Petanque: Kiwis hold on to petanque crown

New Zealand defeated Australia in the open division of the Trans-Tasman Petanque Challenge in Rotorua at the weekend. Pictured is New Zealand representative Annick Leguen. Photo/Stephen Parker

New Zealand have defended their open division crown at the 12th Trans-Tasman Petanque Challenge in Rotorua.

The annual Australia versus New Zealand petanque match was held at the Government Gardens on Saturday and Sunday.

It marked the first time the high-profile event was held in Rotorua. New Zealand had not lost either division, the open and senior (over-60) section, for five years heading into the competition at the weekend. The open division came right down to the wire with the Kiwis clinching the title in the last match on Sunday to win the open section 61-59.

It was not all doom and gloom for the visitors who rallied well in the senior section to win 65-55.

Heroes for the New Zealand team included the mixed doubles team of Simon Hurley and Sharon Cannon, both from Hawke's Bay.

They played and won the last match of the day on Sunday, which turned out to be the defining game in the open division.

It was a special result for Hurley who debuted at international level during the tournament. He was the youngest player in New Zealand's 24-strong team at age 41.

Tournament organiser Trevor Neilson, from Rotorua, said it was a magical weekend.

"When the Aussies got here and played they absolutely loved the venue and they were all rapt that they came and wanted to come back again."

He said if the opportunity came up, Petanque Rotorua would look to host the event again in the future.

The annual challenge will be held in Australia next year, with the event alternating between each country on a year by year basis.