MELKSHAM welcomed some of the best bowlers in the country to Christie Miller as Wiltshire’s bowlers took on England.
The event hosted by Wiltshire Short Mat Bowls Association was the biggest in their history as players from across the length and breadth of England under the management of Brian Claessen were playing their final warm up game before the British Isles Championships in Wales in May.
Wiltshire’s team was a mix of established county bowlers, experienced club bowlers and a number of youngsters including the three Cleere brothers (Villagers SMBC from Atworth), Carter Glover (Hullavington) and Greg Smith (White Horse Club, Westbury).
Wiltshire took an early lead but at the lunch break the England manager had ‘a few words’ for his team who came out fighting for the afternoon sessions. In the end the national team triumphed by 37 points to 31 (shots 260-211).
“This was a creditable performance by Wiltshire bowlers and an excellent fight back by the England team,” said Geoff Lane, WSMBA chairman.
“The game itself was a credit to the sport. There was – as you would expect perhaps – good bowls but the game was played in a very competitive and friendly atmosphere. Many of the youngsters were supported by their parents or grandparents and overall there were dozens of spectators present. This further enhanced the occasion.”
Tom Bright (Bromham) and Aidan Wicks (Blue Circle) were in the victorious England team. Tom was given the honour of captaining his team on the day.
Players from the local clubs in Melksham, Seend and Atworth represented the Wiltshire side (Moonrakers).
England manager Brian Claessen thanked Wiltshire for the arrangements made and thought that the game would be of great benefit to his team. Colin Waldeck. Wiltshire Short Mat Bowls Association County President) responded by wishing Brian and his team all success in the forthcoming British Isles Championships.
