Heckmondwike Petanque Club have been enjoying a hectic time and this week celebrated another step forward.

Due to the unprecedented number of people wanting to join, the club's playing area at Firth Park has been extended and the new terrain was used for the first time this week, with space now for up to ten games to be played at the same time – a potential 60 people in action at any one time.

It means the club has been able to lift their cap on membership numbers – which currently stands at 52. New players are again welcome to go along to try the sport every Wednesday, from 1.30pm, and Saturday, from 10am.

Regional organisations are also using the facilities, with both the Dewsbury French Circle and Leeds Women's Institute holding events there.

And it is not just quantity the club is enjoying, the quality is also showing through.

A return match against the Ashdene (Elland) club saw Heckmondwike overturn a first leg deficit to win on aggregate by a single point after the teams finished all square at 14 wins each.

The successful Heckmondwike team consisted of Ann and Alan Oxley, Peter and June Firth, Ken and Doreen Hutchinson, Amy Best, Jane Farrar and Janet Spencer.

Further club matches have been organised against teams from Honley, Leeds and Harrogate.

An internal club event saw the men come out on top in a battle of the sexes played over three rounds.

After the women won the first leg, the men hit back to win the next two, including a final 12-9 (217-204) success.

Top individuals were Chris Hopkins and Janet Spencer.

After three of five rounds of the club's Winter Pairs competition, Pam and Alan Wallace lead the way with 13 wins and a points difference of +87. Paul Simpkins is narrowly behind, with 13 wins and a +83 difference.