CHAMPIONS DE FRANCE

 A little belated, but whilst I was recently in Le Roannais an amazing achievement by Roanne's local basketball team was made.

After 48 years of winning their first title they had a fantastic win against Nancy in the Grand Finale in Paris. It was an incredibly tight match, but 'la Chorale' (the name given to the Roanne team) won 81 to 74 in a gripping fight to the finish.

I was watching the last moments in a bar in central Roanne when the world around me went apoplectic! A great moment for this modest, but attractive township.

The welcoming celebrations for les Champions de France on their return were immense –

thousands of local supporters gathered in the square around l'hotel de ville.

It was almost the equivalent of Manchester United winning the premiership! 

I've been to watch 'la Chorale' a few times at the local stadium with a few of our French friends, and it is a great evenings family entertainment, and although the locals take their basketball very seriously, it is yet another opportunity for a good, honest, communal get-together.

I will certainly be going to see this team again! Great fun!