In June 2026, 32 women’s teams came together at Whitnash PC, near Leamington Spa, to compete for the National International Women’s Day (IWD) Doubles trophy.
Each team had already done well to make it through their own regional qualifying event. Competitors ranged from seasoned competitors, to some for whom this was their first experience competing outside their region – exactly what IWD is all about.
Southern Counties were represented by Angela Brooks and Kerry Thompson, winners of SCPA’s IWD event for an amazing fourth year running, mother and daughter combination Claire and Aimee Rickman, Janet Dalton and Julie Power, and Julie Hughes and Jean Norris. Jean and Julie had qualified in their first ever IWD event, and took their first ever trip to a petanque club outside their region completely in their stride.
In a thrilling and close final, Angela and Kerry were just pipped 10-11 by Becky Edwins and Carolyn Edwins who, after reaching the final for the third time, finally claimed the title. So close!
A fantastic second place for Angela and Kerry and also a well-deserved third place for Claire and Aimee – Southern taking two out of the three top spots, a great result.
A special thank you to Whitnash for their excellent hosting and to PE umpire, John Edmondson, for running the event.
We hope that we will have even more Southern ladies competing in the SCPA IWD doubles event to be held in March 2027, with the top finishers again qualifying for the national event. Keep your eyes peeled for news of date and venue!