Thanks to all who helped welcome prospective bowlers who visited us at our two open events. Over the Friday and Monday we had 16 visitors. The majority of these have returned for our coaching sessions and a number have already joined – it has certainly livened up Tuesday and Thursday club nights!
Taster Events at Merrow
Sunday Friendly at Milford
Despite the forecast we finally managed to play our second weekend friendly of the season.
Milford hosted four triples all of which were played in a friendly but competitive spirt. In the end Merrow were successful on all four rinks. The final score was 77 – 44 to Merrow, with our top rink being Ken, Steve and David F.
We enjoyed a convivial drink post-match, by which time the rain came down again!
A close match at Mayford Hall
A lovely sunny afternoon at Mayford Hall on Wednesday (19th May) was the setting for a close fought contest with two rinks winning and two rinks losing. Mayford Hall were very welcoming and friendly.
We had one illness, but lucky enough our spectator John Wills stood in.
We had one late comer due to an accident with a dog, so one rink started with two in our team. Fortunately enough our third player turned up and everything was back to normal from the third end.
The final score was Mayford Hall 58 – Merrow 59, all in all a very close match.
Friendly against Oatlands Park
On Wednesday 12th May, we hosted Oatlands Park for our initial Wednesday friendly of the season. This was the first time we had played Oatlands Park, so we were looking forward to the game.
It was a sunny afternoon following a wet morning, but the playing surface was in splendid condition as remarked on by the Oatlands Park players.
We played three triples, winning on two and losing on one, with a final score of 58 – 49 in Merrow’s favour. Our top triple was led by Wednesday Captain Allen Mead, ably supported by two of our new members Steve M and Allen J.
At the end (thanks to Debbie and David) tea and biscuits were supplied outside on the tables in line with the Covid restrictions. A very enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to playing at Oatlands Park next season.
Our next Wednesday match is away to Mayford Hall on the 19th May.
A loss to Albury
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.
Our first match of the season.
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.
We are on Instagram!
As part of our bid for world domination, the club now has an Instgram account. Just look for “merrowbowls”.
Getting ready
The banner is up, inviting people to our club.
Looking forward to seeing old friends on the green again.
Tidying up
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.
