For the last six years, the game Pétanque has been played by a small group of enthusiasts here in Barga. Its arrival in the city was due in part to visitors from Finland (where enthusiasm for the game is almost bordering on religion) and who brought their Pétanque balls with them to play on holiday.
The first P̩tanque International РFinland vs Rest of the World was played on the 18th of July 2002 (article here) The second P̩tanque International took place the following year Р26th March 2003 and this time was between two teams Italy/America and Canada/Ireland (article here) The third International was played later on that year, this time between England and a team representing Singapore/Ireland (article here) The following year in 23rd April 2004 Р4th P̩tanque International РAmerica vs Cananda vs Ireland (article here)
Unfortunately for the Barga Pétanque players, the Finnish contingent stopped their annual pilgrimage to Barga and enthusiasm for the game waned amongst the local athletes.
But just when it looked as though all was lost, this month saw the 5th Pétanque International played between a team from Scotland/Wales who pitched off against England/Canada.
Final score; 2 -0 to the England/Canada team
Additional reporting and images by Macalrisk
“This is not a serious game,” said Kaj Nilsson the day before the match, shaking his bear-like head. “This is a very serious game.” — more from the 1st Pétanque International can be read on this article by Rupert Collins-White
Pétanque (from pieds tanqués, meaning feet together) was created in La Ciotat, near Marseilles, in 1910, when an elderly boules player, Jules Le Noir, created a new set of rules designed to help those, like him, who had trouble moving. Under the rules you have to be standing still with your feet on the ground when you throw your boule at the porcelet (or jack). In official competitions, the teams are made up of three players. The pitches must be a minimum of 4m wide and 15m long. The metal boules weigh between 650g and 800g The boule nearest the porcelet wins the point. The first team to reach 13 points wins the game
The Petanque in Barga site is here
All very well, but what about the Barga, Finnish, Scottish/Yorkshire game? I think a rematch is required!
For those who were not present, the result was Barga 13, Finland 4, Scotland 2. Are there really grounds for a rematch? Ma dai!
Fair point, but I do feel I need to regain some dignity if not for Scotland, then for Yorkshire!
Aha! Now I know who you are: Gillian. A little practice and we’ll consider a rematch with Yorkshire dignity on the line.
Grazie mille! It was my first attempt and I do believe I scored one of the two points for Scotland. I shall, from now on, be see with camera in one hand and boules in the other. Once mastered I shall return. Not sure whether you should take this as a threat, or a promise! Buona notte x
Hmmm, camera in one hand and boules in the other. No comment,
I can’t imagine what you mean…
I’m going to rally that team I saw on the coast of Spain a few years ago, just you all look out next year! DB, have you got that team photo I sent??
At McGill, and met a few teams east of St.Denis in Montreal…. I might be able to rally a team or two from there!
Jess
Jess