Upper Hutt Petanque Club have successfully defended the Jacques Cochonnet trophy from a challenge by Otaki Petanque Club, held on UHPC terrain in Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt on Saturday 5th April 2025. The teams gathered at 09:00 and play began at 09:30. All three rounds of games were played before a lunch was enjoyed by all, hosted by Upper Hutt. Nine games were played, three each of Singles, Doubles and Triples between the two clubs. The tournament is won by the club winning at least 5 of the 9 games overall.

Upper Hutt won all three games from the 1st and 2nd rounds, then two games in the 3rd round, losing the Doubles, making the win 8-1 to Upper Hutt. A great day of light hearted play was had by all and Upper Hutt retained the trophy again. Otaki were great sports and great fun to play with. The next challenge for the trophy is from Horowhenua Petanque Club at UHPC terrain at Maidstone Park within the next 6 weeks.

The winning team, pictured from left to right was Dave Gwerder (Singles), Derek Worsley (Triples), Adrienne Gwerder (Doubles), Moises Burgos (Doubles), Mary Khalil (Triples), and Brian Smith (Triples). The Otaki team, pictured from left to right was Linley Wistrand (Triples), Val Clark (Triples), Gary Brunton (Doubles), Shirley Macdonald (Doubles), Craig Watson (Triples), and Wendy Mohan (Singles).

Upper Hutt won the trophy from Kapiti on 1st November 2023 and have since defended it from challengers eleven times, making it twelve wins in a row. A new round of challengers from around the region will be drawn at the upcoming AGM of the Wellington Petanque Association (WPA).