News Update
Marine Gardens BC – report for week ending Sunday 06/10/19
(October 06, 2019) Marine Gardens BC – report for week ending Sunday 06/10/19
Thursday 26/09/19
The final competitive match of the season was a rescheduled Stracey Shield affair with Tarring Priory the visitors. The hosts put up their usual determined showing, but Priory had the edge and deservedly won by 88 shots to 76; bagging 8 league points to cement their position as runners-up to Goring Manor.
For Marine the rink skipped by ever-green Dennis Martin came agonisingly close, losing by just a single shot, 18 to 19. Dennis was ably supported by Bob Cole, Pamela Chambers & Eric Hayward. Skips Ivan Godsmark & David Sayer also lost on their rinks; by 5 shots and 14 shots respectively.
However, the host’s blushes were spared by club secretary & rink skip Jenny Ashman who filed away an impressive win by 23 shots to 15. Jenny was backed to the hilt by specialist lead Bryan Hartley, the ever-reliable David Smart at 2 and the mid-field general that is Norman Deegan at 3.
Rink scores summarised thus –
Bob Cole, Pamela Chambers, Eric Hayward & skip Dennis Martin – 18 shots v D Fairs 19 shots
Len Tebby, Albie Marsella, John Nettleingham & skip Ivan Godsmark – 21 shots v K Brinsmead 26 shots
Noel Stevenson, Ian Dalton, Alan Paterson & skip David Sayer – 14 shots v A Messer 28 shots
Bryan Hartley, David Smart, Norman Deegan & skip Jenny Ashman – 23 shots v W Burrows 15 shots
Marine Gardens 76 shots (2 points) lost to Tarring Priory 88 shots (8 points)
Saturday 28/09/19
The weather was a little mixed, but it was sunny dispositions all the way as over 50 members packed Marine Gardens for the official “closing drive”. However, when is a closing drive not a closing drive? When the weather is decent and keen bowlers are so enjoying their season, they just won’t let it go!
So, in the official end of term bash it was the non-spots who prevailed over the spotties, by the goodly margin of 131 shots to 84. Top rink for the non-spots was Dave Holden, Anne Knight, Norman Deegan & skip Albert Leatham who won by 27 shots to 4.
The sole winning spotty rink was provided by Doreen Dickson, Tony Quinn, Pamela Chambers & skip Harry Smith who triumphed by 29 shots to 12.
But that was not the last hurrah as 2 days later there was an excellent turn-out for the last Monday fun drive. Tuesday 1st October was supposed to see a final friendly away to Goring Manor, but the weather spoilt those plans. Wednesday 02/10 and the last of the fun drives organised by Doreen Dickson also drew in all the happy regulars.
Saturday 05/10 and the unofficial closing drive saw 30 odd members turn out; followed by half a dozen on the morning of Sunday 06/10 for what really was the last bit of fun on the green for 2019. Well done to the ultimate diehards – Matt Ryan, Albie Marsella, David Hughes, Tilly Hennings, Paula Seymour and Mark Berriman.
In terms of competitive bowls 2019 was not a vintage season. We play in the West Sussex League, the Stracey Shield and the Brodie Tray and those campaigns are summarised below.
West Sussex League –
Played 14, won 5, lost 9, drew 0. 57 points finished 7th out of 8 teams; relegated to division 3.
Stracey Shield –
Played 12, won 1, lost 11, drew 0. 23 points finished last out of 5 teams.
Brodie Tray –
Played 10, won 4, lost 5, drew 1. 47 points finished 3rd out of 6 teams.
Disappointing yes, but worth remembering that in the last 4 years we have won the Brodie Tray and finished as champions of division 3 in the West Sussex League. In any event performance in league games is not the only yardstick with which to judge a season.
A few numbers regarding Marine Gardens BC –
92 – the number of playing members. Largest club in town playing on council-maintained greens.
89 – total number of fixtures arranged for 2019 including league and friendly. All mixed save for the 14 West Sussex League games.
5 – the number of social events including a skittles night, Beetle Drive and 2 dinners.
5 – the number of social events sold out!
2 – qualified coaches to teach new members. The rest of the club will also encourage and help!
30 odd – the number of playing members who have joined over the last 3 years. So, we can be short on experience sometimes, but we are long on people enjoying their bowls.
5 – the number of new members stepping forward to help their club. Well done to –
Pamela Chambers – assistant secretary
Clive Wooton – welfare officer
Paula Seymour – safeguarding officer
Mark Berriman – shadowing existing Treasurer Norman Deegan MBE
0 – complaints received about anyone’s behaviour. Also, the same number who said they didn’t get a warm welcome upon joining the club.
195 – approx. The number of days until the Opening Drive of the 2020 season, our 90th. Interested in joining the friendliest club in town, playing a great game suitable for all ages? Please call 01903 700662 to arrange a free taster session in April 2020. All equipment provided, just bring a smile!