Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges Petanque players recently rolled back into town with new gold medals after beating New Zealand at a competition in Perth.
Mount Macedon Petanque Club member Rhonda Shears and Woodend Hanging Rock Petanque Club member Shirley Marshall were both part of the 12-person, over 60s team which took home gold.
Shears said it was her first time playing internationally for Australia and the trip was terrific.
“It was a really good vibe and all of the team was very positive,” she said.
“We got beaten last year by New Zealand in Auckland so we were keen to redeem ourselves… last year they beat us fairly convincingly.”
Shears- who also returned from success with a gold in Adelaide for the over 60s womens doubles- said she started playing the sport about six years ago.
“I had friends that were playing with the [club] and when I retired they invited me up there to have a throw… I find it very addictive, it’s very dynamic and very social.
“There is similarity to lawn bowls in terms of the scoring and concept of getting your ball close to the jack… but the game can change quite quickly. Anybody that has good hand eye coordination should give it go.”
Fellow teammate Marshall also played at the Australian National Champions in Adelaide at Easter and said both of the competitions were great.
“We had a very strong team [in Perth] so we expected to do well but you’re always surprised when you win,” she said.
“I got involved [in Petanque ] through playing with neighbours at Easter and Christmas, just playing socially.
“I’ve been playing for about 20 years, I love that it’s outdoors, it’s great exercise and very social.
“I played with a man from Sydney in the mixed doubles [at Easter] and we came fourth. We were really happy with that result as we only met the morning we played.”
With their eyes on the horizon, Marshall said they will be competing against north-west and country clubs soon in the Grampians.
