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Clwb Pétanque Dinas Llandaf City of Llandaff Pétanque Club
Chwarae / Playing

Mêlées

A mêlée is a social competition where partners are drawn at random, so you play alongside someone different each time. The club holds them regularly through the year, whenever the weather allows.

Members in Halloween costumes, including witches’ hats and devil horns, at the mêlée registration table under the gazebo
Random Partners drawn on the day
3 games Timed, so play doesn’t run on too long
Top three Prizes for first, second and third overall
Themes Fancy dress welcome, never compulsory

What is a mêlée?

Players enter as individuals rather than as a team. On the day, each player is randomly selected to play with another player, which makes mêlées a great way to meet other members and play with people of different abilities.

You can expect to play three games, each timed to ensure play is not extended for too long. Results across the games decide the overall winners, who are announced at the end of the day.

Part of the entry fees goes towards prizes, which are awarded to the players who come first, second and third overall.

Themes and dressing up

The social committee sometimes suggests a theme for a mêlée. Dressing up is not mandatory, but many players usually oblige, making for extra fun on the day and some great photo opportunities.

Taking part

Players must register in advance so that the schedule of play can be organised before the day. Details of each mêlée, including the date, start time and entry fee, are shared with members beforehand.

On the day, please arrive promptly for registration, which takes place shortly before play starts.

Entry rules

  • Anyone who registers after the maximum number of players is reached is placed on a reserve list. Reserves are called on if a registered player fails to turn up on the day or on time.
  • Places on the reserve list are ordered by the date and time of registration.
  • Mêlées can only be played with even numbers. If there is an odd number of players, either at registration or because of “no shows”, the last person to register will be dropped to leave an even number.
  • Alternatively, if someone volunteers to drop out, their wishes will be honoured.
  • Any unforeseen circumstances will be dealt with in a fair and reasonable way.