THE first two events of the 2009 Wychavon Parish Games have taken place.

The petanque event took place in Evesham with eight parishes involved. Going into the final game, Crowle were in the lead, but they feared they had lost the trophy when they were beaten by Evesham North, last year’s winners. However, having won their previous six games, they were clear winners overall, ahead of Wick in second place and Evesham North third, The Bellboating on the River Avon at Pershore was part of the larger regatta for school children, organised by Fladbury Paddle Club.

Fifteen parishes took part, the highest number ever, with each team competing in three races. Many were very close, especially the last final where Eckington emerged as winner, pushing Fladbury, who have won this event for the last three years, into second place. Upton Snodsbury were third, ahead of Wyre Piddle. The next one-day event is the women’s rounders at Pershore High School on Sunday, July 12.

This is followed by the men’s five-a-side football on Sunday, July 19.