6 January 2012
“Pétanque: The Greatest Game You have Never Heard Of!” by Byron Putman may simply be the best English language book ever published! In 140 pages Putman provides a brief history of the game, the equipment needed, and an explanation of the rules. So far, just like every other book.
What makes this one different is that Putman then goes on to explain the fundamentals in greater depth:
All clubs are advised to purchase at least one copy of the book for their members to read. Any player who is serious about improving their game should also purchase a copy for their own study. Anyone involved in coaching should definitely purchase a copy.
The book can be ordered online from the Pétanque America website. The cost is $18.95 US with $13.95 shipping. This works out at approximately $45 NZ. (Note: The shopping cart shows a higher charge for shipping to New Zealand. However, if you are ordering just the book, the shipping charge is reduced before your credit card is charged.)
Putman also writes a blog at petanqueblog.com where you can find additional material since the book was published. Note that the blog is defined as Polemic, so be prepared for some strong feelings regarding the state of the game in the USA.
18 January 2013
petanqueblog.com is no longer operating, nor is the replacement blog at petanqueamericanstyle.wordpress.com.
2 August 2015
There is no longer any mention of the book on the Pétanque America website. Amazon may still have copies.
8 January 2012
Cambodia are the new Asian Men's Champions after they beat Thailand I 13-8 in the final. The Women's Championship was won by Thailand I who beat Vietnam 13-6, and the Junior Champions are Thailand I who beat Japan 13-5 in the final.
The respective shooting competitions saw Vietnam win the Men's, Cambodia the Women's and Laos the Junior titles.
The tournament staged in Thailand in December involved 13 countries in both the Men's and Women's competitions and 12 in the Junior. As hosts, Thailand were permitted to enter a second team in the Men's and Women's competitions. New Zealand was not represented.
Thailand I 1;
Japan 2;
Cambodia, Thailand II 3 equal.
Malaysia 1;
Vietnam 2;
China, Singapore 3 equal;
India, Indonesia 5 equal.
Cambodia 1;
Thailand I 2;
Thailand II, Vietnam 3 equal.
Malaysia 1;
Chinese Taipei 2;
China, Singapore 3 equal;
Australia, India, Laos, Lebanon 5 equal;
Japan 9.
Thailand I 1;
Vietnam 2;
Cambodia, Thailand II 3 equal.
Laos 1;
Australia 2;
Chinese Taipei, Malaysia 3 equal;
China, Japan, Singapore 5 equal.
Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 World Championship in Marseille.
12 January 2012
Hi All,
Unfortunately, due to lack of entries the 2012 Hawkes Bay Summer Doubles has been cancelled. Entries that have been received will be refunded.
Cheers,
Murray Porter
15 January 2012
Sixteen teams from the Kapiti Coast, Hutt Valley and Wellington took part in the third Khandallah Open Mixed Doubles.
In the Trophy final, 2010 winners Kath and Kaye Alison beat Myles Cowper and Margret Fleck to retain the Trophy for another year.
20 January 2012
Michael Rocks will be running a series of four coaching sessions on Wednesday evenings during February for players who wish to improve their skills. The sessions are limited to 12 players.
20 January 2012
Hi everyone, attached is the interclub draw for 2012 plus the score sheet.
Please Note: There has been a change to the date of the semi-finals and finals day.
Due to the original date of 7 April being Easter Saturday the semi-finals and finals will now be held on the reserve day of 28 April.
Good luck to all clubs. Any questions please contact me.
Regards Graeme
22 January 2012
Forty teams entered this year's tournament and at the end of two day's play it was the father and son combination of Neil and Gordon Dykes who prevailled in the Trophy final against NZ representatives Christine Strichen and Claire Wilson.
Saturday was a fine sunny day and the forecast southerly and rain arrived on cue during the semi-final stages on Sunday.
23 January 2012
Otaki's first defence of the Jacques Cochonnet Trophy was unsuccessful as they were defeated 6-3 by Masterton. Masterton's first defence is at home to Manawatu.
Results (Otaki names first)
Singles: Ted Burr vs. Ralph Priddle 6-13, 13-7, 10-13;
Doubles: Joan Judd/Bob McCarthy vs. Barbara Johnston/Joan Miller 13-1, 1-13, 13-7;
Triples: Gary Brunton/Margaret Mordecai/Mike Towart vs. Murray Johnston/Anna Simms/Claire Wilson 8-13, 9-13, 10-13.
24 January 2012
PNZ have announced the Selectors for the 2012 Representative programme:
Diane Findlay (Christchurch), Craig McKenzie (Christchurch), John Targett (Christchurch)
Diane Findlay, Alan Heron (St George), Selwyn Sainty (Herne Bay)
Trevor Neilson (Rotorua), Jean Parley (Stanley Bay), Brian Smith (Silverstream), Richard Turfrey (Wanganui East)
Fifteen Wellington region players have qualified for the first round of selection camps. The Open and Women players will attend a camp at Herne Bay, February 11 & 12. The Senior Men and Women will attend a camp at Khandallah, February 18 & 19.
Ian Baker (Herne Bay), Allan Fletcher (Herne Bay), Christian Fouquet (Herne Bay), David Lippard (Herne Bay), Andre Noel (Vikings), Mark Richardson (Caversham), Michael Rocks (Khandallah), Richard Swaney (Herne Bay), Richard Turfrey (Wanganui East), Georgio Vakauta (Vikings)
Sharon Cannon (Bay View), Yvonne Futcher (Wanganui East), Pam Jenkins (Herne Bay), Barbara Johnston (Masterton), Joanne Lippard (Herne Bay), Karen Stephen (Caversham), Christine Strichen (Wanganui East), Tina Targett (Christchurch), Christine Taylor (Christchurch), Claire Wilson (Masterton)
Clive Bartleet (Vikings), Bob Bridge (Hibiscus Coast), Charles Brock (Kennedy Park), Keith Dixon (Christchurch), Neville Frost (Caversham), Pete Hamilton (Wanganui East), Lindsay Hay (Alexandra), Rex Hayes (Kapiti), Bob McCarthy (Otaki), Graeme Morris (Masterton), Ralph Priddle (Masterton), John Targett (Christchurch)
Marilyn Bunce (Alexandra), Diane Findlay (Christchurch), Janet Goodin (Caversham), Shirley MacDonald (Horowhenua), Margaret Maher (Northcote), Joan Miller (Masterton), Margaret Mordecai (Otaki), Margaret Penny (Northcote), Shirley Selwyn (Wanganui East), Anne Shields (Epsom)
29 January 2012
Eighteen teams took part in the Open Triples and thirteen in the Women's Doubles. This was a decrease from last year's 24 and 14 respectively.
In the Open Triples final, Heifara Siaou Chin, Marc Laufat and Robert Tumg (Tahiti) beat Jared Handford, Andre Noel and Georgio Vakauta (NZ) 13-8.
In the Women's Doubles final, Hina Fareura and Sylvie Jennings (Tahiti) beat Sharon Cannon and Joanne Lippard (NZ) 13-7.
Left: The Best Placed NZ team in the Open Triples was Georgio Vakauta (Vikings), Jared Handford (Christchurch), and Andre Noel (Vikings).
Right: The Best Placed NZ team in the Women's Doubles was Joanne Lippard (Herne Bay) and Sharon Cannon (Bay View).
