That’s the way we roll

Many families in Sydney own a set of the shiny steel balls known as boules, but due to a lack of proper places to play most are only used at picnics for a game or two on grass. Redfern resident, Darin Evans, would like to change that. “The proper name for the game is petanque and the surface is hard dirt with some gravel. This allows the full range of skills and tactics to come out,” he explained reports the South Sydney Herald of May 2010.

Petanque is played by two teams of two or three players and the basic objective is to throw the boules toward a jack. A team scores a point for each boule closer to the jack than the opposition’s nearest boule. The boules are thrown with the palm of the hand facing down which imparts back-spin and gives control when it hits the ground.

The boules may be rolled or lobbed, depending on the surface, and a well-placed boule knocked out of the way, preferably by an on-the-full hit. “This is one of the most exciting aspects of the game,” said Darin.

He is organising a regular “roll up” at the southern end of the grandstand at South Sydney Oval. “Since we started we have picked up a number of new regulars but we can always do with more. We have some spare boules and beginners are welcome.”

To find out more about this fascinating sport, drop by and join in! For more information contact Darin at bapetanque@gmail.com .

Photo: Ali Blogg - Petanque in the park

Source: South Sydney Herald May 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au

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That’s the way we roll

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