The clocks go back at 02.00 am on Sunday.  October will be done.  Crikey.  Not only are the shops full of halloween things but I’ve heard the odd Christmas advert.

How are you all doing with the booster and ‘flu jabs?  There does seem a bit of a short supply on ‘flu jabs, so if you haven’t booked yours yet, try and get one sorted.

Covid boosters should be available for the over 50’s soon which will just about cover everyone in the club, apart from Scott!  It would be a really good idea to get yours booked as soon as you are able.  Of course, it is your choice whether you have it or not.

 

The leagues start today.  Well done to David Hale for getting these all together.  If you haven’t put your name down yet, please speak to David or add to the sheet on the notice board and he will allocate you a team.

We lost the Top Club by a mere 3 shots across all disciplines yesterday.  Drat!  Very good wins for Ann H and Peter J in the 2-bowl Singles and for Steve, Laurie, Tricia and Dawn in the Fours.  Barry & Teresa were still up against the Donaghues after 12 ends – in fact we were up in all disciplines at that stage – until a change of jack and digging deep by Amanda & John to give them that match.  In the Triples, Kevi, Ange & Peter T fought hard and were on track until  they suffered one of those rogue ends late on and had to play catch up and didn’t quite make it, despite best efforts.  It’s the closest Top Club result since we entered I believe, so well done to everyone who played and thanks to Terry & Ann for their support.

Happy 70th Birthday to Laurence and Happy other Birthdays to Val N and Lucy!

We hope you are all spoiled rotten by your families and enjoy  your day.

Brrr.  It was very cold at 4.30 am and I wasn’t even outside!   Maybe it’s time to put something higher than a 6 Tog duvet on the bed?

On the bowls front, people have been rolling up during the mornings and during the evenings and getting practice in for the midweek leagues and upcoming matches, particularly this weekend.

On Saturday, the Men play Egham in the Denny Cup and the Ladies play King George Field in the Yetton Trophy.  All four rinks will be in action at Cambridge Park and two rinks of each of our teams will be playing at Egham and King George Field respectively.  Play starts at 10.00 am and supporters are very welcome at all venues.

On Sunday it’s the Top Club against Hounslow – at their green.  Unlike the outdoor competitions, the EIBA’s version has a Men’s and Ladies’ Two Bowl Singles, a Mixed Pair, a Mixed Triple and a Mixed Four.  A win in 3 disciplines secures the match but of course if either the pair, triples or four draw after 18 ends, it could come down to shots.

In all of the above competitions, it’s very important that we score as many shots as possible.  This means getting nearer to the jack than any of our opponents’ bowls whether they are an inch or a foot from the jack.  Oh, this game is so simple… in theory.  Executing the simpleness is another matter!  It’s tough on the teams playing away on different greens – both Egham and King George Field are quite a bit longer than Cambridge Park.  Pace at KGF is slower than CP but Egham would be on a par so each player will have to adapt and find the green as soon as they can.  Team bonding isimportant too to encourage and spur each other on.

On Sunday afternoon, we have our second mixed friendly (we lost v KGF on Wednesday 1.5-2.5 rinks) and it’s good that we have some new members joining the teams for this at Egham.

We wish all the teams good luck for tomorrow!

Coaching Course for New Bowlers to begin on Saturday 30th October.  The following sessions will be on Sunday 7th November, Saturday 13th November and Saturday 20th November.

Sessions run from 9.30 to 12.00. You will need to attend all four sessions. Please bring bowls shoes or flat soled shoes not worn outside. There is a list in the Club, but you can let me know on annandarch@live.co.uk or by phone 020 8898 4855.

Thanks

Ann