The Pétanque Show

05/02/2024

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"Feet in the Circle" - 3 lads doing Video Podcasts for Petanque in England!

05/02/2024

✖️⭕️Feet in the Circle⭕️✖️

⚠️Episode: February 2024⚠️

https://youtu.be/3mTx2evK4C4?si=FrfReiVFibTbsceI

🗣In this episode the trio look back on their 2023 season, discuss the current selection process and the recent fall out, idea storm a way to improve the international selection process and finish with their goals for 2024.

✏️Make sure you leave a comment to tell us what you thought, good or bad, constructive criticism is always warranted; and don't forget to share!

🚫The Petanque England AGM is next week, and if you want to enact change and see selection scrapped, then please use your right to vote; even if you cannot make it, you can via proxy, all you have to do is fill in the form sent to all members via email and send it to David Baxter or Monty Quaia - let's create change. (You have until the 8th Feb to vote)

In this episode the trio look back on their 2023 season, discuss the current selection process and the recent fall out, idea storm a way to improve the inter...

05/02/2024

Feet in the Circle Podcasts are back! Did you miss us?

I know, it's been a while :(

Pleased to announce that the boys have recorded a new podcast! This will be available very shortly!

We will be bringing you a new one every month in 2024.

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss, or would like to feature on one of our shows, please just email [email protected]

Thank you!

11/07/2023

A huge well don, Jay, on winning a place in the Men's England squad for the upcoming European Triples championships.

1) You must be absolutely delighted to be representing your country at the Championships. How do you feel?

I feel proud to be able to represent England at the highest level of the game again. I am also extremely happy to have done it with my family, and be a part of what will be Deans first championship.

2) What were your initial feelings when you knew you (and your team) had finished number 1 in the Triples rankings, and were off to the Euros?

We were all buzzing at the time as this was a dream for a long time now. We put so much into the game and ultimately fell short a number of times. As a family we have all had personal issues to overcome and this was the perfect pick me up to what has been a difficult few years.

3) You've come back stronger this year, after missing out on the last few squads. What have you done to make sure you were able to perform how you have, and ultimately, win?

Physically, I have just ensured that I worked on the weak spots of my game. I specifically targeted my pointing which has now become more consistent and a key part of our success this year. Other than that, i just trusted my team and built as much confidence as I possibly could before the ranking events. Momentum is key.

4) You've played a lot of your adult boule with Dean and Scott. How have you learned from them, both on and off the piste? How have they helped shape your game?

Dean and Scott are not only my teammates but also my family, they are great role models on and off the pitch. The last 10 years of my life has been spent with these two amazing people and I wouldn’t change it for the world. They are a huge part of why I am not only the player I am today but also the person I am. They have kept me grounded whilst helping me to chase my dreams and pushed me to be better in difficult times.

5) How important is it to make use of the time, between now and September, to really get your game in order so you can hit the ground running in France?

It is hugely important to use what little time we have left until the championship. Luckily, myself and Dean have a Piste in the garden which allows for easy access to practice. But playing competitive petanque is the most important thing to ensure that we are championship ready.

6) You're naturally a shooter and play this position almost every time; what else can you bring to the team? And can you be as effective in the middle, if called upon?

As I stated earlier, I have spent a long time trying to improve my pointing, that has allowed me to be more effective from the middle and play a different role in the team. I feel I can play middle well, and this has worked well this year multiple times. When I play in the middle, it allows for a more naturally aggressive game.

7) You are playing in a very aggressive team, with players that can shoot well, consistently. Do you think your approach in France will be to attack early? What will your style be, do you imagine?

I think we will play the game that we play all of the time. Take each end as it comes and try our hardest to ensure that we take our chances when they come and defend when needed. As a team we have a solid base and great understanding of each others games.

8) Finally, you'll no doubt be taking on the Precision Shooting. What's your goal in that? And what is your points target?

Having done the Tir at multiple championships now, I am able to separate the two mentally. I don’t set targets when shooting, and try not to keep track of the score. I try my best to stay focused and trust my process.

Obviously as a goal I would love to achieve a medal position but the main focus of the championships will be the triples.

10/07/2023

Hi Reece, Congratulations on being selected in the Men's England squad for the upcoming European Triples championships.

1) How does it feel to be going to a European Championships? Is it your first?

Feels amazing to go to a championships again! This will be the second time as i represented at the European championships in Bulgaria 2019

2) What were your emotions when you got the call to be selected as part of the group going?

Obviously i was over the moon to be selected, i feel as though Scott, Dean and Jason form a great squad and i’m really excited to play and work with them going forward

3) You've been out of the top echelons of the England squad for a while, how does it feel to finally be back in that place and able to show what you can do again?

