GERMANY, Argentina, Scotland, Australia – it s always sweet when the English get one over one of their great sporting rivals. And that s exactly what happened in Potters Bar when players from the town s petanque club faced off against their French counter

GERMANY, Argentina, Scotland, Australia - it's always sweet when the English get one over one of their great sporting rivals.

And that's exactly what happened in Potters Bar when players from the town's petanque club faced off against their French counterparts at Oakmere Park.

But this victory over the tourists from Franconville was all the sweeter, as it is the first time since the annual fixture began that Potters Bar has actually won.

Petanque club chairman Michael Penn said: "We have been playing them [Franconville] for 20 years and this is the first time in the history of the two clubs meeting that we have beaten them.

"In my opening speech welcoming them, I said 'I hope we beat you but I don't suppose we will'."

Although delighted with the result, the 77-year-old was also very gracious towards the opposition.

"The atmosphere was so pleasant," he said.

"They were very nice people that came."

Potters Bar Petanque Club meets at 10.30am every Sunday behind the Harvester pub in Oakmere Park.

All are welcome to join in, regardless of experience.