THE Covid-19 pandemic has impacted Broughton Gifford Bowls Club again this year, with many cancellations and postponements to their fixture list.
The club report, “The Ladies’ Norwest League has been cancelled for the second year running without a bowl being bowled. The men’s 3 Rink Wilts League has been shortened and will not start until late June, and then only half of the intended 24 fixtures will be played.
The Mid Wilts Triples League began on its scheduled date, but the number of rinks allowed to play in order to maintain safe distancing has been reduced from four to three. Fewer ladies and mixed friendly games have been played during what is turning out to be a strange season. Thankfully though, many games are still going ahead as planned and after last season it’s great to be playing some club fixtures again.
“Although nursing an injured ankle and unable to play, there was a broad smile on the face of team captain Richard Mizen’s face after his side’s Mid Wilts League win on the 6th May. This was the second league match of the season and victory was sweet after the previous week’s disappointing loss. Richard Brooks, Trevor Cooke and Matt White breezed through their game, easily winning 26-6. Roger Warburton, who had magic in his left hand on this day, Keith Darby and Paul Stocker withstood a late rally from their opponents to hold on for a tense, nail biting 14-14 draw. The last rink to finish ended in a narrow three shot defeat for Broughton Gifford. Broughton won the game 9-3.
“Broughton Gifford ladies were in action again on Tuesday 11th May, playing two rinks at home against Trowbridge Town and they were once again unlucky with the weather. The match started in bright sunshine, but rain interrupted play midway through the game, which had both teams scurrying to the clubhouse to locate their waterproofs. Returning to the green suitably attired, the game continued until the scheduled sixteen ends had been completed. The game finished with a rink win for each team. Gwenda Kelley skipped the winning Broughton rink. She was ably assisted by Margery Mandryko and Sue Davies who won 19-7.
“The club would welcome enquiries from anyone interested who would like to give the game a try, please call 01225 783332 or email sylviad463@gmail.com”
