Early season news from Broughton Gifford Bowls Club

BROUGHTON Gifford Bowls Club have played their first game of the season at Corsham.            

A spokesperson for the club reports, “Broughton Gifford were honoured to be invited by the host club as the first visitors to play on their brand-new playing surface. The new green was very much to the visitors’ liking as they ran out winners on two out of the three rinks played. 

“On 24th April, the first mixed friendly match of the season saw the visit of Box under blue skies with plenty of sunshine on a lovely warm afternoon. The game ended in victory for Broughton as they came out on top on two of the three rinks played. New members Steve and Sue Faulkner got off to a winning start, who along with Gwenda Kelley, won 14-10; Margaret Bourne, Margaret Cooke and Mervyn Davies won comfortably 32-11.

“The opening game of the single rink White Horse League campaign got under way on the afternoon of 27th April. Broughton have three entries in a five divisions league, and two of the three won their opening game. The pick of the rinks was skipped by Richard Mizen, who along with Richard Brooks, Roger Warburton and Mervyn Davies won 23- 8 at Corsham. In Division 1, Rodney Bourne, Barrie Freeman, Dave Alford and Trevor Cooke triumphed 21-16. 

“The following afternoon Broughton Gifford Ladies played in appalling weather conditions, during a home match against North Wilts. Attired in waterproofs, they had to contend with pouring rain and a bitterly cold wind blowing from the north east. The ground soon became saturated causing each bowl to throw up spray as it rolled along the soaking wet turf. The atrocious weather was not conducive to skilful bowling and it was decided to call an early halt to the game. BG coped better than their opponents with the difficult conditions winning on both rinks. Margaret Bourne, Margery Mandryko & Janet Richards 25-4; Sue Davies, Margaret Cooke & Debbie Bishop 10-4.

“These early season excellent results were tempered somewhat on the 29th, when a ‘ring rusty’ BG were defeated in the opening Mid Wilts Triples League game of the season. It was a disappointing and frustrating time for the home team who just couldn’t get going. Playing Bradford, the villagers were behind from the first to the last end, and despite their best efforts to catch up the task proved unattainable.

“There were sunny intervals on a pleasant afternoon on Sunday 2nd May, BG entertained Malmesbury in the second mixed friendly of the season. The home team won on all three rinks. The rink results as follows. Heather Davis, Carol & Peter Rigby 26-8; Margaret Bourne, Mervyn Davies & Janet Richards 20-11; Sue Davies, Debbie Bishop & Rodney Bourne 18-13.”

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.