Petanque players invited to sign up for return of charity tournament in Harrogate

A charity tournament with a friendly feel will return to Harrogate this summer.

The Saint Michael’s Cup sees teams of petanque players – from amateur to more experienced – compete to win the trophy and support the town’s hospice at the same time.

Teams of three can enter for a £20 donation to the hospice and will then be put in a group to play against others. The winner from each group will go into the knock-out rounds.

Although it marks 10 years since the first Saint Michael’s Cup was held in 2012, it has had a two-year gap thanks to covid. Organisers Harrogate Montpellier Petanque Club are hoping there will be renewed enthusiasm for the simple yet competitive game.

Club chairman Nigel Clay said:

“We’re fortunate we still have support from Ellis Bates as our sponsor for the tournament. We’re looking forward to raising money for the hospice again, and hopefully meeting some new teams as well as those who’ve taken part before.”

The tournament will be launched next Sunday and run until September, when the finals will be held.

The new club headquarters in Oatlands

The launch will be part of the official opening of the club’s new base at Pannal Ash Junior Football Club (PAJFC) on the playing field next to Oatlands Junior School, off Hookstone Road. The event runs from 11am to 3pm, with the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Victoria Oldham, officially opening the new courts and kicking off the charity tournament.

Club members will be playing against a team from Leeds, offering visitors a chance to see how the game works, and there will be time for social play.

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While covid may have put a stop to the tournament for two years, the club has seen a rise in membership. As a game which lends itself to social distancing yet is sociable, petanque – also known as boules – was ideal for playing outdoors when covid restrictions allowed.

The launch of the new venue with its 10 courts adds to the existing four at the pierhead bouledrome on top of Montpellier Hill in Harrogate town centre. Club chairman Nigel Clay said:

“The pierhead is ideal for social play and small groups, but lacks facilities. We have been working for some time to find a larger venue to host full club events and competitions.

“Oatlands provides all we need in terms of facilities over the summer, when we will use it, and for PAJFC during the football season.”

For more information about the Saint Michael’s Cup tournament, visit the club website or call Nigel Clay on 07735 388359.