Medley Gala Day

At last, a sunny and pleasant day to play bowls.  What better pasttime than to play a tactical sport out in a lovely setting in such weather. Only cricket compares, for me.

So today, we once again divided players into two teams, Stags and Blades. (As I have said before, if you want to know why I use the names I do, check our coat of arms.).  We played two series of games with some players on triples and others in pairs playing opposing team members with the overall score being used to decide the result.  In the end, Blades won 35-18.

In a team game where you perform different functions depending on the position, it's hard to pick out any individuals but Blades certainly owed much to Marion Dodge whose accuracy put the opposition under pressure in both her pairs and triples match. So, well done Blades.

It was certainly a far cry from going down to Redbourn on Thursday in freezing conditions with hail and rain on an artificial surface which we struggled with.  One of our teams did bring home a win, the same side who have so far kept  a 100% record for the season, Frank, Reg and Chrissie.  Long may they keep winning!

The Vets have now won one and lost one after giving up a big lead against Pavilion last Tuesday to lose by 3 shots.  It was all going so well before tea.  As they delight in saying in football parlance , "it was a game of two halves".  Sadly, we our team were on the receiving end in the second half. 

Monday mornings remain open for anyone to join us and try the game.  Next roll-up will be Bank Holiday Monday :)

Game on!

Good news from the Vets (Veterans) League where Little Gaddesden posted a comprehensive victory over Croxley Green Blue in their first match of the season. Well done chaps!  With vets captain, Don Taylor off ill, Julian Marshall has stepped into the breach to lead them away. 

Then it was President's vs Captain's teams in the Horton Cup.  Peggie Horton was on hand to present the beautiful hand carved trophy made and donated by her late husband (as well as to kindly make tea and cake for the players!)  The Captain's teams won 33-27 (go us!) on a windy and rather bleak day. Thanks Peggie.  After that icy wind, everyone was ready for hot drinks!

Next Week (18th May) we have an open day so hope to see some new potential members!

And... they're off

So the season got under way with a day of hail and rain but those who turned up had a good time with the drinks and huge spread of food (thank you Marika for the provisions!)  Eventually, the sun did break through (well, from time to time, at least) and some croquet was played. Quiller Barrett, our man on the Association Croquet Board was there to coach and advise so thanks also to him for putting in his afternoon in that weather.  Quiller will be offering further coaching sessions so if you'd like to learn the subtleties of Garden and Association croquet, you should come along.  You won't find a better coach anywhere, especially at club level.

Monday was our first roll-up (and, hang on...was that sunshine breaking through?)

So to Saturday and Champions Debut Day as last year's champions lead teams in a small internal competition to really get the season going.  It's a chance for everyone who wants to play matches to get back into the tactics and for the captains to see who is on form. 

Hope to see you there!