On Saturday, August 10, Merrow welcomed Ewhurst for a friendly of three triples. This was our first meeting in 2019, as the previous match had to be cancelled due to a waterlogged Ewhurst green. Fortunately, although very windy, our afternoon stayed dry.

All rinks started well for Merrow, and it looked as though we might be in for a win.

Ken bowls for Merrow verses Ewhurst.

However, it’s never good to be complacent, and when play resumed after the break, Ewhurst began a fightback.

Our early optimism proved to be well-founded though, as Merrow went on to win by a margin of 59-41.

Merrow’s top rink of Judy Carey, Brian Reigate, and Ken Burburry had a great result, winning 24-12.

Bob delivers for Merrow against Ewhurst.

Our other two rinks also did well, with Sue Reigate, Lorna Raison, and Bob Carey also scoring strongly to win 20-13. Sadly, your correspondent’s rink lost by a single point. Well done team.

Thanks to Joan Mead for the very welcome refreshments at the break.

On Sunday, August 11, Merrow travelled to Woking Park for a friendly of three triples. A lovely sunny afternoon was in store as we began our match.

Watch my hands. Merrow verses Woking Park.

Woking were soon surging ahead on two rinks but with the remaining Merrow rink making a really good start.

We were playing straight through, so there was little chance any respite. Sadly, the Woking captain had to call on a substitute due to an injury, after only a few ends had been played.

Lorna delivers her bowl for Merrow verses Woking Park.

As the match progressed, Merrow was getting back on terms, with each rink fighting hard for each point. The end of the match resulted in Merrow gaining an overall win of 48-45, thanks to a splendid win by Tony Reardon, Lesley Burburry, and David Raison, with a score of 21-9.

David Ewins in pensive mood for Merrrow verses Woking Park.

The other Merrow rinks also did well, with strong finishes by both.

Merrow host Woking Park for our return match on Saturday, August 17.