Just a reminder that next month sees Yorkshire Ladies’ Fun Day – an annual event open to all female players in the region. It will be held on Saturday 8th June at Stockton (York). Several of our members have played previously and found it to be an enjoyable, informal, but competitive day out. For more information click here, and speak with Chris if you’d like some help with transport.
A Home Win
Last Thursday evening Leeds took on Wigginton at home as part of the York league; this was, in fact, our first York League match at our new home since we moved to the Vesper Gate last year.
The team comprised Charles, Gavin, Mike, Mike, Neill, and Paul. Two wins in the triples saw Leeds get off to a strong start, including one win to 13-0.
The doubles proved to be equally successful, and Leeds ended up winning all 5 games.
This week there are another two league matches being played at home – Tuesday at 2pm Leeds are taking on Mirfield in the West Yorkshire league, and Thursday at 6.30pm the York League team will be up against Wetherby. So dust off your cheerleading outfits and come on down to watch some games and support the teams.
York League gets Underway
Last Thursday evening saw the first match of the annual York League, with Leeds taking on Westow away at their new terrain approximately 15 miles to the north of York. The format of the York league changed a few years ago and the weekly matches are now made up of five games – two triples followed by three doubles.
The team for our first match comprised Alan, Charles, Gavin, Mike, Paul, and Richard, and after the first round of triples Leeds had won both of our games. The three doubles followed, and after dropping just one game all evening Leeds were able to celebrate in the sunset with a 4-1 overall result. Congratulations team!
This week the West Yorkshire league is playing at home to Wetherby (tomorrow, Tuesday 14th May at 2pm) and the York League is also at home to Wigginton (Thursday 16th May at 6:30pm). So why not come down to the Vesper Gate to watch and support the teams? Pom-poms are optional, although highly recommended.
West Yorkshire League Success
Tuesday 23rd April saw the first West Yorkshire League match of the season. Away at Huddersfield on a cold and slightly damp day it wasn’t the most appealing of conditions but a warm welcome from the Huddersfield team brightened the day.
The team consisted of Paul, Gordon, Jo, Alan, Rosanna, and Mike. Making his debut for the team, Mike was cool as a cucumber and keen to start playing.
The games consist of two triples and three doubles games. We had a mixed start with one win and one loss in the triples so it was all to play for as we started the doubles. After a quick brew break to warm up, our persistence and brilliance came to the fore and we won all three. A shout out to Mike who won both of his games on debut!
A brilliant start to the season with a 4-1 win over Huddersfield and great to have new blood in the team. Bring on the next match!
A Winning Team!
Congratulations to Leeds Pétanque for winning the Club Cup in Huddersfield last Saturday 20th April.
It was an all-day competition of many games, competing against 9 teams from across the region. Of our 3 teams Rosanna and Charles lost a long and hard-fought match in the final of the mixed pairs, Alan and Richard battled valiantly but lost their final of the open pairs, and Neill, Paul and Chris came 3rd in the mixed triples. However, our performance overall, and aggregate scores of all matches played throughout the day, meant that Leeds carried off the Club trophy as the overall winner.
Well done team!
Coaching Success
We had a great coaching session on the terrain last week. Thanks to Charles, our regional coach, for leading the session, and to Paul and Gavin for coming along to assist him.
The session started with a refresher of the basics, how to hold and throw the boule, and how to stand and position feet, which was a useful reminder that if you get the first things right, everything else follows much more naturally. This was followed by a session covering pointing, and finished with shooting practice.
By the end of the evening we were all pretty exhausted, but buzzing from such a stimulating and useful evening. Let’s hope the confidence that everyone felt after all this practice translates into some amazing pointing and shooting at our Club sessions!
Kirkstall Deli Market Demos
Next Saturday 27th April, Leeds Pétanque will be present at the Kirkstall Deli Market, which is typically held on the last weekend of every month, demonstrating the wonderful game of pétanque to members of the public and passers by.
Please speak to Chris if you are willing to support and lend a hand between 11am and 1pm. Please note that the market event is held over the road from the club terrain within grounds of the abbey itself.
Hope to see you there 🙂
Competition Season
Now that summer is officially here, competition season will soon be underway.
Leeds Pétanque participates in two main leagues during the summer months – the West Yorkshire League and the York League. The Leeds Club won the West Yorkshire Cup last year and have additionally won the York League for the last four years (so no pressure this year then!)
The West Yorkshire League covers Wetherby to Huddersfield – six clubs in total playing ten matches (five home, five away) during the daytime. Alan will be organising the club squad for the West Yorkshire League, so if you’re interested in taking the ‘next step’, meeting other players in the region, and taking on some different terrains in a fun and informal environment, please speak to Alan.
The York League covers a much larger area surrounding York and league games are played on Thursday evenings. If you’d like to throw your hat in the ring, please speak to Neill directly.
There are also numerous events organised by Yorkshire Pétanque throughout the year, click here for more information.
Coaching Sessions
In two weeks’ time (Tuesday 16th April) the club has arranged a coaching session with a qualified Yorkshire Regional Coach. Please note that this event is available to members of Leeds Pétanque Club only, and as places are limited you must book in advance if you wish to partake – please see Chris or email LeedsPetanqueClub@gmail.com to confirm your place.
The evening will cover 2 x 45 min sessions looking at basic and tactical skills… a good starting point for players who are new to the game, and a good refresher for the more experienced players following a number of rule changes in recent years.
If you are additionally a member of Yorkshire Pétanque there is no extra charge for this session, otherwise there is a nominal fee of just £5 payable in cash on the day.
If coaching isn’t for you, don’t worry… there will still be sufficient space on the terrain for a regular club session.
But why not dust off your boule and book your spot today?!
Tuesdays are Back!
Just a quick reminder that next Tuesday 2nd April will see the return of Tuesday evening club sessions. Start time 6pm, see you there 🙂
Leeds Pétanque 