Latest Bowls News From Burpham And Merrow

Published on: 4 Aug, 2019
Updated on: 19 Jan, 2021

Burpham Bowling Club report by Ian Mackrell

They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, a week can change everything in sport too.

Following last week’s dismal report, with competitors failing to raise a full team and others cancelling outright, this week was quite different – no cancelled matches!

In the Guildford, Woking & District League, we hosted our local rivals, Stoke Park on Tuesday, July 30. Each side won one rink, but our guests stayed focused longer and ran out overall winners. Several of our key players were involved, that evening, in the Harry Mills Trophy competition, and couldn’t play twice back to back.

That competition involved a home and away triples against top Surrey club Egham. We edged it away, but despite leading for much of the home match, we eventually lost overall.

David Hart producing a perfect delivery in the Harry Mills Trophy match home leg.

Finally, with the sun shining, and loads of spectators watching expectantly, we hosted Camberley “B” team in the West Surrey League, Division 1, on Saturday August 3. Our hopes were high, having defeated their “A” team, at Camberley, 4-1 points, two weeks previously.

Unfortunately, the previous evening club captain Alan Mogg sustained a serious insect bite to an eyelid and was prevented from playing, leaving vice-captain Geoff Sheldon needing to reorganise the team rather hurriedly.

Geoff Sheldon welcoming the visitor’s captain Gary Clark.

The game was tense, swung back and forth, and became nail biting towards the last few ends. Two teams desperate to remain in Division 1, fighting for every point.

New member Andy Jones shows why he’s been picked.

Well it went to the last end on two of the three rinks. Burpham finally just gaining the upper hand, with a 3.5 point to 1.5 point victory.

There was no doubt that everyone was somewhat shattered after such a tense afternoon – and the food served afterwards was most welcome. Not to mention the bar – with Glenda Mogg in her element.

A section of the teams enjoying Burpham’s hospitality.

Merrow Village Bowls Club report by David Raison

On Saturday, August 3, Merrow welcomed Liphook for a friendly of four triples. Although overcast, we were fortunate to have a warm and dry afternoon.

Ken watches a Merrow bowl in.

Liphook are always a tough side, so it was encouraging to see all four rinks making a good start to the match. Each side was winning ends, and the scores were close. However, at the break for tea, Merrow were starting to edge ahead.

Andy gives feedback to David.

At the well deserved break, we all enjoyed tea, and delicious home-made cakes, courtesy of Lucy, who was helping Tony.

Re-invigorated, we resumed the battle. We ended with a brilliant result for Merrow, who won on all four rinks, scoring 84-50. Our top rink was Lesley, Allen, and John, with a great win 23-7. Splendid work!