On Sunday 2nd May, Merrow hosted Albury for our first Friendly of the season. In keeping with recent weather conditions, the day was cloudy and cold, but at least it didn’t rain.

Fortunately, our green is big enough to accommodate four rinks, with plenty of space between. The playing surface is also in splendid condition.

On to the match. Three of Merrow’s rinks got off to a good start, but the fourth was not so fortunate, with Albury storming ahead. However, as the match progressed, Albury really got into their stride.

A break for some hot tea at ten ends (thanks David and Debbie) was most welcome. Tea was held outside with table service, in line with Covid restrictions.

When play resumed, Albury forged ahead, leading on all four rinks, and running out winners with a score of 98-53.

On the plus side, we all had a pleasant afternoon’s bowling and plenty of bonhomie.

Our next match is also at home, when we play Horsell on 8th May.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Merrow played our first competitive match of the season at home on Thursday afternoon. Our opponents were Knaphill C in the Knaphill Triples league.

We were all a bit taken aback by the sudden drop in temperature, so there was plenty of wrapping up at the start of the match. However, when the dark clouds departed, it was at least possible to remove one layer.

Our green is in splendid shape, and can only improve. Our opponents seemed to struggle with the speed, which worked to our advantage. The final score came out as 33-23 to Merrow, a great result for our first match.

Our next match, on Sunday 2nd of May, is our first Friendly of the season, also at home. Our opponents will be Albury BC, and we shall play four triples.

As part of our bid for world domination, the club now has an Instgram account. Just look for “merrowbowls”.

The banner is up, inviting people to our club.

Looking forward to seeing old friends on the green again.

Monday was our second week of clearing the bank at the side of our green, having adopted it from the parent club.

Over the years, the bank has become overgrown with weeds and ivy, resulting in a not very attractive outlook. The plan is to clear the site, and replant with something more decorative.

While at the club, it was great to see our green looking splendid. I can’t wait to get my bowls out again.

To help our club move forward, and remove some repetitive tasks, Merrow have adopted the BIAS system.

BIAS is written and maintained by a bowler, so it addresses most of the needs of a bowls club such as Merrow.

Club members who already have a BIAS login can join the Merrow system very easily, as detailed in my recent email. Members without a previous BIAS login can easily register on the system.

Going forward, bowlers will be able to sign up to all matches online, or continue adding their name to the printed team sheets.

We dropped by the club today as part of our walk, and took a look at the green. David and Debbie have obviously been working hard over the winter, judging by the green’s splendid condition. It all makes the season feel that bit closer, despite the snowy border.

• 

• 

A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year, to all our members and those who follow our news.

2020 has been a year to forget. Let’s hope the New Year brings an end to all the uncertainty, and lets us get back on the green.

Enjoy your Christmas.

I dropped by at the club this morning, and thought I’d share how good the green is looking, even after all the recent rain.

You may spot that we now have the electric fence covering all four sides of the green. Many thanks to Len for getting the (very sturdy) corner posts organised, and to Bill for providing the soil to build up the ground behind the edging boards. Much appreciated.

Following the government’s latest ruling, there are changes to how we can access and behave in the parent club. Here are the changes:

http://www.merrowclub.co.uk/news/