Local game with French flair

IT’S a sport that can be played almost anywhere by anyone.

As long as you find some gravel terrain and have some boules, you’re ready to play petanque, but if you want to ease yourself in, there’s a local group that can help.

The Smythesdale Petanque Club grew from an initial group of backyard-playing friends, and as of four years ago, is affiliated with the Petanque Federation, allowing members to play in competitions across Victoria.

Members play twice a week at their home piste, or ground, Smythesdale Recreation Reserve, and the club has about 40 people in its community.

Club Secretary, Jeff Langdon said there are about 2000 regular players across Australia and many more play leisurely.

“Petanque was initially a French game, not dissimilar to bocce or bowls. French and French colony expats are still a strong influence but increasingly a wider range of people are now playing,” he said.

“Shooting your opponent’s boules out adds an element of combativeness to the game which gets players very involved.”

Mr Langdon said petanque is an attractive game for older people because of the low level of physical activity involved, but it’s not exclusive.

“Increasingly, younger players are getting involved. The world champion, Dylan Rocher from France is in his mid-20s.

“The club offers members a sense of comradeship along with regular exercise,” he said.

Smythesdale’s annual tournament, the Morisset Cup, will run this Saturday, 26 October.

“There’s 24 teams of three playing. In addition, the club runs regular open days where prospective club members and friends can try the sport out in convivial surrounds,” Mr Langdon said.

There are around 30 petanque clubs across the state. Visit smythesdalepetanqueclub.net for more information.