Latest Bowls Reports From Burpham and Merrow Clubs

Published on: 3 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 4 Jun, 2019

Burpham Bowling Club report by Ian Mackrell

In glorious sunshine on Saturday, June 1, and in front of a couple of dozen home and away supporters, Burpham showed steely determination to remain in Division 1 of the West Surrey League. The home win over crack team Knaphill by 4-1 points gives Burpham a second win this season.

In the Sapphire League, we weren’t so fortunate. Despite some tight competition, Burpham finally lost by 4 points to 1.

Following the match both teams enjoyed both a wonderful meal, and banter, and by the grin on the barkeeper Colin Colbrook’s face, the bar takings were rather good too!

Players gather for the critical West Surrey Legaue match at Burpham.

Lead, David Hart, demonstrates why he is key to Burpham’s success.

All 42 players, plus some guests, crammed into the hall for a delicious meal following the league match.

The previous Tuesday, May 28, we travelled the short distance to Stoke Park for the Tuesday Guildford, Woking & District League match. The game was very close throughout – in fact skip Dave Newton waited before bowling his last bowl to see the score from the adjoining rink. Burpham finally ran out winners over much fancied Stoke Park by 3 shots.

David Cory in full concentration at Stoke Park.

On Wednesday, May 29, the heavens opened, but not enough to stop bowls – or at least that’s what Burpham thought. Our opponents, Puttenham, duly turned up, weren’t happy with the rain, so we waited.

After a short while, and just drizzling, we suggested to begin playing. To our surprise, our opponents decided they didn’t wish to play, forcing the match to be cancelled.

At least we managed to play the following day – a Knaphill Triples Zone 1 match, home, against Mytchett A team. Well it may have been their “A” team, but they lost to Burham by 25 shots!

It’s been quite a good week for Burpham, capped by the outstanding win in the West Surrey League. Captain Alan Mogg, the sole selector, who even de-selected himself for the June 1 match, will be scratching his head as to which team to field for the next West Surrey League match on Saturday, June 15.

Can Burpham retain its place in the elite Division one? That’s our goal this season, and the results so far engender confidence.

Merrow Village Bowls Club report by David Raison

The past weekend provided Merrow with another packed and challenging programme, hosting Heathervale and Godalming clubs. Both matches demonstrated the friendliness that epitomises the sport of bowls.

On an extremely hot Saturday, June 1, we hosted Heathervale for a match of four triples.

Under blue skies, all four rinks got down to the task in hand. All was going well until the break for a much needed cup of tea and cake. Thanks to Tony for providing the refreshments.

After the break, Heathervale really got into their stride on the captains’ rink, getting ahead sufficiently to ensure an overall win of 68-73, despite good performances by Merrow on the other rinks.

Merrow’s top rink of Lesley, Lorna, and Richard Had a great result, winning 20-13.

Sunday, June 2 turned out a lot cooler and windier than Saturday; we even felt a few raindrops! Godalming were our visitors for only our second fixture with them, which was of three triples instead of the planned four.

Making the most of the shade. Merrow verses Godalming.

The Merrow teams got off to a good start, with much good humour between the two sides. At the break for tea and cake, kindly provided by Sally and Robin, we all took the opportunity to relax for a few minutes.