Burpham and Merrow’s Bowlers Overcome Stormy Weather

Published on: 17 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 17 Jun, 2019

Burpham Bowling Club report by Ian Mackrell

This recent inclement weather hasn’t dampened the spirits, or results for Burpham. But when is summer finally going to arrive?

Highly fancied Godalming visited on Sunday, June 9, in a four triples friendly. Everyone had a good time. But with Burpham running out winners 68-53 shots, it wasn’t the result Godalming had expected.

Two days later, on Tuesday June 11, we hosted local rivals Merrow in the Guildford, Woking & District League. Our good run in this league continues – Burpham securing a sizeable 32-21 shot win, in front of several loyal supporters from both clubs.

Well, didn’t it rain on Wednesday, June 12? Weather more for ducks than bowlers. Burpham travelled with 18 players, for a 6 triples match, to club captain Alan Mogg’s former club, Auriol. At stake was the Challenge Cup. The match went ahead in absolutely atrocious conditions, and finally, after 14 ends, the captains decided “enough was enough.”

Like drowned rats, everyone attempted to dry themselves off ahead of a splendid meal provided by hosts Auriol. Oh, for the record, Burpham still hold the Challenge Cup, winning by 82 shots to 61.

The following day the weather really threatened, and it was cold, but fortunately no rain. Thursdays is the turn of the Knaphill Triples league teams to fight it out. Our A team, playing in Zone 1, hosted Chertsey A in a match played in really good spirits. Burpham turned out not to be gracious hosts though, as we inflicted a 34-21 shot drubbing of our visitors.

However, two days later the men of Chertsey got their revenge at Burpham. While the Sapphire League result went Burpham’s way on Saturday, June 15, with a wonderful 5-0 points victory, the men, in the West Surrey Division 1 league lost 1-4 points to visitors Chertsey. It was a long day. Rain threatened, and occasionally forced a hurried donning of full wet gear.

Alan Mogg (right) Burpham captain, welcomes Chertsey captain Pat Morris (left) on Saturday. June 15.

Burpham star skip Peter Challens demonstrating focus and style – Saturday, June 15.

Nevertheless, it was a close encounter in the West Surrey League, and, until the final 30 minutes, it could have gone either way.

The match was followed by a splendid meal in the adjoining facility, as 42 players, plus several travelling spectators, enjoyed a convivial hour together ahead of the journey home.

Enjoying a splendid meal afterwards.

Merrow Village Bowls Club report by David Raison

After the cancellation of several matches due to bad weather, it was a relief for Merrow to visit Albury on Saturday, June 15, for a friendly of four triples.

Although we had had rain on and off over the previous week, the day had started dry and sunny. However, things changed in the afternoon, with heavy cloud and showers making the outlook rather bleak.

Threatening skies over Albury.

We were fortunate that, after a short shower, the weather dried up and we were able to stay dry for the match.

As ever, Albury had fielded a strong side, and we approached the match knowing they would be hard to beat.

Stuart watches Clint’s bowl.

Our bowlers had had little opportunity to practise during the previous week, so we were really up against it. After two trial ends, we played the 18 ends straight through, which was a good plan given the weather conditions.

The teams were soon battling away, with each Merrow team doing their best to win each end.

Sadly, we were overcome, with Merrow only winning on one rink; that of Sally, Richard, and David R who won 20-9.

Len delivers for Merrow.

Rink three came s-o-o-o close to winning, being three down on the last end and holding four but Albury put paid to that by winning on the last bowl of the match. Well done though to Judy, Len, and Ken for a spirited performance.

Following the match, we enjoyed tea and drinks with our hosts.