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The results of the club competitions are in! Well done to all who took part.

For our last outdoor match of the 2017 season on Saturday, 16th September, Merrow entertained Shere. We played three rinks of triples over eighteen ends.

The day started promisingly enough under warm sunshine. However, after only six ends, the heavens opened and we all retreated indoors for an early tea. We all enjoyed delicious cakes made by Debbie which refuelled us for the second half of the match.

The rain eventually ceased and we were able to resume play on what had become a very wet green. Merrow dominated on two of the three rinks and the other, although winning, had a much closer result. However, it was a good natured and friendly match and we hope that the Shere players enjoyed their visit. The final score was Merrow 70, Shere 30.

Sadly, this was to be our last match against Shere as, due to a shortage of members, they have decided that their club, founded in 1900, must close. A sad day for them and the bowls community. We wish their members well at their new clubs and would like to extend a warm welcome to any who choose to join Merrow.

On Monday, 11th September, Merrow met Albury in the final of the Harding Cup. The match was played on neutral ground at Puttenham and Wanborough BC. For those of you who are unaware of the Harding Cup, this is a competition played between local villages. Each side must provide two teams of triples, each team to include one lady bowler.

The match was played on an afternoon that was generally sunny and on a green that was extremely fast, with little opportunity for bowls to turn. Several members turned up to support Merrow’s players and they were rewarded with a thrilling match. With one end to play on one of the two rinks, Merrow needed three points to win, or two to draw and force a play-off. Sadly for Merrow, we could only make one point, meaning that Albury won the final by a single point. However, our disappointment was tempered by the fine performance by the Merrow team, comprising: Debbie, David E, and David M, Judy, Tony C and Bob. Well done for battling right to the end and so nearly taking the match.

Sunday, 10th September was the culmination of our club competitions, and a number of different matches were played throughout the day. One match was held over due to the number of matches to be played.

Here are some photos of the day, the match results will be published in a forthcoming post. If you’d like a copy of any photos, please contact David on merrowbowls@gmail.com or call 07979 803944.

On Saturday, 9th September, Merrow hosted the return match with Heathervale. We played three rinks of triples over eighteen ends on our penultimate outdoor match.

The  weather was somewhat changeable: a brief shower before we started play, a heavy shower during tea and quite a downpour just as the last end was being played. However, between the showers, it was nice and sunny.

Your correspondent chose to act a non-playing captain, as we were over-subscribed for the match, with Lorna substituting for David F at the interval. It was a hard-fought match, with each side doing their utmost to win. However, despite winning on two of the three rinks, Merrow lost on points to Heathervale by just two points.

The main thing is that everyone had a very enjoyable afternoon’s bowling and we look forward to our final outdoor match of the season, when Shere visit us on 16th September.

Thanks to Colin for providing the teas. Here are a few photos of the match.

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Three bowlers from Merrow contributed to the success of our area (Area 4) in winning the Walter Cross Trophy this summer. This is an inter-area competition with 3 matches played against the other 3 Areas on Sunday mornings during the summer.

At a celebration evening last night the Captain, Graham Robinson of Godalming, praised the team for their clean sweep, beating all the other areas and totting up 56 points from a possible 66 (10 points per win and 2 points per winning rink per game).By comparison, Area 1 at the bottom, achieved only 9 points.

Rodney Morrison and Tony Fry both played in all 3 games, with David Ewins stepping in for the crucial win against Area 2 at Tolworth.

Although there were no prizes, the rink in which Rodney played at No. 2 claimed “top rink”  winning all 3 games with the highest combined shot difference.  The reward for the team is a match at West End on the 1st July next year against the Surrey Presidents Team.

Hopefully Merrow bowlers will again be contributing to more success for Area 4 next year.

https://www.skiptongrg.co.uk/apply-for-funding/2017-shortlisted-groups/south-east/merrow-village-bowls-club/

Ripley were our hosts for a match of four triples on Saturday, 2nd September. This was the second of two matches with Ripley, with Merrow winning the first encounter.

The day was unexpectedly hot and sunny (I should have taken a hat) and we were given a very warm welcome by the Ripley team. The match was hotly contested but, although the end result was two rinks each, Ripley squeezed a win by just two points. Congratulations to Lesley, David F and Brian, who won their rink by 13 points, and to Andy, Joan/Lorna and David E, who won by 10 points.

After a most enjoyable match, we were treated to a light tea by Ripley. Thanks to those organising the refreshments.