Friday August 26th. A Four Rink side played in the Semi Final of the West Wilts 4 X 4's and had an enphatic 55-33 win. However when arriving at the clubhouse at 5-15pm the bottom green looked more like a boating lake and the top green had a lot of standing water. Both teams assembled with the rain still lashing down and play looking very doubtful, but as the rain eased you could see the water starting to drain away, so it was decided to play a reduced match of twelve ends only. Just after 6pm the teans took to the green most wondering just how it would play, but they needn't have worried as the woods ran smooth and fast, the early rain had little or no effect on the bowling On rink two Dave Greenwood, Bill Cowan, Eddie Bowden & Pete Fielding built up an early lead and although at one stage they were pulled back managed to run out winners 14-11 On rink three Don Tucker, Henry Crate, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb were never in trouble recording an impressive 19-3 win. Rink four saw Maurice Otridge, Ken Roberts, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield get off to a good start and although trailing by one shot going into the last end picked up a four to win 13-10. On rink five Harry Garlick, Monty Smith, Dave Keen & Steve Mulligan soon found themselves trailing and after nine ends were 3-9 down but stuck to their guns picking up six shots in the last three ends to tie 9-9. The final will be played at Avon Bowls Club on September 5th, when their opponents will be either Trowbridge Westbourne or Winsley. All credit must go to Trefor Jones and his green staff for maintaining the greens to such a high standard so enabling this match to take place and for the second day running a visiting Captain had stated that our green's are among the very best in Wiltshire..
Thursday August 18th. Mid Wilts A. were away to Spencer Melksham and were hopefull of achieveing a much needed win, but as in so many previous games they suffered heavy losses on a couple of rinks. There can only be two reasons for this continued poor performance, the players are not good enough or they are but just not in a balanced team. I have to be honest and say that I have been one who has argued that teams should be kept together, it's a bit late now but maybe there is a case for shuffling teams around, food for thought. Bryan Reeves, Norman Miles & Bob Budden won 19-9. Ken Stout, Ken Oliver & Bob Howe won 28-14. Alan Sims, Don Tucker & Peter Bradbury lost 13-23 and Harry Garlick, Roy Chumbley & Bill Lee lost 10-26. As in so many games this season we lose by quite small aggregates because one or two rinks suffer heavy losses. We are one of the largest clubs around and should have strentgh in depth, or is that we are involved in too many leagues?. Devizes 72 shots Spencers 74. We lose 4-10 on points.
Thursday August 18th. The B-Boys were back in town tonight playing Calne and with recent fair form were hoping to finish the season with a couple of good wins. The conditions last night were somewhat inclement and one would think not conjusive to achieving the high standard of play normally associated with our green. I think prior to this game our boys were third in the table so many thanks to whoever it was that came up with the term WOODS instaed of BALLS.. Ron Hart, Terry Miles & Mike Alexander won 18-11. Jim Thomas, Mike Mitcham & Dave Keen won 16-13. Mike Burt, Duncan Poole & Eddie Bowden lost 17-23 and Phil Coombs, Rex Trollope & Phil Cave lost 15-24. Devizes lose 4-10 on points & by 66-71 on shots.
Monday August 15th. Under the grey sodden sky the storm clouds were gathering over the small market town of Devizes the rain wasn't heavy but it was that wet rain that always seems to come down when you're playing bowls. The Three Rink Team were playing their last home game of the season against Warminster. There was a little nip in the air, would have been a lot worse if we were playing in Japan "I thouhjt" I decided to watch the game through a chink in the curtains, but he got very annoyed, he kept saying "you order a 69" no I replied I just wanted to watch the poor bowls. "pork balls "he said" I gave up and wandered down to the green to see some live action. I don't normally associate the word live and action with a game of bowls but our boys seemed determined to show the world what they could do, but as this is deemed ilegal I can't report on it here. "Back to the bowls" There were wins for Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Colin Little & Trefor Jones 22-17 and Bill Cowan, Ken Roberts, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb 26-19. The only defeat was in the rink led by Peter fielding who with Mike Alexander, Monty Smith & Robin Drake battled to the last end before eventually losing. Devizes ended up winning the match 8-2 and now look forward to their last game of the season at Chippenham Park on Friday August 19th. This report drawn from a serious narative supplied by Gerald Webb. "sayonara"
Saturday August 13th. This afternoon the Four Rink side brought the curtain down on their season when they defeated Salisbury 12-2 meaning they will yet again finish 3rd. in area D so missing going into the knockout stages of the competition. With a much changed side from the last game there were wins for Maurice Otridge, Bill Cowan, Eddie Bowden & Gerald Webb 28-22. Don Tucker, Dave Keen, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield 35-8 (bloody norah) and Colin Little, Monty Smith, Steve Mulligan & Peter Fielding 24-13. with the only losing rink being Harry Garlick, Jim Scott, Robin Drake & Jonathan Cook who lost by 16 to 27. leaving the aggregate score 103-70. We now look forward to the 2012 season when, if we can get more consistency in our team selections we could overcome the dominence held by Alderbury and Amesbury over us.
