So, the rain pattered down, gradually causing more spray to come up with each end as the heavier woods ran their course and everyone cursed the British weather.
We were playing a West Herts divisional match over at Watford's Woodside Stadium complex. The bowling green lies in a sheltered hollow with its clubhouse and facilities neatly arranged along one side. It is a nice spot to play bowls, particularly if there was some sunshine. Like most clubs, it is under-invested.
I have to depart from the specifics of the evening for a moment to reflect...despite the apparent over fifties sport and leisure initiative such as fab over fifty, it is noticeable how neglected bowling clubs are. If there is a sport that elder folks and those with illnesses or injuries can still continue to enjoy, it is bowls. But Woodside is a typical example. Millions have been poured into a playground for the young, into a building for the athletics team for swimming, football, cricket but not..bowls. Most of our clubs are dwindling and all that we get from councils are what we can't do not what they can do to help these community clubs.
So, back to the rain and darkening evening at Woodside. We didn't bowl so well. The home side didn't always bowl so well, either but they did better than we did in the conditions so we headed home after a ploughmans and a drink, once more the beaten side.
Little Gaddesden need players and we need to start winning. In a few weeks we have games Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. It'll probably be the same core of players in all four. No wonder folks are tired and not always enjoying the game as much as we should.
We carry on in hope towards Saturday and an away game at Wing. We always get a friendly welcome, there. We look forward to that.
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