South Leamington couple crowned pètanque National Mixed Doubles Champions against the odds

Both members of Whitnash Windmill Pètanque Club, their club hosted the Pètanque England National Mixed Doubles and Triples and, against all the odds, the underdogs triumphed on home soil.

“My partner Ewan and I competed against 32 teams from both the locality and wider country - some of whom are current or past members of the England squad,” said Jen.

“So we were not expected to win, but we beat players of much longer standing and experience.

“At times it was a hard slog but we stuck at it through the hard moments and were locked in by the end and playing our very best.

“I was playing the position of pointer and Ewan was shooting.

“It was a combination that worked well and we managed to win all seven games and are now the champions.

“It's the first national title either of us have won and it's a great achievement, both for us and our club, though we have played many regional and open competitions around the country over the years and have enjoyed some wins and some runners-up places.

“The club is a vibrant petanque club with the largest junior section in the country, bringing forward some of the most up and coming young players for the sport.

“We're really proud of what we've achieved.

"Both of us have taken up the sport in later life.

“Ewan's been playing for over seven years and me for over four after he taught me how to play. It’s a brilliant sport and the pair of us are totally hooked!

“We now play two or three times a week and compete most weekends, with the main season being April to October, but there are always club and regional competitions happening through the year.”

Ewan said: “I’ve always had a vague ambition for a national title one day, but I didn’t think it would come this year in the Mixed Doubles.

“I’m really pleased that we managed to put together a consistent day’s play.”

Their last-16 clash against Dave Kilshaw and Claire Rickman very nearly ended their title hopes.

Trailing 12-8 in a timed game, Ewan produced two crucial shots to turn the end into four points and level the match before the pair edged over the line.

“They were playing well and the score was 12-8 to them,” said Jen.

“Some clever play gained four more points to 12 across and we managed to pip them at the post with the last point.

“It was an incredibly close match and they gave us quite a game. But we ground it out won in the end.”

From there they defeated the pairing of Tim Edwins and Sabrina Seville before overcoming Migs Trimmingham and Jason Clough to reach the final against Adrian and Myra Emson.

“The least pressure feeling game was actually the final,” explained Jen.

“We were both so delighted to have made it there we were united and locked in and actually just enjoyed the game. I think the play showed we were happy.”

“I couldn’t move at the end. I just started counting boules, staring at the ground. Had I made a mistake?

“Then Adrian and Myra walked towards us with their hands out and I realised we’d done it. Shock, delight and disbelief all happened at once.”

Ewan said: “These things don't just happen. The national title is nice because it shows that ordinary club players can achieve big things.

“Consistent effort, always learning, and always showing up.

“I would say to people have a go! Jen and I are fortunate to play at Whitnash and it was on our doorstep.

“However I really enjoyed seeing some newer Whitnash players turning up to play. It's the only thing to do. Enter. Show up. Play.

“Sometimes you get a result, and you'll always learn something.”

Jen added: “Push your comfort zone, sign up to the competitions, play at as many venues and with as many different people as you can.

“Watch experienced players, learn from them and ask questions. There are some great players out there, but anyone can progress and be the next winner. If you want it, go and get it.”

Whitnash Sports and Social Club boasts 16 pistes (the name for the playing area).

The surface is typically a rough fine gravel / stony / dusty surface with many undulations so no two pistes are the same.

Two teams throw their metal boules from a circle on the ground towards a small wooden jack (or cochonnet) between six and 10 metres away.

Each team has six boules and the aim is to get as many boule closest to the jack once all 12 boules have been thrown.

Pointing is a skill of getting a boule to rest closest and shooting is to throw a boule through the air with more force to hit and strike away an opponent's ball.

It’s a simple game and can be played by a range of physical abilities and ages.

Whitnash has members from aged seven to 92 who are active players.

Petanque popularity is rising and Whitnash always welcomes new members – club night is Monday evening 7.30pm adults and 6.30pm juniors.