Broughton Gifford Bowls Club

It has been a busy early season for the members, with up to four fixtures completed in each of the last four weeks.

Broughton’s ladies, sometimes known as the BGs, have had the perfect start, winning all three of their friendlies. The most recent was at Trowbridge Westbourne. Once again displaying excellent form, and for the third time the BGs won on both rinks. Rink scores: Sue Davies, Margaret Bourne & Debbie Bishop 26-8: Irene Wood, Margaret Cooke & Margery Mandryko 15-14. These friendly games have been an ideal preparation, and confidence is high for the forthcoming Nor-West League campaign, which is due to begin in the third week of the month.

Heavy colds and flu-like symptoms necessitated three late changes from the men’s original team selection for the home MWTL tie against Devizes on 9th May. The teams met on a chilly but fine evening after earlier heavy downpours had petered out. Broughton produced a fine performance from the outset, crushing their opponents by 84 shots to 58 and 13-1 points. Pick of the Broughton side were Trevor Cooke, Graham Whitfield & Nick Paris who won easily 32-14. Other rink scores: Kevin Holmes, John Stewart & Richard Mizen 17-15; Vince Davis (capt), Hayden Arlett & Dave Alford 19-13; Richard Brooks, Mervyn Davies & Ray Thomas 16-16. The win moves Broughton up to third place in the table.

Three mixed friendlies have also been played, with two wins and a one shot defeat. The best performance was at Malmesbury when BG won on three of the four rinks with the score of 78-64. Winning rink scores: Sue Davies, Margery Mandryko, Hayden Arlett & Vince Davis (capt) 24-14; Mervyn Davies, Heather Davis, Rodney Bourne & Gwenda Kelley 19-13; Irene Wood, Graham Whitfield, Debbie Bishop & Trevor Cooke 18-14.

The club is looking to recruit new members throughout the season. Coaching and advice is available and is free. If you would like to know more about the game and our club please call Vince or Sylvia on 01225 783332 or email vincedavis3@btinternet.com