FUN AND GAMES AT PÉTANQUE

Games played with rolled or thrown balls date back to antiquity, with petanque a ‘modern’ variant, says Napier Petanque Club President, Mike Francis.

“The rules are simple, but tactics can be as complicated as chess. Because the game is normally played on an uneven terrain, luck plays a part, most helpful to a beginner. It is very easy to play, but difficult to play well.”

The Napier City Club, based at Nelson Park, began in 1995 when Noel Hunt put a notice in the paper to try and get a petanque club going. The first games were played on the beach at East Pier by founder members Noel, Derek and Olive Wright, Mary Hamilton and Dawn Gardiner. Subsequently, games were played at McDonalds Winery, which had two pistes, where the Napier Petanque Club was formed.

“The game was formalised in France in 1910. The game is simple and can be played on any terrain, with the objective to throw or bowl your balls (boules), closer to the ‘coche’ (or jack) than your opponent(s).”

In 2018 the world’s largest petanque tournament held in Marseilles, France, attracted 12,000 players aged from 12 to 84, from 19 countries.

“The game’s popularity is because it is for both sexes, for all body types and for all ages. It is a very sociable sport yet tremendously competitive. “The skill and tactics employed by the world’s top players is stunning. It helps if you start playing at a tender age but don’t be put off. Many members who started when they retired are now very accomplished and winning competitions.”

Most New Zealand cities host a petanque club or two, with more than 21 clubs around the country affiliated to the national body, Petanque NZ, including clubs in Hawke’s Bay.

“In addition, there are thousands of folks who have a set of boules sitting in their closet and who enjoy friendly games with family and friends.”

In 1996 the Napier club took over one of the Napier Bowling Club’s greens in Nelson Park which was converted to a petanque terrain.

When the bowling club closed, the petanque club raised funds to build a toilet and kitchen facilities, with a clubroom a few years later.

Today the club has around 45 members, mostly seniors, with a mix of men and women and it is actively seeking new members.

“The main attractions of this unusual game to many are the sociability and the challenge of a new sport — plus the lack of formality with no dress code or special footwear being required (except open-toed footwear is not permitted being too susceptible to toe injury).”

Club play at Napier is quite informal and games last 35-40 minutes.

On club days teams are made up on the day from the members present.

“You are free to stay for only one game or for the duration. This is a major point of difference with most sport and a real attraction if you know you won’t be letting other folk down if you can’t attend on the day.”

Mike says members are also free to enjoy the club’s facilities outside club hours and make it a family outing.

“Age is no barrier. Recently we invited a family passing by to come in and enjoy a game. Within a very short space of time the nine- and 10-year-olds in the family were playing like experts.”

The informal nature of petanque ensures you a welcome at other clubs around the country. Members also travel regularly to competitions. Besides its regular roster of club championships, the Napier club hosts one of the country’s most popular events, the Hawke’s Bay Classic Doubles Tournament in September each year.

“This event was held just this month after a two year break due to Covid. It attracted 64 players from around New Zealand and was a resounding success,” Mike says.

“On Club days we usually play two games, then break for afternoon tea, with keen players staying on for a third game, finishing normally around 4.00pm. We also allow newbies to come along and try the game for free.”

Club days are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons at the Napier Club’s grounds off Jull Street in Nelson Park, where there is ample parking immediately outside the entrance. Games start at 1.00pm with teams made up from members on the day.

There is also a twilight session during the summer months of daylight-saving, on a Thursday each week, starting at 5.00pm.