Gerald Webb. (Ace Blogger)
Friday August 12th. Tonight the Three Rink side travelled to Holt to take on Spencer Moulton and with the rain coming down the Captain's decided to play 12 ends only, but was this a decision taken in haste as by the 12th end the rain had ceased and the sky had cleared. With Spencers green not being available due to having reduced facilities there was no home advantage and the away team came out on top winning the match 7-3 recording a win, a draw and a loss. Mike Alexander, Monty Smith, Eddie Bowden & Pete Fielding lost 7-11. Colin Little, Ken Roberts, Robin Drake & Steve Mulligan drew 8 all with Keith Nelson, Henry Crate, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb winning 14-5. The Three rink side now return home for a game against Warminster on Monday August 15th.
Thursday August 11th. On a somewhat miserable mid august evening the A team wit just a little trepidation took to the home green for their game against Chippenham Town, one of the league's high flyers. Alan Sims, Mike Ponting & Peter Bradbury, who have had a good run recently, were up against a very good trio and were indeed in contention for much of the game however after dropping a five at just about the time the conditions got worse, finally lost 13-21 The Three Ken's once again fell short losing 16-22. Winning rinks this week were Harry Garlick, Roy Chumbley & Bill Lee 16-12 and Bryan Reeves, Norman Miles & Bob Budden 17-15. Devizes losing 62-70. 10-4 on points.
The B-Boys continued their impressive form away at North Wilts with a 12-2 points & 68-65 shots victory. Ron Hart, Terry Miles & Mike Alexander won18-13. Dave Greenwood, Ken Martin & Dave Keen won 17-15. Phil Coombs, Rex Trollope & Phil Cave crept in with a 19-18 win. The only losing rink were Jim Thomas, Mike Mitcham & Eddie Bowden 14-19.
Saturday August 6th. At 10am today sixteen men set out on the quest to become 2011 Men's Two Wood Champion. The two matches of note in the first round were on rinks one and Two. On rink one Bill Cowan was leading Dave Keen 20-19 after 26 ends but Dave picked up both shots on the next to take the tie 21-20. On rink two Peter Fielding and Matt Thompson did battle and produced some first class bowling with Matt taking the spoils 21-19. There were other first round wins for Dave Russell. 21-13 over Pat Miller. Martin Thompson 21-18 over Colin Little. Eddie Bowden 22-16 against Harry Garlick. Keith Nelson 22-9 over Dave Greenwood. Mike Mitcham 22-16 versus Peter Bradbury and Jonathan Cook 21-10 against Steve Mulligan. The game of the second round was between Eddie Bowden and Keith Nelson when after 29 ends they were level at 20-20 Eddie however picked up a two and took the match. There were convincing wins for Jonathan Cook 22-7 over Mike Mitcham. and Martin Thompson 21-3 over Dave Russell. In the final match Matt Thompson was battling it out with Dave Keen to try and set up a Semi Final clash with his father and after being a comfortable 19-10 up after 21 ends took another four ends to finally take the win. In The Semi Finals Eddie Bowden battled hard against former Champion Jonathan Cook but came up short losing 22-11. The batlle between father and son was a ding dong affair up to the twenty fourth end when Matt was trailing his father by one shot 13-14, but then didn't trouble the marker again losing 21-13 leaving his father to go through to the final where he will play Jonathan Cook. Phew!!! "great report Gerald"
Friday August 5th. Four rinks of men travelled to North Wilts to play a second round match in The West Wilts 4X4 competition all started very well and a good lead was established early on especially on rink one where Peter Fielding and his team were soom 10-1 up but things changed as the evening wore on and North Wilts began clawing their way back and with just four ends remaining we were winning by eleven shots, but things got a little closer with the host's needing to score an inprobable five on the last end of the final rink out on the green they in fact only managed a two leaving the final score Devizes 70 North Wilts 67. Dave Greenwood, Bill Cowan, Eddie Bowden & Peter Fielding won 20-16. Maurice Otridge, Ken Roberts, Ken Oliver & The bearded wonder (Chris Merrifield) won 22-16, the equivelant to 3-0 in football. whilst Harry Garlick, Monty Smith, Dave Keen & Trefor Jones recorded a 19-14 win leaving the only defeat with Henry Crate, Colin Little, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb who lost 9-21. we now entertain Blue Circle in the Semi Final which is scheduled for Friday 26th. August.
