Wales Confirms Inter-Regional Championship Squad After Intense Two-Day Qualifier in Wenvoe

After eleven hard-fought rounds over two days, eight teams have officially secured their place to represent Wales at this year’s Inter-Regional Championship. The qualifying event occurred at the WPA/Vale Petanque Club’s facility in Wenvoe, with playing surfaces reflecting the conditions expected at the upcoming championship.

The competition proved fiercely contested, with positions near the qualification cutoff fluctuating until the final round. Several teams exchanged places between 7th and 8th position throughout the event, making for a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion. It wasn’t until the last boule was thrown that the final lineup was confirmed, underlining the competitiveness and high standard of play on display.

The eight qualifying teams now focus on preparing for the Inter-Regional Championship, where they will carry Welsh hopes against strong opposition from across the PE regions.

Teams 9 to 12 (pink) are the reserve teams.

Information about this year’s event has been received, and team captains have been notified by email.

Information will be posted here when it becomes available.

The Inter-Regional Championship and the Challenge Cup are key annual events organised by Pétanque England. These competitions are designed to bring together teams from different regions across England to compete at a high level, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Historically, Wales has been invited to participate in the event as we were once classed as a region of England’s set-up.

The details are given below to give you an understanding of the event.

Inter-Regional Championship

• Purpose: The Inter-Regional Championship is the main competition. It typically features the best teams from each Pétanque England region and invited Associations. It’s a showcase of competitive pétanque at its finest.
• Format: Teams qualify to represent their regions in this championship, often based on performance in regional leagues or selection events.
• Structure: The competition is played over a weekend, with multiple rounds of matches between teams from different regions. Points are earned through wins, and the region with the highest overall score is crowned the champion.
• Prestige: This is considered the pinnacle of inter-regional pétanque in England and is highly regarded by players.

Challenge Cup

• Purpose: The Challenge Cup runs alongside the Inter-Regional Championship and is typically for regional teams that may not have qualified for the main championship.
• Focus: This competition allows for broader participation, allowing more players to compete at a national event and develop their skills in a competitive environment.
• Structure: The format mirrors the championships, with teams competing in multiple rounds to earn points and determine the winner.

Venues and Atmosphere

• These events are held at large venues that accommodate many lanes, allowing multiple games to run simultaneously.
• This year, the event is being hosted by the Sand Bay Holiday Village, Beach Rd, Kewstoke, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS22 9UR
• The atmosphere is vibrant and social, as players and spectators from all over the UK come together to celebrate the sport.