Wales’ pétanque players have made a stirring return to Division 2 of the Inter-Regional Championships, more than a decade after last lifting the title in 2010. This year marked our first campaign back in the division after playing in the Challenge Cup for many years – and we made our presence felt immediately.

Across a packed weekend of fixtures, we secured emphatic victories over Thames Valley, Sussex, and Central, showcasing the grit and flair that have long defined Welsh pétanque. A highlight came in their opening clash, where we dispatched East Midlands with a confident 7–1 win.

Consistency was the hallmark of our campaign. Wales ground out narrow wins in tight contests – none more dramatic than the 5–3 thriller against Central – while also delivering commanding performances, such as our victories against Sussex.

Yet, the road was not without its challenges. Defeats against strong sides, including Mercia and Suffolk Coastal, underlined the competitiveness of Division 2. But the team proved resilient, bouncing back with crucial victories that kept them in contention throughout the championship.

This competition carried a special weight: not only was it Wales’ long-awaited return to Division 2, but it also rekindled memories of 2010, when we last captured the division crown. For the players, the weekend was about more than results – it was about re-establishing Wales’ place among the best in the PE’s regional structure.

Speaking after the final round, team representatives praised the squad’s determination and team spirit. “It’s been a long time since we were here in Division 2,” the WPA President stated. “We showed this weekend that Wales belongs at this level – and we’re determined to achieve more.”

As Division 2 Champions and with renewed confidence, we now set our sights on establishing ourselves in Division 1 in 2026.

The table below shows the final standings for Division 2, with Wales just two wins above the new PE Region, Suffolk Coastal.

The table below indicates how the teams performed over the weekend. Congratulations to Team 5 for achieving the accolade of top Welsh Team. Team 5: Sean Smith, Claude Le Razavet, Elijah Jeffers and Tony Smith.

Two Welsh Teams (Team 5 and Team 3) were placed in the top eight ranking teams from Division 2.

• Team 5 – 3rd: Sean Smith, Claude Le Razavet, Elijah Jeffers and Tony Smith.
• Team 3 – 8th: Richard Harris, Jack Harris (Junior), Kon Tomczyk and Barbara Vaughan.