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Cricklade Pétanque Club, Swindon | 17th May 2025

The sun shone brightly over the picturesque terrain of Cricklade Pétanque Club in Swindon as it hosted the 2025 National Pétanque England Junior Doubles Competition on Sunday, May 17th. With stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere, the event brought together 26 young players forming 13 competitive teams from across the country.

The event was expertly hosted by Bob, Nigel, and their dedicated team at Cricklade, who went above and beyond to ensure everything was in place — from top-class facilities to a warm and supportive welcome. A hearty crowd of local supporters joined our parents and coaches to add to the fantastic energy, cheering on the young players throughout the day.

Special thanks were given to the umpire, David Mason, and to event organiser John Edmondson, whose planning and coordination ensured the day ran smoothly

With a packed schedule allowing for up to six games per team — despite an odd number leading to a bye — the competition was filled with spirited play and sportsmanship. Enthusiasm rippled through the venue, with juniors offering consistent encouragement to one another, embodying the values of camaraderie and fair play. Notably, Georgia and Erica from Whitnash stood out for their radiant positivity and support of their fellow players.

A highlight of the day was watching how the young pétanque players tackled strategy and decision-making independently — a new experience for many. While their tactical discussions were serious, they clearly had fun too, especially with their enthusiastic cries of “umpire!” keeping David Mason on his toes.

The high standard of play did not go unnoticed, drawing praise from parents, coaches, and spectators alike. Several matches were incredibly tight, showcasing not only talent but also resilience under pressure.

🥇 Competition Results:

Main Competition

Winners: Matthew Butcher and Alex Read

Runners-up: Alex Waren and Ethan Byrne

3rd Place: Amy Geddes and Tegan Finley

Silver Competition

Winners: Ruby and Alfie Williams

Runners-up: Aimee Rickman and Lewis Manns

All players received a bespoke Junior Doubles badge, with winners of the Silver competition also taking home boule cloths as a token of their success.

This year's event was not only a showcase of skill but also of sportsmanship, community spirit, and youth development in pétanque. A massive thank you goes to all the parents, guardians, and coaches who made the day possible by supporting and encouraging their young players every step of the way.

With a vibrant and talented group of juniors lighting up the terrain, the future of English pétanque looks incredibly bright. See you all next year!

A full report of the Competition can be found here.

if you have any junior stories from your club please let us know as we want to celebrate with them. Send all stories and any photos to Claire Geddes at juniors@petanque-england.uk

For those keen to stay updated on junior petanque activities, be sure to follow @PEJuniors on Facebook.