Masterton Petanque Club hosted the final challenge of the playing season for the Jacques Cochonnet Trophy from holders Upper Hutt, on Wednesday 28th January 2026, in warm and dry sunny conditions.

The teams gathered at 09:00 and play began at 09:30. Upper Hutt took only 1 of the 3 games in the first round, and another 2 in the second round, making it 3-3 at that point when a break for lunch took place. The final round had everyone on tenterhooks until the end of the 2nd game at which point Upper Hutt had won both, and therefore the match. Upper Hutt then went on to win the 3rd game to make the total 6 games to Masterton’s 3. This was the 21st consecutive win for Upper Hutt for the coveted trophy. The Upper Hutt team consisted of Dave Gwerder, Brian Smith and Mary Khalil (Triples), Adrienne Gwerder and Linda Brown (Doubles) and Derek Worsley (Singles). The Masterton team consisted of Graeme Morris, Sue Walker and Dave Roper (Triples), Graeme Pilcher and Vaughan Paul (Doubles), and John Pryer (Singles).

The next year’s order of challengers and venues will be drawn at a WPA meeting in due course.

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque Club

29/01/26