SPANISH PROCLAIMED OVERALL WINNERS OF THE EUROPILOTA WITH THE ENGLISH TEAM WINNING GOLD IN THE ONE WALL GAME
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Despite being beaten by the Belgiums in the final game in the Town Hall Square of Valencia, the Spanish Team, represented by Valencia, were proclaimed the overall winners of the Europilota. The teams taking part in the tournament were from, Belgium, France, Holland, England, Italy and Spain.
The English Team came mostly from the London area, and usually play Eaten Fives or Rugby Fives. These games are played against walls, and originated at the Schools named after the games where the pupils would play against the Chapel walls. The English men’s team is ranked 5th in the world and the lady’s team is ranked 4th. The age group of the English Team ranged from 16 to 31. They have 12 players including three girls, one of whom is Emmaline Thompsell the coach.
The Friday night before the teams played in Calpe the Europilota tournament was played in Massamagrell. A new stadium, that held 600 spectators, had been built for the One Ball gamed to be played there. The One Ball Game is the game the English team are most accustomed to play. They beat some of the best teams in Europe to win the gold medal.
The next day the Europilota was played in Calpe. The Fisherman’s Port had been prepared for the Valenicano type game Llargues. Llargues is Pilota played in the street and not against walls. A fantastic parachute display inaugurated the tournament. Three parachutists jumped out of a helicopter one carrying the Spanish flag, one carrying the European union flag and the last the Valencian National flag. They were all supposed to land on the Pilot court but the parachutist carrying the Spanish flag over shot his post and landed safely on the beach.
The English team had previoulsy invited the Coach of the Belgium team over to London to help them improve their techniques for this game they had never played before. Unfortunately when entered into the Llargues draw the English were set to play against the best teams one of which was the Belgium who they had beaten the night before. The English team played well but came last in the Llargues game. This did not dampen their enthusiasm as they looked forward to the finals to be held in the Town Hall Square in Valencia the next day. Llargues was again chosen to be played in Valencia. Though the Belgiums won on the day the Spanish Team won the tournament on their overall performance.
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