I feel as though i have had a reasonably impressive year results wise, but there is plenty more work to do so i can get even better results and improve going forward. I have worked on a-lot with my game to create more consistency which i think has paid dividends, i’ve also worked really hard on my mental attitude and which again i think shows. I can’t wait to prove why i’m a top player and that I deserve the national call up

4) You played the series with Jeremy Huntley & Vince Wills. How did you enjoy that? and how much did they play a part in your renewed confidence at the top of the game?

I must say us three made a great team! Vince has been consistently up in the rankings for a number of years and am sure he’ll be getting his chance soon. Jeremy was absolutely brilliant, again he will get his chance nationally in the near future there is no doubt in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed it with you lads and we should be proud of how well we played! Both of them are great players and more importantly great friends.

5) How would you sum up your SSE Triples series with that team? And your own personal performance?

Over the three events i can’t falter either of them.. Vince has been very consistent and his pointing versatility is more apparent than ever, he adapted well to different pitches.
Jeremy was shooting extremely well and absolutely broke teams down with his carreaux on tricky pointing pitches. In terms of myself i think i was quite consistent too, and was happy with how i played overall, playing middle can be taxing when you don’t “get in the flow” doing just pointing or just shooting, but i hit important shots i needed too and played some solid pointing performances too.

6) How can you adapt to the style of Jason, Scott and Dean? And where do you see yourself fitting in to the squad?

I feel as though the boys have a very similar idea of the game as myself, i like to play aggressive petanque and to take chances when they are there, i think i’ts likely id be coming in as a middle or as shot as i think Dean has been incredibly consistent this year and will be the anchor in that department.

7) Now that you're in the team, what will you do, personally, to prepare and to be in your best shape come September?

My practice time will certainly be increased and become more constructive as opposed to just chucking boule around… but i think getting us boys together as many times as possible in comps before the championships will prove helpful.

8) Finally, I know it's a good few months away now, but what are your initial goals and aspirations at the Europeans? And what would constitute a "good" Championships, in your view?

Personally from my experience in Bulgaria the standard is always higher than you think. Having said that i see real potential in our team and i think we can definitely do some damage over the water. My ultimate goal is to Medal of-course! you have to think big to win big 🙌🏼 lets do this!

10/07/2023

Congratulations to you, Scott, on earning your place in the Men's England squad for the upcoming European Triples championships.

1) How does it feel to be going to a major Championships, once again? When was your last?

It feels great to be heading to another championships. My last one was the World Championships in Canada in 2019 I think it was. It was a great experience but the performance of the squad as a whole wasn't very good. I was really unhappy with that event, so I am buzzing to be able to hopefully put that right in Albertville.

2) What are your emotions, knowing you'll be playing with your brother, Dean, in the Europeans?

It's been no secret that my main ambition in Petanque has been to help Dean get to a championships. He is the most passionate player i know and has desereved his chance for a while, so i am over the moon that he is finally getting the chance to play for England. The reality aswell is that I haven't really helped him this time, but he has helped me. He has been brilliant this season.

3) Your team came top of the rankings, how was the series for your team?

It's been a good series. Dean and I managed to make the doubles squad which was a nice bonus, but the triples was our main goal all along, so really happy to have finished top. We were run close by Jez, Reece and Vince, playing them in all three finals. The first one at Ferndown was tough, as we were well down in the game but found a way to come back and win. Then, at the first event in worthing we were a little fortunate to make the final. So delighted to have finished top, and think we deserve it, but it certainly wasn't plain sailing.

4) What obstacles and challenges did your team face along the way? And how did you combat them?

I think the biggest challenge we faced was wanting it too badly. For a number of reasons, this was probably our best chance if making a championship together, and with that came some pressure. But we have played together for the last few years now, and we have found a way to dig in and stay in games when not at our Best. This time last year, we would not have won the final at ferndown, but we have a bit more about us now.

5) It's been announced that your 4th and coach will he Reece Gould and Rowland Jones, respectively, how will the dynamic work with Reece and Rowland and what are your experiences with Reece? How do you see him fitting in?

I haven't played with Reece very much, but he is a top player and a nice guy who I have always got on well with. He is versatile and I think that is a real benefit to the team. I feel like the four of us all get on well so should gel easy enough. As for Rowland, I have spent many years playing with him in England and abroad, and he was my coach in Canada. He has so much experience and is a great tactician, so I am pleased to have him with us for the championships.

6) You've come through a lot of personal medical issues over the past 2 years. How has that challenge shaped your appetite and focus on Petanque?

That's a great question. I thought it would make me more hungry for success, but it was actually the opposite. I found the early part of this season really hard to get motivated for. Dean and Jason were loving it, built a pitch in their garden, Practicing every day. And I just didn't have it. I played poorly in the early stages of the season, and I think a lot of that was that I was finding other things I enjoyed and wanted to do, having felt fit and well for the first time in years. But it got to a point where I had to decide. Throw myself at boule and change my attitude, or walk away. I am glad I stuck it out, am starting to play much better boule at the right time, and am looking forward to the championships.

