AS a nation, Britain has given some of the most popular sporting games to the world... and has since been beaten by most of the world at its own game (literally). However, we are not the only sporting nation to suffer embarrassing defeats in our national

AS a nation, Britain has given some of the most popular sporting games to the world... and has since been beaten by most of the world at its own game (literally).

However, we are not the only sporting nation to suffer embarrassing defeats in our national sport.

Two holidaymakers from Eynesbury have been giving British sport a bit of pride by taking on the French at boule - and winning.

Derrick Davies, 52, and Ian Stanford, 48, joined in a local tournament against 17 other teams while on holiday in the Vendee region of France.

And the two men returned home victorious after lifting the trophy.

Mr Davies, a civil servant who lives in Ferrar Avenue, told The Hunts Post: "We played a number of games in qualifying for the final and by the time we got there the word had spread about the 'Equipe Anglaise' (Team England).

"Our opposition in the final had got there without losing a game and I think they underestimated us."

Mr Davies and Mr Stanford, of Caldecote Road, eventually secured victory in the final of the tournament by 13 points to five.

Mr Davies added: "We asked the team we defeated in the final to pose for photographs but they weren't too happy and moped off.

"We caught up with them in the bar later on though."

The pair are planning to return to the Vendee next year and defend their title.