At last things are improving since the restrictions have been eased. However the leagues are still under discussion for this coming winter as what with Brexit and Covid the numbers of players in each participating club are uncertain. As non -residents are allowed only 90 days at a time it means ascertaining the availability of players over the league playing time is very difficult to confirm.
Vistabella are running their own internal league on a 4-2-2 basis meaning one game of rinks, one game of pairs and one of Australian pairs each game playing six ends. There are 6 sides of 5 or more players rotating so everyone gets a game with a nice mix of novice and experienced bowlers. Having played just two matches so far the consensus is that everyone is thoroughly enjoying being able to play competitively once more.
Whilst this has been going on Vistabella have had their internal competitions plus a Novices Trophy Competition the results are as follows:
Vistabella Club Competitions
Mens Singles
A classic game of singles with the lead swapping several times. At 20-15 Martin Foulcer seemed assured of the win but Charlie Watkins fought back to take the title after another 5 ends.
Ladies Singles
The ladies final was also a nail biting game with the score 16-15 to the experienced Maggie Furness just ahead of Alice Howe who has only been bowling for 2 years. From this point Maggie gradually pulled ahead to win 21-17.
Mens Pairs
The mens pairs saw Martin Foulcer and Scott Malden get off to a good start at 7-0. However a 6 on the ninth end saw Charlie Watkins and Gary Thorpe pull ahead and from this point they dominated the game to win 22-10.
Ladies Pairs
The ladies pairs was evenly balanced after 8 ends with Sue Kemp and Sandra Burrows leading Kath Reid and Sheila Westwood 7-6. Kath and Sheila picked up a 4 on the ninth end and gradually pulled away to win 21-13.
Mixed Pairs
A one sided affair with Kath Reid and Ian Kenyon running out easy winners against Margaret & Neil Morrison.
Mixed Triples
The trio of John Goddard, Paul Durham and Sheila Westwood had a very good start and held on to the end holding off a fight back from Freddie Willey, Carol & Gary Thorpe to win by 2 shots.
Mixed Rinks
A very tight game all the way with Mo & Martin Foulcer and Lin & Charlie Watkins running out the winners over Barbara & Arthur Brown and Carol & Gary Thorpe by 3 shots.
Other competition winners were : Sue Kemp and Carol Thorpe winning the Drawn Pairs, Paul Durham and Sheila Westwood winning the Australian Pairs and Martin Foulcer winning the Unmarked Singles.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Vistabella Bowls Novice Trophy
The Novice Trophy and the award was sponsored by Red Villa Sales, an Estate Agency local to the club. The new players were split into 4 teams of 3 bowlers, playing matches as ‘triples’ as they would in the league games. Each team was appointed an experienced mentor to guide them through the match and provide coaching on personal development and guidance on match play.
In order to maximise experience, the 3 team members were required to play a different position in each match. A round robin league was set up so that all teams played one another over a 3 week period.
Following the final match, a celebratory lunch was held at Flannigans Irish Bar for all players, mentors and supporters from the club. Safe to say, a good time was had by all.
All of the competitors have gained from the experience and it will undoubtedly help them when the leagues recommence. The eventual winners of the trophy were the team of Alice Howe, Derek Howe and Steve Baxter. Well done to them and all who participated.
Vistabella will sadly miss, Lin and Charlie Watkins who have returned to the UK. Both have done a massive amount of work for the club and were one of our most successful pairs winning many competitions over the years they have been at the club. Bon Voyage !
Vistabella Bowls Club is sponsored by: Oneway Services, Serenity Insurance, Carpet Heaven.
How about coming and have a go at bowling we would be pleased to see you. We can arrange a free session and lesson . You could get hooked it’s a fabulous game and a very sociable one you’ll meet lots of new friends.
Also bowlers are most welcome, and we are looking for new members. Please contact: Club Captain –Neil Burrows neilburrows@gmail.com or Derek Howe Membership Secretary derekthowe@gmail.con Reported by : Montestan
