Large crowd watches final of Bognor Regis boules tournament

The deserving champions were presented with the coveted cut-glass trophy by Mrs Heather Perrott, honorary vice president of the Bognor Regis Twinning Association.

The winners were The Amiaboules team: Mike Turner, Lesley Smith and David Roche.

The boules tournament, organised by the twinning association, had brought together teams to compete over several months, thereby accruing points towards a final score.

On Sunday the four top teams played in the semi-finals in very hot temperatures, with friends and supporters taking advantage of the shade.

The two teams left standing then faced each other in the long-awaited final.

Throughout, there were some close games and skilful boule throwing, which drew appreciation from the audience as well as having spectators on the edge of their seats.

Boules is an ancient game, played widely across France in town squares.

It is a simple and easy game to learn but, like all games, takes a while to get really skilful, unless you are a natural.

The purpose of the game is to win by throwing your boule so that it lands closer to the small ball (called the jack or cochonnet) than those of your opponent.

Bognor Regis is fortunate to have its own boules piste in Hotham Park, located near the Adventure Golf.

Many groups play regularly, including those from the U3A and from twinning groups.

The piste is open to the public with boules available at the nearby kiosk.

Boules is just one of the social activities enjoyed by the Bognor Regis Twinning Association.

For more information and to see the social programme for 2022, visit www.bognortwinning.co.uk or call 01243 863225. The BRTA is always happy to welcome new members.