Thursday August 4th. The A Team faced a difficult game away to Corsham last night and having now dropped into the relegation zone every point really does count. With two of the old stars back after injury the team looked to have a better balance all round and this showed in the result. Bryan Reeves, Norman Miles & Bob Budden won 19-12. Harry Garlick, Bill Lee & Bob Howe won 17-12. Alan Sims, Roy Chumbley & Peter Bradbury narrowly lost 17-18. The three Ken's, Ken Surman, Ken Oliver & Ken Roberts went down 14-21.
Thursday August 4th. This week the B-Boys had their second home game in a row versus Melksham Town. At present the team are very well placed near the top of the league and I get a feeling that their is real spirit within the squad, new members seem to be proud of representing their club. I am not suggesting for one moment that other league players don't have this ethic, I'm just not sure they show it enough. Devizes won this game 10-4 and by 62-49 on shots. Mike Alexander, Terry Miles & Ron Hart won 20-10. Phil Cave, Rex Trollope & Phil Coombs lost by one shot 12-13. Dave Keen, Ken Martin & Dave Greenwood won19-10 & Mike Mitcham, Jim Thomas & Pete Romijn lost 11-16. The internet is a powerful tool, so if you have a point of view or a comment e-mail me at ponting160@gmail.com and have your say.
Monday August 1st. Tonight the Three Rink side welcomed some old or should I say ex Devizes Boys to the club, when Holt, led by Graham Archard were the visitors. This was a close affair on aggregate with the result not clear until the last end played by the last rink left on the green, but the visitors took the spoils winning 6-4 on points and overall by two shots. There were wins for Mike Alexander, Monty Smith, Robin Drake & Peter Fielding 24-11 and Henry Crate, Stuart Jones, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb 23-14 In the 3rd rink there was a heavy defeat for Captain Trefor Jones who along with Harry Garlick, Bill Lee & Colin Little lost 10-34. This was always going to be a challenging rink to win as Holt had Wayne Simmonds & Ben Gadd who along with Wayne Snook will be one of Wiltshire's representatives in the National Triples at Worthing in a few weeks time. The Three Rink side now take a mid season break as their next match is not until the 12th of August when they travel to Spencer Moulton.
Saturday July 31st. As mentioned in the last report the Four Rink side travelled to Downton today with a team showing many changes to the one that had played at Warmister the previous Wdnesday and the result reflected this with the team losing 12-2 with the only successful rink being that of Don Tucker, Dave Keen, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield who won 23-10. In the other three rinks Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Colin Little & Trefor Jones lost 14-18, Jim Scott, Maurice Otridge, Peter Fielding & Jonathan Cook lost lost 14-21 and Henry Crate, Stuart Jones, Robin Drake & Gerald Webb lost 16-29. The Four Rink side brings the curtain down on their season when they entertain Salisbury on Saturday August 13th.
