A Charity pairs event was scheduled for the 23rd July but the weather meant it was delayed a week till the 1st August when the sun came out for the day. The event was a pairs competition played using the Australian Pairs format, an interesting variation that allows both players to alternate between being the lead and the skip. It therefore allowed players, who in general would not consider playing as the skip in a team, to experience this position. Play was limited on the green to three rinks allowing 12 pairs to participate. To therefore ensure everyone got a full day of bowls each pair played three, hour long games in an hour on/hour off format with points awarded in each match for overall score and ends won. Three teams won all their games with David McLurgh and Tony Windess being the victors by virtue of winning one more end.
Following on the success of this day and format, 2 more enjoyable Aussie Pairs events were held with a Grand Total of £195 being donated to the Brighter Futures from the 3 events.
Home and Away friendlies were played during August and September where the result didn’t matter but it was great to meet up with the players from other local Clubs; Supermarine, Highworth, Rodbourne Cheney, Wroughton.
There was still time to fit in a Fun Day of Bowls on 19th September when we welcomed a number of new bowlers and on this occasion £90 was donated to MacMillan Cancer Support. The season closed with a friendly on the 27th September against Highworth.
A big thanks must go to Barry R for all his work monitoring the booking system and for arranging all the fixtures and Dave Mc for administering the 3 Aussie Pairs days. Trevor E for all his work on the green despite the efforts of the local wildlife to try and ruin the green.