A NEW sporting challenge has taken hold at the Weighbridge.

The game of pétanque is now a regular lunchtime diversion, with over 60 participants in 14 highly-competitive teams pitching for top place in the league. For those who may not have noticed, the newly landscaped former bus station site includes three smart ‘terrains’, installed by the Waterfront Enterprise Board following a suggestion from the Jersey Pétanque Association.

The idea of a lunchtime league for people in business became a reality after long-time enthusiast Tony Allchurch began to spread the word through the 7.45 Business Breakfast Clubs.

‘I had no idea that we would establish such a successful endeavour,’ said Mr Allchurch. ‘Pétanque is ideal for lunchtimes because it gets people out of the office but doesn’t take very long, usually between 35 and 40 minutes.

• Picture: HSBC’s L’Homard qui Rit team. Picture by Jon Guegan (00600908)