Bowls News From Around The Greens

Published on: 18 Jun, 2018
Updated on: 18 Jun, 2018

Burpham Bowling Club, report by Ian Mackrell

Sunshine seems to bring our the best in Burpham, and Thursday, June 7, was no exception.

In the Knaphill Triple League, we drew one rink 17-17 shots, but ran out substantial winners on the other rink, 27-9, for an overall satisfactory victory over visitors Mytchett.

On Saturday, June 9, we travelled with five triples to local rivals Mayford Hall and managed to come away with yet another win in lovely weather for bowling.

Senior coach Nina Challens and club captain Alan Mogg at Sunday’s Club roll-up, coaching session.

On Sunday June 10, a record number of some 20 club members turned up for the Sunday morning roll-up, introduced for the first time this season – and once again played in magnificent sunshine.

New player David Barnfield demonstrates a really good delivery style at the coaching session run by Nina Challens.

That afternoon, visitors Godalming & Farncombe arrived for a five triples friendly match. They challenged for a long time, but Burpham finally prevailed by 70-65 shots. It was particularly nice to see both players and spectators enjoying bowling in perfect weather.

Not to be content with two lots of bowls on one day, a Burpham men’s team of 11 players, travelled to West End for a late afternoon Mens Top Club Competition – involving a singles match, a two wood singles match, a pairs match, a triples match and a fours match.

It was a close run thing, on a rather balmy evening, and the errant irrigation system at West End left the green running as fast as an indoor rink. The home team managed the unusual playing surface slightly better than we did, and ran out eventual winners. So our winning streak had a slight dent in it!

But there was another huge win beating Weybridge, on Saturday June 16, in the West Surrey League.Burpham ran out winners 4 points to 1.

Our Sapphire League team also beat Weybridge by a whopping 5 points to 0. The weather could have been better – could have been much better – but that didn’t stop the strong support Burpham is now enjoying at every game, both home and away.

Thank you spectators for enduring such inclement conditions.

Burpham club captain Alan Mogg (right) jokes with his Auriol counterpart.

Derek Keen shows is how it’s done at Auriol.

Earlier in the week, Burpham took a team of five triples to Auriol, the former club of our club captain, Alan Mogg. They were excellent hosts, and capped it by ensuring the match was a draw – 82 shots to 82. How diplomatic!

This is the first leg of a two-leg match, the return being at Burpham on Sunday, July 1. A massive turnout is anticipated for this needle match! A “must win” for Burpham, or as captain Alan Mogg said: “Losing isn’t an option, or I can’t show my face at Auriol again.”

On Thursday, June 14, both Burpham teams won in the Knaphill Triples. The “A” team played Chertsey at home, winning a close match 35 shots to 32. The “B” team travelled to Windlesham and inflicted a massive defeat on their hosts – winning convincingly by 53 shots to 20.

Not done with all this winning, we travelled to Holloway Hill on Sunday, June 17 – and the hosts must have been in shock after a trouncing by 96-48 shots.

We are seriously asking ourselves, can any club now stop Burpham’s winning run? The Guildford Borough Council’s parks department greenskeepers are doing a fantastic job preparing the green for our home matches.

Club captain Alan Mogg added: “This is the best start to a season for many a year, and we should be all keen for our success to continue right through to season’s end.”

Merrow Village Bowls Club, report by David Raison

On Saturday, June 9, Merrow bowlers made the trip to Ewhurst to play four rinks of triples.

A warm day promised a pleasant afternoon’s bowling. With introductions complete, the match got under way.

Match under way.

Ewhurst’s green proved a delight to play on; fast and smooth, with plenty of movement. Scores ebbed and flowed on each rink, with each side gaining the advantage during the match.

We broke off for tea and cakes after nine ends, and then we all got back to the business in hand.

The final result was a first for your correspondent, a draw! Each side won two rinks, which seems a fair outcome.

Viewing the head.

A special mention must go to Allen, Ken, and Colin, who came back from 21-4 down to only lose by two points at 21-19. Our top rink was John, Mike, and David E, who won by 8 points.

Our thanks go to Thelma for organising the refreshments, and to Mike for running the bar.

We look forward to our return match.

Castle Green Bowling Club, report by Shirley West