Broughton Gifford Bowls Club – end of season report

BROUGHTON Gifford Bowls Club has wrapped up for another season. 

The club reports, “Another season of bowls has come to an end, all too soon, and once again the pandemic influenced proceedings. The ladies had the misfortune of having all Nor-West League fixtures cancelled for the second year running, without a bowl being bowled. There were also a small number of mixed friendly cancellations from Covid cautious clubs. 

“The men fared better with both the Tuesday afternoon White Horse League and the Thursday evening Mid Wilts Triples League starting on their scheduled dates in April. 

“It was a season of contrasting weather with periods of heavy rain which resulted in wet, heavy and slow greens, and short spells of hot sunshine which produced dry, hard baked and fast surfaces. The pace of the greens can vary greatly, which present additional but interesting challenges for all those taking part in this fascinating sport.  

“Team captain Richard Mizen was positively beaming at the end of the Mid Wilts League season as his side finished on a high, winning the games at Warminster and Chippenham Park in successive weeks by the same 10-2 margin.  

“The game at Chippenham was enjoyed by all those taking part in ideal conditions. It was a fine evening and the green’s surface was a pleasure to play on. Winning rinks; Roger Warburton, Richard Mizen & Stephen Faulkner 20-6; Keith Darby, Derrick Elkins & Dave Phillpott 17-13. 

“Many congratulations to husband and wife, Peter and Carol Rigby, on becoming the Club Singles Champions in their respective sections.  Carol performed remarkably well by becoming a double-double champion at the club. Her Ladies’ 2 Wood Final victory was followed by more success when she collected the 4 Wood title for the second year running. This is no mean feat given the quality of the lady bowlers at the club.  

“Peter, in the men’s final, faced a difficult and stubborn opponent but eventually came through to win 21-17. As Club Champions both Carol and Peter qualify for their respective Bowls Wiltshire Champion of Champions knock-out competitions in 2022. 

“Broughton Gifford’s ‘A’ team compete in the Tuesday afternoon men’s five division White Horse League and did brilliantly to reach the Play-off Finals which took place at Spencer Melksham last month. The top team from each of the five divisions plus the three best runners- up compete each year on a knockout basis, with the two finalists meeting on the third day. 

“The summer heat returned for the Quarter Final Play-off on September 6th when eighth ranked BG ‘A’ met third division champions Calne on a fine surface that was quick and true. 

“The first nine ends were close affairs and a measure was required on four successive ends to determine which team had the shot. Calne led 8-6 at tea. The second half continued with mostly long jacks which both teams preferred. The game was played to a high standard with good form displayed by all eight players taking part. 

“Twice BG were holding three shots when the Calne skip with his final delivery gained the shot. It seemed as if the game was slipping away when Calne scored six in three ends to lead 14-6. BG rallied and scored nine in four ends including a six to lead by 15-14 after sixteen ends. Going into the final end with the score at 15-15 the atmosphere was both tense and exciting for players and spectators alike.  

“The Calne lead placed his first delivery four inches behind and a little off centre to the jack where it remained as shot wood when it came to the skips’ turn to bowl. BG suffered when Ray Thomas missed with his first effort by just an inch. His second attempt followed the same track but with a little less weight, it was accurate and it moved the jack, but unluckily, the movement wasn’t enough to win the game for BG.  

“Broughton were well supported by an enthusiastic contingent of members who came along to cheer and applaud each and every good delivery, of which there were many. BG team; Roger Warburton, Richard Mizen, Stephen Faulkner and Ray Thomas. 

“The season ended on September 18th with a visit to Malmesbury. The club had recently employed specialists in sports construction to install Wiltshire’s first artificial bowling green. BG took time to adjust to the extra pace of the green. Malmesbury took full advantage to build an early lead across the four rinks which was maintained throughout the game. It was a wonderful afternoon of laughter and enjoyment by all those taking part. 

“Now that the season is over its worth commenting on what a super little club we have at Broughton. The club is indeed fortunate to have such dedicated and hardworking members who volunteer their time in so many different ways. Their contributions help make the club a successful one. Thanks go to them all for their efforts.   

“If you would like more information about the club, please contact Sylvia on 01225 783332 or email: sylviad463@gmail.com.”