The John Sear Pétanque challenge cup
72 Players came to Ongar on Monday 4th May to compete in the Annual Pétanque Challenge sponsored by John Sear Estate Agents. With 10 Eastern Counties Clubs represented, the competition brought several ranked England players together with new local teams competing in this popular Social event. The day was buzzing from start to finish with many close matches right through the day.
The four Ongar teams all showed their strength, winning their morning matches and coming top of their divisions to go through to the GOLD Knock out rounds in the afternoon. Ongar Rebels, Trailblazers, Kendal Mints, and Entente Cordiale were all in good form, coming into the final rounds alongside Towers, Birchanger Beauties, MaxMe &Derek, and Maldon Park to contest the Trophy for 2026. John Innocent, Joel Guilloux and Wendy Woolerton went on to reach the Semi – Finals.
However the eventual Champions 2026 were MaxMe & Derek – comprising 3 star Maldon Players – Andy Gant, Maxine Gant and Derek Gardiner clinching a well deserved win over Birchanger Beauties – Jon Sellar, Carol and Georgie Gadzhov.
The Silver competition produced another great final between 2 strong squads with Pitsea Boule Terriers – Dean Preston, Zoe Preston and Anders Risberg – from Towers PC, beating the Smurfs from Chalkwell – JeanMarc Leroy, Tony Barton and Gerry Pudney.
In the Bronze Final newcomers from Hutton U3A – Paul Smith, David Northall, Chris Plant – played some excellent pétanque against the Epping team – John Adams, Mark Tembey, Andrew Preston – with Jamtap from Epping narrowly beating the Hutton Hurlers eventually to take the Bronze title.
The 24 teams produced a competitive but enjoyable day for everyone, ending with our Sponsor John Sear presenting the Prizes to all the finalists. Ongar Pétanque were both delighted to receive their support and proud to see our Club actively promoting the great social aspects of this popular sport for all ages, genders and abilities.