Thursday July 28th. There was a hot time in the old town tonight especially for our boys who were visiting Trowbridge to take on the league leaders Trowbridge Westbourne unfortunatly for us their green was very good seems we might do better if we played on gravel. However it was good to see our two recently injured Skips back in the fold and ready to face the music (ABBA the winner takes it all) This week the team's free fall continued when they lost 12 points to 2 and on shots by 58-72. Ken Surman, Norman Miles & Bob Budden had a tight game losing 10-14. Bryan Reeves, Roy Chumbley & Bob Howe went down 11-16 whilst Keith (half) Nelson, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee lost 14-26. Team Captain Peter Bradbury with Alan Sims & Mike (Zipper) Ponting had a good win 23-16. It now looks quite likely that the A Team could drop to the second division which I am sure was not envisaged at the start of the season. "funny old game bowls" It was a very sombre journey home you could have heard a pin drop in our car, however I still thought I caught the distant sound of Stan's whistled version of You'll Never Walk Alone.
Thursday July 28th. The B-Boys were at home to Chippenham Park B. Terry Miles has been a little creative with his selections in his first season as Captain although not to the liking of all it must be said that the team has made it's mark in the division whilst bringing in new blood. Tonight was no exception they managed a shots win of 80-73 and thus a points win of 10-4. Terry Miles, Mike Alexander & Ron Hart Won a close fought game 17-16. Duncan Poole, Dave Russell & Ken Martin lost 16-22 whilst Mike Burt, Jim Thomas & Dave Keen had a good solid win 23-16, bringing up the rear were Phil Cave, Rex Trollope & Pete Romijn who after being 10-4 up after 7 ends and 17-16 up after 15 dropped a 6 on the 16th, a 3 on the 17th and 1 on the last to eventually lose 17-26.
Wednesday July 27th. Tonight the Four Rink side travelled to Warminster for what was potentially a tricky fixture as they are close to the bottom of the league couple with the fact that their green tends to run heavier than what we are used to. However the team performed well and came away with an eleven points to three victory with the aggregate score being 88-82. There was a resounding win for Colin Little, Henry Crate, Pete Fielding & Jonathan cook 28-8 whilst Ron Morland continued his successful season when along with Jim Scott, Dave Keen & Matt Thompson recorded a 25-13 victory. In the other two rinks Harry Garlick, Monty Smith, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones battled it out to pick up a two on the last end to force a draw this after having been behind for much of the game whilst on the final rink Don Tucker, Robin Drake, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield looked for much of the evening as though they were going to suffer a heavy defeat but stuck at it only to go down 17-23 at the end. On Saturday the Four Rink side travel to Downton with a very much changed line up which although gives others an opportunity to play does disrupt the team and as like in many sports the successful teams are the ones that can field a consistant squad week in and week out. "Is this why we are always the Bridesmaids and never the Brides?"
Tuesday July 26th. On a dull, listless and somewhat cloudy evening the sun shone over the top rink tonight when the Three Rink side took on Amesbury in their second match in four days. This was always a close affair where the result went to the wire. On rink three Captain Trefor along with Harry Garlick, Bill Lee & Colin Little were involved in a match where the lead cha\nged frequently and enede up in a 17 all draw. On rink five Mike Alexander, Monty Smith, Eddie Bowden & Pete Fielding had the only success of the evening winning 23-17 even after deoppinig seven shots in the last four ends. On rink six Henry Crate, Stuart Jones, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb weer often down and going into the last were trailing by seven but managed to win a remarkable final end to draw the game 20 all, leaving the aggregate score 60-54 and an 8-2 win. Next up Holt on Monday August 1st.
Saturday July 23rd. The sun shone on the Three Rink team when they entertained Stratton Churchway this afternoon as although they lost on two of the three rinks Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Colin Little & Trefor Jones had a resounding 34-14 win to ensure that the aggregate points were won meaning a 6-4 victory. In the other rinks Henry Crate, Ken Roberts, Phile Cave & Gerald Webb lost 17-24 whilst Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Mike Alexander & Peter Fielding ended up losing 15-23. The next match will be on Tuesday evening when Amesbury are our visitors.
