On Sunday 21^st May, we made our biannual visit to Milford for a four triples friendly. We won narrowly overall by 70 – 65, with our winning rinks being achieved by Sue R, Dave F and David E and Chris, Steve M and Richard. The other two rinks of Sally, Tony R and Debbie and Brian R, Michael P and John W were just edged out.

Thanks to Milford for their hospitality which we look forward to reciprocating when they visit Merrow next season. Report by Richard

It was lovely to see so many familiar faces from the indoor season when Merrow played against Wonersh on Saturday the 20th May. The result proved to be very close on all rinks, however Merrow had to accept a narrow defeat in the end.

Allen, Pauline and Trevor were Merrow’s only winning rink but Jo, Tony R and Sally tied on their rink. The overall result was 53-61, which rightly reflected a close game all round.

Thanks to Steve D and Paul P for the splendid tea, which with the heat and blue skies, conjured up a vision of a quintessential old English garden high tea. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the opposition said that they were already looking forward to their next visit! Report by John W

As part of the national Bowls’ Big Weekend, Merrow are holding an Open Day on Monday 29th May, 10am-4pm. Everyone is welcome, just bring trainers.

Skills
Everyone managed to score points in the second skills session with some tricky scenarios set up to test our ability to get the correct line and weight. Check out the table on the league tab and why not come and join us on a Monday afternoon and see how you fare in the challenges?

Friendlies
A fine and sunny afternoon made an enjoyable friendly bowls match at Mayford Hall on Wednesday 17th. Mayford Hall fielded a strong team and beat Merrow 72-55. Tony D, Joan and Helen got the best result for Merrow forcing a draw on the last end of a 15-15 rink. Report by Allen M

Merrow achieved two firsts in our friendly at Liphook on Saturday (13th), our first friendly win of the season and the first game to be played in sunshine!

In what is our most distant journey of the season Merrow were the eventual winners by 88 shots to 44. Comfortable wins were achieved on rinks 1 and 2 by Ian M, Tony D and Michael P, and Pauline H, Steve M and David E. Rink 5 was a tight affair with Jo J, Allen M and Debbie E losing by one shot, with rink 6 even closer where a draw was achieved by Trevor R, Dave F and Richard D.

A big thank you to our hosts at Liphook, who we will entertain later in the season. Report by Richard D

Oatlands Park Bowl’s club were obviously keen to play our mid week game (10th May) as some of their team turned up early at 1.30 pm, all very smart in their blazers and ties. They even offered to help prepare for the game but this was declined and we gave them a cup of tea instead.

I would like to thank Ken and Lesley for being the caterers that day and also to thank Ken for swishing all of the rinks.

The game proceeded in not too bad weather, just a couple of light showers, we stopped for tea and biscuits after 10 ends, short speeches were made and Oatlands Park thanked us for being a friendly and welcoming club.

The second half started in a jolly fashion but then on the 12/13th/14th end the heavens opened up with hailstones and thunder. As everyone was drenched the captains decided to call it a day.

We won on two of our rinks but lost on one rink. The total score was in favour of Oatlands Park who despite the weather thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. We dried off in the bar with a drink. Report by Allen M

Merrow Village Bowls Club welcomes you to come and try bowling – just bring trainers, bowls provided