Sporting Sunday

Sunday was quite a big sporting day with The Tour de France, the British Grand Prix and the World Cup Final, but that is nothing compared to a Pétanque tournament in Arzens.

The whole thing started at 9:30. Each team consisted of three players and there were four teams in each pool. We played our three matches before lunch in the searing heat and it was pleasant to get under the shade of the trees.


When all the matches were completed, the apéros were brought out. I really love the smell (and taste) of Pastis, it is so typical of French holidays but I have learnt from past experience not to drink too much of it. I stick to the wine.

Lunch consisted of a BBQ picnic of sausages, merguez, poitrine and a wide range of salads. It was lovely, but only lasted 3 hours!

L'Equipe Rouge

The finals were completed in the afternoon. Richard and his team of experts won the Plate Final. We arrived home at 19:30, hot and dusty. After a quick dip in the pool and a fast forward of the Grand Prix, we watched Spain beat Holland.

It must be easy being a World Cup footballer. They only have to play for 120 minutes in cool evening temperatures, whereas our Pétanque took 10 hours, in 35 degrees heat and we only had 3 hours for apéros and lunch!!

And the Beginning of Another

As one season ends, another begins and Friday was the first night of the 2010 Pétanque season. We had succumbed to all the persuasion and joined this year. We provided the joining fee, Medical Certificates and photographs and duly turned up at 8:30. We handed over 4€ each and were given our number for the evening. Just like Fléchettes, at 9 o’clock we were allocated our teams.

Both Richard and I were with experienced players. It is all very well being told where to place the boule, but actually placing it there is quite different with divots, sand and stones to contend with!

During the course of the evening, we played 4 games. We hadn’t realised that there is prize money! For every game that one wins, you receive 2€, so it is possible to double your money in the evening. At half past twelve I took home 2€.

In spite of having a late night on Friday, I had to be up early Saturday morning as I was joining 10 other ladies to play in a boules competition. 1st May is Fête du Travail, or Labour Day, and the Comité Aude had organised a Journée de la Femme for ladies boules players.

My partner, Dany, and I were put with 4 other pairs and we began by having a skills test which were marked accordingly. Next we were asked questions on the rules of Pétanque. There was no way I was able answer these questions, so I left that to Dany. I only just knew the basic rudiments of the game not details of the rules.

Apéros and lunch was made and served by husbands and male committee members. After lunch we played 2 matches and the day finished by the prize giving to the winners Finally, everyone was given a sprig of Muget or Lily of the Valley, a flower that is given on 1st May and a small fridge magnet as a memento of the day.