Rochester Blind Bowling Group

  Let’s get the statistics out of the way! John, Malcolm and Anita beat Trudy/Bill, Chris and Terry by 26-4. Norman, Joyce and David beat Marian, Ian and Hans by 27-5. RBBG bowlers should not be downhearted – the groupings achieved by the Victoria Park players were consistently outstanding and despite our heroic rearguard action (mention in dispatches for Terry) they were unstoppable.

  It was closer on the other rinks where one or two ends made all the difference. Mike, Sylvia and Frazer were down 10-9 after 12 ends to Norman, Bella and Pat but took 7 shots over the next 2 ends to win 17-11. David, Doreen and Hetty were 6-0 up on John, Liz and Carl, after 5 ends, 11-8 down after 14 ends. All to play for but we lost 5 shots in the 15th end and 16-8 at the finish.

  So 4-0 defeat on rinks and an overall shot defeat by…..lots. But our bowling, especially as a very inexperienced side, was not at all bad and Victoria Park were very good.

  And the main point of it all is to have good exercise in a very sociable atmosphere, with nice people. This certainly was achieved! Even where we were losing heavily, the entreaties for a hot line to the Samaritans raised even more laughter - and a thoroughly good time was had by all.

  The general air of fun continued through the fish and chip tea – high quality, obviously local fish, fresh from the sea – and spirits were not even quashed by the determination of several of those present to finish with a song or three! Some of the singers were more accomplished than others, it has to be said, but the levels of enthusiasm, in Rule Britannia, surely matched anything heard at the last night of the Proms. A day of huge enjoyment and our thanks to Captain Pat and our Victoria Park hosts, both on the green and in the backroom.

  With the cherry on the cake being the generous donation to RBBG of the proceeds of the raffle, augmented by a very sizeable donation by a Victoria Park member who wished to remain anonymous. Our captain believes he may have had a conversation with this man where his enthusiasm for group and the enjoyment generated were clearly communicated, but whoever he is, extra thanks to him with an assurance that funds will be put to very good use for the benefit of club members.

  Thank you again, Victoria Park, for a great day.