Upper Hutt has again retained the Jacques Cochonnet Trophy after a challenge from Manawatu, played at Maidstone Park on 31st July 2025. This was Upper Hutt’s 15th defence, and 16th consecutive win of the trophy. The 14th defence and 15th consecutive win was against Wanganui East, who defaulted.

The teams gathered at 10:00 and play began at 10:15 on a very overcast but mostly dry day. There were a few light showers in the morning and a cold southerly kept everyone well wrapped up. The last game of doubles lasted around two hours so lunch was at about 3pm for them.

Upper Hutt took all three of the games in the first and second rounds, and two of the games in the third round. The final tally was Upper Hutt winning eight games to Manawatu’s one. Manawatu were great fun as always, and everyone enjoyed a good spread for lunch before leaving for home. The Upper Hutt team consisted of Brian Smith, Mary Khalil and Adrienne Gwerder (Triples), Moises Burgos and Derek Worsley (Doubles), and Dave Gwerder (Singles). The Manawatu team consisted of Judith Smith, Christine Daykin and Kay Richdale (Triples), Alan Christensen and Jeremy Neild (Doubles), and Ian Bailey (Singles). The next challenge is from Kapiti, to be played at Upper Hutt.

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque

31/07/25