7) What are your plans, as a "squad" between now and the Euros? What is the focus and the mentality?

The championships is only a couple of months away, and having looked at the calendar, there aren't many opportunities for us to get together as a squad due to the events that are on, and availability of us all not necessarily matching. The good news is that we all get on, and Dean Jason and I are really in sync at the moment, and I think reece will just join that. So I am focused on my own participation in events, my own training, and my own performance so that I am ready to peak at the right time.

8) Finally, I know it's a good few months away now, but what are your initial goals and aspirations at the Europeans? And what would constitute a "good" Championships, in your view?

I believe that every English team at European level should be aiming to make the main event after the Swiss. So that is my aim and I think it would be a good competition if we can achieve that. Should we get in the main, anything becomes possible.

10/07/2023

Congratulations Dean, on winning a place in the Men's England squad for the upcoming European Triples Championships!

1) How does it feel to be going to a major Championships for the very first time?

I have been hopeful for a long time that this day would come and I would get the chance to represent my country at the highest level, in my opinion there really is no better honour. Sometimes it has felt like it might not happen but I've worked hard for this opportunity and I intend to grab it with both hands. I will do the best I can when I get out there and I'm just excited to get playing.

2) What will you do to make sure your nerves are held together and you can relax to play your normal game?

I think I was more nervous about trying to finish at the top of the SSE qualifiers than actually going out and representing in France. I have played abroad quite a few times and I've found that my level normally gets better when I'm abroad. I love being challenged and having the pressure put on me however I'm under no issusion that a European Championships is a different prospect. If I do get a bit nervy then I have the best team mates who have great experience in these pressure situations.

3) What are your emotions, knowing you'll be playing with your brother, Scott, after everything you've both been through together?

When we finished the final SSE event the emotions were high. I mean to have qualified is one thing but to do it with my brother and best friend a year after the Kidney transplant feels a bit surreal. At the darkest point there was a chance that one or both of us might not make it through the process and now we get the chance to show Europe what we can do. With Jay in the team as well its a real family affair. We know each others game inside and out, we know how to get the best from each other and we are very good at changing the positions within the team for positive effect. We are ready.

4) Your team came top of the rankings, however, It seemed like you were the catalyst to the triumph with some impressive play. What have you done to improve or changed to become such a consistent player?

I think that to come top of the rankings is not down to one particular player. We have all had good moments in the series and difficult moments but we qualified together as a team. I have felt that my own personal game has been getting better and better over the last 3 or 4 years but this year started well and to be in July and be able to say that I've won 9 high level competitions is quite impressive. We have built a piste in our garden and have been practicing quite a lot. I've been working on hitting a landing spot consistently and feeling more comfortable when having to take on a shot. On more technical terrains I have really tried to attack the point where others might try and play a more percentage boule. On less technical terrains I am trying to be in front and let Jay and Scott attack. I also believe that my mentality has greatly improved especially as I've grown up. I hate losing and my attitude at times in the past has let me down but this year I feel I've been the calming presence within the team. My wife has played a massive part in my success, her support is unwavering and I am grateful and lucky to have her by my side.

5) How Would some up your SSE Triples series?

Successful! This year we found a way to win even if the performance dipped a little. We were down in the quarter finals of the national triples and we were down a lot in the final but good teams find a way to get over the line. Our determination and never give up attitude eventually got us over the line in the series and I expect that winning mentality and attitude to continue into the championships.

6) It's been announced that your 4th will be Chilterns, Reece Gould. What experiences do you have with Reece and how do you see his style working with your already established Triple?

Reece is a great player who can play in every position, he fits in well with the team and we all know each other well. I personally haven't played with him but we have had some great games against each other in the past and I'm looking forward to playing together.

7) How will you and the team prepare? What can PE and what can you, as a group, do to ensure you arrive in France in good form?

Personally I will be practicing at home a lot but as a team I know we are looking at some competitions in England, PE have also found a competition in Holland for us to attend a few weeks before the championships and we have inter regionals where we will be playing against some top opposition. I have also qualified for the home nations so that's another two days competition before we travel out.

8) Finally, I know it's a good few months away now, but what are your initial goals and aspirations at the Europeans? And what would constitute a "good" Championships, in your view?

It's really difficult to say because I know from other players that they have thought they could go out and smash everyone but in reality that has never happened so I want to try and manage my own expectations. If I can play well and we play well as a team I will be happy. I think as a team it's important to win a game as early as possible to settle any nerves, we will then be looking to qualify into the main draw, I think if we manage that it would have been a successful tournament. If we can make the last 8 or better I would be absolutely buzzing. I think it also depends on the draw and who we lose to, if I look back and think they were there for the taking then I will probably be disappointed.

