Many of the RBBG members were learning, only on the day of the Cranborne match, about the death of Stan Merricks, the day before. Stan had taken the loss of his sight pretty hard, but the chance to bowl again, with RBBG, had given him a new lease of life. The Cranborne match so vividly illustrated the group’s vitality which Stan enjoyed, so much. Our thoughts go out to Connie and her family.

  The Cranborne club has given us much more than the use of the clubhouse as our base. They have welcomed us into the fabric of their club and we would not have developed, so far, without their friendly support. The annual fixture, with Cranborne, resurrected in our rebirth as RBBG, proved to be a fantastic occasion. The results on each rink are in many ways incidental to the fun and camaraderie experienced by everyone on that green, a game played in the very best spirit.

  Two of our triples must share rink honours. Marian, Terry and Hans were fast out of the traps and led 6-0 after three ends, but at halfway Val, Ken and Graham had reeled them back in, so that the RBBG lead was just one point, at 10-9. Thereafter, however, it was almost one way traffic, in terms of results, although every head was tight and keenly contested. End thirteen saw Hans try to play with weight, but such weight that Graham saw it as firing (which is strictly forbidden). But Hans got his desserts, as the attempted shot converted two to Cranborne to five – to Cranborne. This was the only blemish, however, and RBBG ran out winners, 23-14.

  Equally impressive were Doreen, Bella and Pat C who, after losing the first end, were 15-2 up, after twelve. A late rally, by Bill, Jim and Bob, saw the overall result a win for RBBG by 17-9 - always in the driving seat, winning eleven of the sixteen ends – very impressive.

  The match between Trudy, Hetty and Chris and Elana, Tom and Stuart, was a humdinger. Never more than a shot in it, as the lead changed hands, it was 7-7 after nine ends. Then Cranborne scored five unanswered points, to lead 12-7, only for RBBG to pull themselves back, all square, 12-12, going into the final end. Trudy held shot, just behind the jack, then Chris just tipped her wood with what was a near perfect wood in its own right, but it became a measure for shot and the win. By one eighth of an inch, it was Cranborne’s, to win 13-12. A great match, hugely enjoyed by all, which went right to the wire.

  But Peter, David and Pat F played no less well, in their match against Elsie, Julie and Geoff. 9-9 after twelve, it was only then that two shots, in each of three ends, saw Cranborne home by 15-11. Excellent play by everyone, with Pat displaying expertise that might see Geoff giving her a call the next time that Cranborne are short of players!

  We shall just mention that, with the match originally billed as five triples, we deployed Anne, John and Bill on a fifth green, with Brian to make up the numbers, where a pairs match was hugely enjoyed, under the auspices of helpers, Ann and Shirley.

  So, it was really good play on the green, and a lovely atmosphere generated by our hosts, in the clubhouse, where we savoured a splendid tea, prepared by Doreen. With the bar available, after the match for some gentle refreshment, who could want for anything more. Thank you, Captain Graham and Cranborne members, for your hospitality on this - as other days - as we relish the strong link between our two clubs that was briefly lost a few years ago, but is now back as strong as ever.