtongrange battled it out.
Inverleith and Fochabers both won their opening two matches, setting up a head-to-head decider for the title and Scotland’s EuroCup place.
After the singles and doubles, Fochabers led 12–9, leaving Inverleith needing to win both triples or lose the title.
A weekend of competition had ultimately come down to its final two games, and Inverleith responded under pressure, winning both triples to overturn the deficit and claim a 19–12 victory.
The victory means Inverleith will represent Scotland at the 28th European Cup for Clubs in Sin-le-Noble, Douai, France, from November 5-8.
SPA president David Moxham was delighted with the weekend and the quality of Petanque being played.
He said: "Beyond the competition itself, the weekend showed clubs coming together to support national pétanque.
"Carnoustie Pétanque Club provided a warm welcome, with players, coaches and officials well looked after throughout.
"The club’s home on the old curling rink at Maule Street provided a distinctive setting for the qualifier, and the SPA thanks everyone who gave their time and effort to hosting the event.
"Congratulations to Inverleith, who now carry Scotland’s colours to France in November, to Fochabers for taking the contest to the final games, and to Perth and Newtongrange for their part in a competitive weekend played in an excellent spirit.”
Carnoustie Pétanque Club chairperson Colin Sinclair was honoured to be asked to host this important event.
He said: "Our committee and members got enthusiastically involved in helping both plan and run the event, and in return were treated to a very high standard of play that we hope to aspire too.
"We were very grateful to both Carnoustie Gala Committee and Carnoustie Bowling Club for the use of equipment and facilities.
"The event ran very smoothly and positive feedback was received from both the SPA and the clubs involved.
"Anyone interested in trying out Petanque in our area can contact us on [email protected] for more details."