Celebrating International Women’s Day

(a little later than planned...)

Sunday 20th September turned out to be the perfect day for our rescheduled IWD Women’s Doubles held at Worthing Petanque Club. The day began slightly cooler than forecast but soon warmed up to summer temperatures with lots of sunshine as 24 ladies paired up for this popular annual competition. It was great to see so many clubs from across our region represented: Arundel, Bedouins, Bordon, Cobbetts, Cranleigh, Fareham, Oxshott, Portchester, River Hamble, Shedfield and Worthing.

The number of teams was limited to twelve to ensure we complied with the Covid-secure guidelines. All necessary arrangements were put in place, with the bulk of the preparatory work undertaken beforehand by Hassi, Hilary, Bob and the team at Worthing Petanque Club. All players arrived in good time and the event got off to a prompt start at 10am.

The pairings for the 5-game snake had been pre-drawn and were revealed by Hilary on the day, leading to a few gasps as well as sighs of relief as teams looked-up their opponents. Due to the nature of the random draw in the snake format there were some teams who got tough draws!

Favourites going into the competition were reigning champions Sammy Thatcher (one of England’s top female players) and Paula Fauvel, so it came as no surprise that they retained their title, winning all five of their games.

Second place was taken by seasoned players Lesley Crofts & Chris Peat, who played together for the first time and put in a great performance, also winning all five of their games but being beaten to the top place on points.

Third place was secured by last year's National IWD winners Karen Lombard & Hassi Leverett, who finished on four wins, with their only loss being to Sammy & Paula. There was a hard fought battle for fourth place between Sue McAleese & Daena Vincent and Sue Sandy & Clare Ide. Both teams went into the last game with two wins each so it was all to play for. Having taken an early lead Sue Mac & Daena were just pipped to the post by their opponents who came in fourth place with three wins leaving the Fareham duo in sixth place.

Also with three wins, and taking the fifth-place prize were Jill Myles and Susan Ross who have been the model ambassadors for the IWD events. They attend and support the event every year and it is always inspiring to see them love and enjoy playing petanque.

The day had a very relaxed atmosphere as ladies soaked up the sun in between matches enjoying a catch up with friends - for some it was their first proper outing in 6 months. It was great to see many of the teams stay for the presentations.

Thanks to Hilary for sailing us so smoothly through the day and to Nick Hall who was not only our official photographer but also helping with measuring and other general assistance along with Frank Charlesworth. The ladies certainly made them work hard and kept them busy.

So, that concludes our third annual IWD event. Hopefully, we will be able to hold the next one in March 2021 where the winners will have the opportunity to represent the region at the National IWD competition.