Alex Spillett of Meadow Petanque Club in Gillingham wins silver medal for England at European Championships in Holland

Alex Spillett from Gillingham’s Meadow Petanque Club helped create a bit of history for England after a double success at the European Petanque Championships in Holland.

Den Bosch hosted the finals in the town’s square between July 13-17 and history was made by Hannah Louise Griffin (Whitnash Windmill Club near Leamington Spa) and Spillett after taking to the podium alongside coach Jeremy Huntley for a silver medal in the inaugural CEP women’s doubles. They narrowly lost the final 13-9 against Monaco.

On the way they chalked up impressive wins against Belgium, hosts Holland and Spain, all leading petanque-playing nations.

Spillett said: “What can I say, what a week! So proud of Hannah and I, one of the best championships ever!”

On the same day, England also claimed a first-ever bronze medal in the senior men’s format.

Colin Roper, Petanque England’s head of delegation at the championships, said: “These are undoubtedly the best results we have achieved at international level in our sport. This is a very competitive environment where we face big challenges over an intense few days.

“We’ve really hit new heights and I’m delighted for our players and coaches.”