Historic double win for England at European Pétanque Championships in Holland
English players and their coaches are celebrating two superb results on Sunday at the European Pétanque Championships in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Holland.
Organised by the European Pétanque Confederation (CEP), the championships were held in the town’s famous square, The Parade, from 13th to 17th July where 26 covered pétanque terrains were especially created for the occasion.
Nations competed from across Europe in Singles (Men and Women), Doubles (Men and Women) and Mixed Doubles. Thousands of spectators attended, giving a real carnival atmosphere.
History was made for England by Hannah Louise Griffin who plays for the Whitnash Windmill Club near Leamington Spa and Alex Spillet from the Meadow Club in Kent who took the podium alongside their coach Jeremy Huntley (who lives in Letchworth) for a silver medal in the inaugural CEP Women’s Doubles after losing narrowly 9-13 in the Final against Monaco. On the way to the final, they chalked up impressive wins against Belgium, hosts Holland and Spain, all leading pétanque playing nations.
Alex said, “What can I say, what a week! So proud of Hannah and I, one of the best championships ever!” Hannah added, “Really enjoyed playing with Alex! We have had the best time. I felt really comfortable throughout with my teammate!”
Baldock Town club (Hertfordshire) members Matthew Eversden and Jack Blows were also celebrating a first ever bronze medal for England with their coach Jonathan Sewell (also a Baldock Town member) in the senior men’s format after notable victories in the knockout stage against Germany and Turkey, their progress only being stopped by World Champions Italy in the Semi Final, who also went on to prevail in the Final against Belgium.
Jack from Shefford, Bedfordshire said, “It was a great weekend, defeating some very good countries. The team all performed well in fantastic surroundings. It will take some time for what we have achieved to sink in.” Matthew from Baldock, Hertfordshire added, “We were tested against the toughest opposition, and came through with flying colours. English pétanque is on the map.”
Colin Roper, Pétanque England’s Head of Delegation at the Championships said, “These are undoubtedly the best results we have achieved at international level in our sport. This is a very competitive environment where we face big challenges over an intense few days. We’ve really hit new heights and I’m delighted for our players and coaches.”
Martin Hughes
Petanque England
(PDF version of News release for media here )