Experienced team for world champs

BANGKOK BOUND:Wanganui East Club Petanque adjunct members Sharon Cannon (left) and Christine Strichen (centre) with Claire Wilson from Masterton. PHOTO/FILE

The New Zealand team heading to the World Petanque Championships in Thailand certainly don't lack experience.

Sharon Cannon from Napier is on her fifth world championship mission, while Christine Strichen (Wanganui) and Claire Wilson (Masterton) are on their third.

While Cannon is from Hawke's Bay she is also a member of the strong Wanganui East Club Petanque adjunct along with Strichen.

All three are happy with their form going into the championships in Bangkok.

Strichen was in the 24- member New Zealand team who travelled to Melbourne to play the Transtasman challenge in March and her open-grade team beat Australia for the eighth year running, 68-52.

And in September Strichen teamed with Cannon to win the Hawkes Bay Doubles Classic, beating Wilson in the final. Then all three combined to become the first all-female team to make the National Open Triples final in April. Unfortunately, they had to settle for second.

The trio leave for the 10-day Thai trip tomorrow.

Meanwhile, several Wanganui East Club members have been representing the club successfully at tournaments.

Wellington Petanque Singles Championships:

Championship Trophy - Pete Hamilton and Sharon Cannon, 3rd.

Plate - Christine Strichen, 3rd.

Bowl - Shirley Selwyn came 1st.

Bowl Consolation - Yvonne Futcher(1st) beat Richard Turfrey (2nd).

Shooting Championship - Hamilton, 2nd.

Wellington Petanque Doubles Championships

Championship Trophy - Hamilton and Tony Simpson with partners from other clubs just missed out in the semi finals.

Plate - Strichen and Claire Wilson won the final.

Bowl - Selwyn and partner won the final.

National Singles Championship

Trophy - Hamilton and Cannon, 5th.

Trophy Consolation - Strichen, 5th.

Plate - Futcher, 5th.

Chanticleer Cup - Was contested between Wellington and Auckland regions. Wanganui members who represented Wellington region were Yvonne Futcher and Tony Simpson(Open), and Sheryl Parslow and Shirley Selwyn (Senior). Wellington won the cup 61-35.

Hawkes Bay Classic Doubles

Strichen and Cannon, 1st.

The Bowl was won by Futcher and Simpson, beating Hamilton(Wanganui East) and Dave Gatchell

The Team of the Year at the Regional Awards in Wellington included Strichen and Cannon. Tournament Organiser of the Year was Sue Gurr (Wanganui), while Volunteer of the Year was Paul (Spida) Anderson.