HARROW Petanque club had a boul' when they welcomed new players to their ranks at two open days last week.

The club, who play at the Old Lyonians Sports and Social Club in Pinner View, North Harrow, have 50 members who enjoy the traditional French sport.

The new recruits were introduced to the game and paired up with experienced players in doubles matches.

Club member Andrew Prince said: "Some of the guests had played English bowls so started petanque in a similar fashion, bowling rather than throwing. But some of them were rather successful."

The club was formed in 1989, following the twinning of Harrow with the French town of Douai. It meets most Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings for informal matches, and plays against other clubs in the Thames Valley area.

Petanque is a sport for men and women of all ages and can be played on various surfaces.

Visit www.harrowpetanque. fsnet.co.uk for more information.