AFTER the opening of Crediton Bowling Club everyone ventured to the green on a bright and sunny Monday (April 17) afternoon as excitement filled the air for the opening friendly fixture of the season.
The green looked immaculate thanks to the sterling efforts put in by groundsman Roy Andrews and his band of willing helpers.
The tables were laid out for the customary half-time tea and so all waited in anticipation. And waited. And waited.
Eventually it was necessary to ring the opposition to make sure they were going to turn up!
Unfortunately an administrative error meant the fixture did not appear on their card and therefore there was a sudden realisation that Crediton’s afternoon was going to be taken up by playing amongst themselves and gaining some useful practice for the season that lies ahead.
An enjoyable afternoon was still had by everyone.
Better news on Tuesday, April 18, as Crediton’s opponents Barnstaple Ashleigh Road did turn up and a very close match then followed.
Of the five rinks Crediton lost 3-2 with only skips Maggie Chaplin and Mike Heywood being victorious, but it is shots that count and in this Crediton were clear winners 85-71.
This was helped in no small way by the final end on Mike’s rink as he was joined by Julie Cole and George Newbery to complete a 9-0 outcome.
This is referred to as a “Hot Shot” in bowls and is the equivalent of a golfing hole in one.
It very rarely happens, but the rewards to the other playing members on the day are definitely not the same as in the golfing world as Mike Heywood’s hands remained firmly in his pockets apart from grabbing his scoring card for bragging rights!
Thursday’s fixture to Uffculme nearly had to be called off as their green was unplayable.
A quick bit of reorganisation meant that the home and away fixtures were reversed and Crediton played at home.
As with Tuesday the rink scores were exactly the same with Sue Grigg and Terry Chamberlain being the victorious skips, but the shot count went 87-72 in our favour.
Finishing up the busy week at the start of the season Tiverton Park made the short trip on the Saturday afternoon.
The weather was cold and occasionally damp but everyone persevered to complete either 16 or the full 18 ends.
For many of the visitors it was their first venture on to a green for the season and therefore the experience of already playing earlier in the week for many of the Crediton bowlers meant that there was an emphatic home win as all five skips were victorious and the shot count was 87-53.
So the season is well and truly up and running.
The league teams can be seen out on the green practicing together.
The coaches are putting new members through their paces so that they can take a full part in the clubs activities.
Hopefully the temperatures will increase and there can be nothing nicer than visiting Newcombes Meadow and watching, so members look forward to seeing many of you during the coming weeks.
Fixtures:
Today, Thursday, April 27 - EDL B - Topsham A at 6.30pm.
Today, Thursday April 27 - EDL C - North Tawton A at 6.30pm.
Saturday, April, 29 - Friendly - Barnstaple Rock Park at 2.15pm.
Monday, May 1 - Den Ford Triples at 2.30pm.
Wednesday, May 3 - Over 60’s B - St Thomas C at 2.30pm.
Wednesday, May 3 - Over 60’s C - Chagford at 2.30pm
Mike Canning