The planning for the second, of what we hope will be, our annual Aussie Pairs competition for the Raison Trophy, in memory or Lorna and David, started months ago. Folks were invited to apply with a deadline of 23^rd July but there were several attempted last-minute entries. These had to be declined as the format had been juggled to accommodate the 16 who did apply in time.

The morning started early with green preparation and setting up for two leagues and all the players arrived in time for the 9.30am draw, though it should be noted that Barbara and David O were last to arrive despite being closest. Pauline and Helen arrived with cake which made the tea break much more interesting. The two morning group stage matches were played in glorious sunshine. We had lunch in the clubhouse due to the deteriorating weather and the last afternoon group games caught the start of the forecast rain.

We decided against playing the three playoff matches to determine 3rd through to 8th place and those who stayed were treated to an exciting final between Mike B & Paul D and Allen & Joan. It was 7 all after the scheduled 8 ends so the match went to a one end tie-break. Well done to all the finalists and spectators for braving the rain, remaining focussed and smiling.

David E presented the winners and runners up and the two 4th place teams with their respective trophy and prizes.

If you want to take part next year don’t forget to apply by the deadline!

Well it’s summer and the rain has started – it is needed for the green but not much fun to play in. Some dedicated folk have turned up to club nights despite the weather and managed to get a few ends in before (sometimes) having to admit defeat.

We played at Tongham on Saturday 29th July. This was our first visit to Tongham. It was an enjoyable afternoon and the weather stayed fine. We started with a spider where David E got closest to the spider, winning a bottle of wine. Tongham were accommodating hosts treating us to tea and biscuits at half time. Although we won on 3 rinks and lost on 1 rink, the overall score was close with Merrow winning by just 6 points. Report by Allen M.

Despite a heavy shower we all had an enjoyable game against our friends from Holloway Hill on Wednesday 13th July. Due to the heavy shower we stopped for tea and biscuits early, provided by John P and Debbie, sat out the rain then continued the rest of the match winning overall. Special congratulations go to Ken, Pauline and Brian who won on their rink 25 – 13.

Although wet weather was forecast we completed our friendly at Stoke Park, 9^th July without a drop of rain falling. After gaining early leads we gradually fell away and lost narrowly on all four rinks for an overall defeat by 20 shots. A highlight however was Lesley, Allen and John gaining a hot shot (winning all nine shots on one end), so they will be in line to receive a certificate. Report by Richard D.

One or two match reports are still missing, but all the results can be found on BIAS.

The on-going diary of a new(ish) bowler

A few more months later I have learnt more:-

Swishing….
It’s fast that way but slower coming back…
Making tea for 12+ people…
The fuse box for the fridge is behind the curtain…
Bugs that lay their eggs in the green…
What happens in the ditch when jack makes an escape from its predators…
Where to hide when I want to vape…
Even the best players can be awful….
There has been Earl Grey tea, in the jar that says PG, sabotage…
I still need to get lower…
I love this club and its people…

What I haven’t learnt yet:-

Why the trees cast a shadow that covers half the green but when you go to the other end it only covers a quarter…
Why your bowl has a mind of its own when confronted with invisible obstructions…
Why we say “have a good game” to our opponents when clearly I don’t mean it…
Why my bowls have no understanding of how to play….
And why I want to go to bed at 7pm after an afternoon at bowls.

Still so much to learn and hoping for a degree at the end of this journey!