Inspiring visit to Alexandra
Last week, Keynsham Mencap visited Alexandra Bowling Club as part of their scheme to try different sports.
The group arrived at 3.30pm with two volunteers, and qualified coaches Felicity and Danny Kite showed them the basics of delivering the bowls, delivering the jack and centering it on the rink.
Following this, three lads decided to have a match. A couple of ends were played. Deano scored on the first end and Jethro got the second shot receiving applause from the audience, coach and volunteers. All delivered some really good bowls but Jethro just had the edge over the others on the second end because he got two shots which received more loud applause from the club members who were watching the game and cheering on the players.
However, Deano delivered two
in Division Two were Dave Lambern and Alan Murray – both with 37. Division Three went to John Portnall with 38, three clear of Alan Perrin and Terry Mallon.
■ BATH enjoyed another busy week with the ladies playing a Stableford in pleasant, dry conditions. Mary Perkins won Division one on 37 points, three ahead of Stephanie Moorfott with Angela Frith a point further back in third. Division Two was won by Helen Oliver on 37, one better than Fay Galley who in turn was one in front of Lesley Matthews. Flora Samiei topped Division Three on 36, two ahead of Noeline Rose with Kathy Ogden third on 33.
The men also played a Stableford at the weekend with outstanding scoring. James Brown won Division One with 44 points, two better than captain Tony Mccallum with James very good back bowls on that last end and Barry put in a couple of good blockers. It transpired that Jethro’s grandad was a legend at bowls and played for Knowle Bowls Club in his life time; Jethro has inherited his grandad’s bowls so, hopefully, he will bring them with him next time.
A good two hours was had by all and the group was invited along again with some more friends to have another go.
Susie confidently gave thanks to the coaches for their time and making the day an enjoyable one. On behalf of the coaches it was a very profitable afternoon for the group and an exceptionally enjoyable one.
Despite any difficulties people may have, they can be overcome through a game of bowls which goes to show it is a totally inclusive sport.
Toogood third on 39. Division Two was topped by Mike Willis on 42, three ahead of Andy Akers who beat Ajay Chathley on countback. Michael Vincent claimed Division Three on 43, beating Lek Asavanarunat on countback with Barrie Luscombe third on 42.
Bank Holiday Monday brought an Open Stableford, with 98 competitors from across the region taking part in fine but overcast conditions. The winner with 40 points was David Sedgewick (Bristol & Clifton) who finished two ahead of Stuart Bennett (Manor House) who beat both Tony Bumstead (West Wilts) and Andrew Whittam (Wokefield Park) on countback.
All competitors enjoyed a meal and refreshments from Bath’s quality catering staff in this great success of an event.