Saturday 23rd April was the day set aside to celebrate the opening and naming of the new grass green. Forty two bowlers from both Ladies and Men’s Clubs were present for the opening and for a competition to “wet” the new green. Club Chairman Stephen Della presided over the opening and it was announced that the new green will henceforth be called the Gordon Lewis Green. A fitting tribute for a life member of the Club who has donated so much time and energy on behalf of the Club over the years. I understand that the Springetts Green will become the Lew Wilson Green, another member who is both Club Patron and a Life Member who has given so much on behalf of the Club. The North Green will become the Waratah Green with thanks to Elaine Jones whose considerable efforts resulted in the synthetic coming to fruition.
Of course the weather could not leave the day alone and more rain fell in the morning adding to the overnight showers. Commendably all the bowlers stayed out in the rain and completed the first of three eight end games scheduled. A light lunch followed, though some bowlers took the opportunity to slip off home and change into dry clothes. Luckily the rain stopped and the other two games were completed in the afternoon. Winner was the strong team of Terry Butt, Jim Neely and Gail Fraser who won all three games and had a margin of plus 34. Second were Peter Cornwall, Lynn Boshier and Eric Willacy, three wins and plus 26. Third Alice Moore, Graham Hunt and Mick Flynn, three wins and plus 22. Fourth Gwenda Churchill, Glen Giese and Josh Woodcock with two wins and plus 12. Great to see such excellent participation by the ladies and I am sure much of the success of the day is due to Glen Giese including much time on the phone gathering additional bowlers.
Just to back track a little, Wednesday 20th April and the second semi final of the Consistency Singles was played. Bob Crowley was back after his enforced Covid break and up against Glen Giese who is having a purple patch. Glen started with a 12 shot handicap advantage. Glen held that advantage for the first ten ends and led 51 shots to 37 shots. Bob was the stronger over the next ten ends, removing the handicap deficit and powering ahead 97 to 91 shots. Very even for the next ten ends with Glen not losing any more ground to that the score was Bob 147 and Glen 141 shots. It looked like Glen might stage a surprise win when with one bowl to play from Bob he held all ten shots. Not to be, with Bob drawing second shot with his last bowl and a score of 3 shots which was enough to see him home for a tight 150-148 win. Bob will meet Gordon Lewis in the final which is due to be played this Wednesday. Should be a great match.
