ROCHESTER BLIND BOWLING GROUP

  On Sunday, July 24th, 2011, Cliffe Bowling Club held a charity tournament, with several teams being invited to participate. Amongst these were two teams from RBBG (seen on the right).

  The first thing to report, about the day, was that Mario had organized the whole event, perfectly - even down to the glorious weather, as all competitors were bathed in sunshine, throughout.

  Teams were drawn into two groups. Each team would play against six others, with each match lasting six ends. The scheduling was perfect, so that everyone played three games, before enjoying a delicious salad luncheon, followed by choice of dessert.

  When all the group games were completed, the winning team from each group met in the final, again over six ends. Like many of those played, earlier, this was a tight, hard-fought affair, with one of Cliffe's teams - going to the last end 2 up. but GEC worked their way back to be holding 2, themselves. But Skip, Eric, held his nerve to come in and take shot - and his team was crowned champions. Congratulations to Jean, April, Neville and skip, Eric!

  The two RBBG teams fared differently. Lynn, David, Albert and Peter B, started well, taking three points at the first end, in their first match, but struggled to maintain a commanding position. Often, Lynn or David put in good woods, close to the jack, only to see the opposition put in woods that captured the advantage. Through the morning, things did not go well. After lunch, however, they played better and, despite not winning a match, they agreed that their play was much improved.

  Our other team, comprising Chris, Terry, Pat F and Hans, enjoyed two victories from the outset. Our third opponents were our friends, from Cranborne, but this match resulted in a heavy defeat, with Elana, Val, Geof and Graeme scuttling us, 12-3. By the break, our score was 0: we had scored 19 points, but conceded the same number!

  After lunch, our good fortune returned, as we won the next game. Each end, in our fifth match, was settled by a single point. After five, we were trailing 3-2, but fine shot by Skip took the end - and the match, 4-2. Our last was always a close match, with tight heads, at each end. After 5 ends, we were 4-3 ahead, but weakness (long jacks) threatened that advantage. when Pat took her turn, we were 1 down, but her aim was true, and she took that jack and rolled it close to Chris' back marker. Neither Hans or the Cliffe skip could alter the position, as we ran out 6-3 winners.

  We felt we had achieved some tremendous results, winning four and losing two. Our score, at the end, was 7 (34 scored, 27 conceded). We had missed the final by 3 points (Cliffe's team that won, had scored 10 ... and we had beaten them, on the way).

  All in all, a great day. A hugely successful event - and we cordially thank Cliffe Bowling Club, for inviting us to take part. Special thanks, once more, to Mario, John, Tom and, of course, all those responsible for the excellent catering.