Lastly I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has helped make me the player I am today you have all made this dream come true for me!

01/04/2023

With the return of our video podcasts, we'd like to know which topics you'd like us to discuss, chat about or have an opinion on.

Let us know in the comments :)

31/03/2023

https://youtu.be/F550FHnYxW4

The lads are back!

A first video podcast since 2021 lockdown.

On the agenda this time:

1. Euro Cup
2. Inter Regionals
3. IWD
4. Mens SSEs
5. Best of PE

We hope you enjoy it.

PS: there are some swear words and the views are our own only.

03/01/2023

The Petanque calendars are out and 2022 is all done, so what are your goals and aims for 2023? Anything in particular you want to achieve? Any improvements you want to make?

Let us know in the comments your TOP FIVE 2023 ambitions...

02/01/2023

Happy New Year all... :)

I trust you have all had a fantastic festive period off, celebrating with family and friends and enjoying lots of food (and the odd bevvy!).

How would you assess your 2022 on reflection?

Use the comment section to give us your review of the year.

19/09/2022

Congratulations to all the Division Winners at this year's Inter Regionals.

Division 2: Eastern Counties
Challenge Division 1: Anglia
Challenge Division 2: Mercia
Juniors: Southern Counties

Photos: Martin Hughes

19/09/2022

Congratulations to Chiltern Region for winning the main event, the Division 1 championship.

Last years winners, London Region, came 2nd.

18/09/2022

Day 1 standings at the Inter-Regionals...

It's hotting up!!

Who's gonna win each division?

17/09/2022

Good luck and good play to all the players fighting it out today and tomorrow at this years Inter Regionals!

May the best Region win! 😇

08/09/2022

The Pétanque Show would like to pass on our thoughts and love to The Royal Family at this sad time.

Rest in Peace our Liz. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

06/09/2022

Congratulations to Southern Counties club side, River Hamble, for their historic win at the Euro Cup Finals!

They will head to France to represent Pétanque England at the European Cup for Clubs Finals!

Bravo!

05/09/2022

Congratulations to all the winners of the National Triples Weekend held at Melton Mowbray!

19/08/2022

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆ITS TIME🏆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

One of the most prestigious events of the year is here. The Euro Cup Final!

4 clubs from Kent, London, Chiltern ans Southern will battle it out once again for the coveted title of England Club Champions and a crack at the elite clubs across Europe in the European Cup for Clubs in France.

This season looks tighter than ever.

Will Baldock Town make it 7 in a row?
Can London find form to go with their talent?
Do Meadow have the depth without Scott & Dean?
How will River Hamble do with their new recruits?

Give us your predictions for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the comments below 👇

13/08/2022

Good Luck to the England teams playing in this weekends Home Nations.

Let's bring home another title!

13/07/2022

Good luck to our England representatives at the European Singles, Mixed & Doubles Championships this week.

Ladies Doubles: Alex Spillett & Hannah Griffin
Mens Doubles: Matt Eversden & Jack Blows
Mixed Doubles: Hannah Griffin & Jack Blows
Ladies Singles: Alex Spillett
Mens Singles: Matt Eversden

Alongside their coach and mentors, Jeremy Huntley & Jonny Sewell and delegate, Colin Roper, we wish them great success in Holland.

Have fun and enjoy the fight for England! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

11/07/2022

The Euro Cup Finals are set.

The final 4 will once again comprise of Meadow (Kent), River Hamble (Southern), London PC (London) and last year's winners, Baldock Town (Chiltern).

Arguably England's 4 most elite clubs took to the semi finals on Sunday and advanced in sublime fashion; Of the 60 games played between them, the foursome only lost 5 of those games. Winning every match - that's some feat!

The finals are scheduled for Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August - venue to be confirmed.

Will anyone knock Baldock Town off their perch? Or will it be a 7th straight success for the Chiltern club?

07/07/2022

This weekend, 16 of the countries leading clubs come together over 2 different venues to try secure their place in the Final 4!

The current English Champions, Baldock Town, will look to reaffirm their status as the number 1 team.

24/06/2022

The Women's SSE begin this weekend in Leicester.

24/06/2022

The SSEs get underway this weekend in Leicester.

Due to the lateness of the announcements, TPS put together a quick and brief review of the action.

We start with the Men.

13/06/2022

https://gofund.me/759d1e03

Sophie Rowley is fundraising to help fund her trips to the European Championships in October.

If you have a spare couple of quid, be fantastic if you can show your support to a dedicated, enthusiastic and talented individual.

Good Luck Sophie in your endeavours!

Hi, Sophie’s dream is of one day becoming Englands top female pétanque player.… Shaun Rowley needs your support for Sophies pétanque journey to the top