Thursday July 21st. Les Miserables, The A team were at home tonight to do battle with Chippenham Park and for the most part a battle it was, at last our boys showing some spunk! "sorry mother" Too often in recent weeks the team seemed to just capitulate, but tonight at least they showed some real fight even though they were short of two of their most experienced Skips. The only winning team tonight were the sides most consistant team comprising Peter Bradbury, Mike Ponting & the murcurial Alan Simms who had a very solid win 22-9. this game included two ends that were tied and declared dead ends. There were two games which were much tighter affairs with The Three Kens, Surman, Roberts & Oliver just missing out 18-19 brought about by dropping a four on the last end. A simular tale for Harry Garlick, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee who lost by one shot 16-17 dropping three shots on the last end. As has often been the case this season one rink lost by a large margin, this week Maurice Otridge, Roy Chumbley & Bryan Reeves lost 9-22 At one stage they were 2-21 down but went on to show great courage winning 6 of the last 8 ends which did at least give the team a chance of winning the aggregate, but alas to no avail. As Doris day sang "whatever will be will be" (que sera sera)
Thursday July 21st. This week the Mid Wilts B-Boys were away to Trowbridge Westbourne. Having lost one of his skips Terry Miles drafted in a super sub, namely Colin Little who along with Pete Romijn & Eddie the eagle Bowden had a good solid win 17-13. The sides most consistant team of Mike Alexander, Terry Miles & Ron Hart had an enphatic win 35-8. The closest game was edged 14-13 by Dave Keen, Dave Russell & Jim Thomas. The trio of Don Tucker, Phil Cave & Dave Greenwood struggled and lost 7-23. However the aggregate was gained and the B-Boys are back on the rails, collecting twelve points.
Monday July 18th. Sport is a very difficult to understand as over recent weeks the Four Rink side has been on a losing run with no sign of where a win would come from, then the tide changes and they produce a performance to beat league leaders Amesbury 10-4. Ron Morland kept up his impressive record in the league this year when along with Jim Scott, Dave Keen and Matt Thompson won 22-12, never being behind. There was also another impressive win by Don Tucker, Phil Cave, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield 23-14 who built up an early lead and then maintained it through to the end. The other two rinks, although losing, both ended close, ensuring the aggregate was secured. The rink skipped by Gerald Webb along with Peter Charters, Monty Smith, and A. N. Other led until the 16th end and although they picked up a three on the 17th end could not hold on and eventually went down 19-23, whilst on the other losing rink of Colin Little, Henry Crate, Robin Drake & Jonathan Cook looked dead and buried when at 18 ends they were 22-10 down but fought back to pick up 9 shots including a 7 on the last end finally losing 19-22. A point of interest was that although Chris Merrifield may be a useful bowler it would probably be best in the future not to rely on his domestic skills, as he failed to turn up in the kitchen to support his fellow skips. After some gentle persuasion by a lady from behind the bar he was relieved of £1 for the Captain's charity. The next game for the Four Rink team is away at Warminster. on Wednesday July 27th. Ed says "good job the others didn't join him" Who then would have cleared up?
Sunday July 17th. Tonight saw the Clubs attempt to progress in the Tourist Trophy halted by Purton. on both the home and away rinks the club was defeated comprehensively with Colin Little, Matt Thompson, Peter Fielding & Gerald Webb losing at home 9-23 & Don Tucker, Dave Keen, Eddie Bowden, and Ken Oliver losing 26-10 at Purton.
Friday Juily 15th. Tonight sixteen of the clubs men played against Spencer Moulton in the West Wilts 4 X 4's an interesting competition where you have one trial and and play 18 ends only, with total shots deciding the score. Rinks were even with both sides winning two but the Devizes winning rinks were both convincing leaving the score 76-53. Maurice Otridge, Phil Cave, Bill Cowan & Chris Merrifield lost 11-18 with Dave Greenwood, Monty Smith, Dave Keen & Trefor Jones going down 14-15. On the two winning rinks Harry Garlick, Ken Roberts, Gerald Webb & Steve Mulligan won 28-9 with Jim Scott, Henry Crate, Eddie Bowden and Peter Fielding winning 23-11. We now wait to find out who our opponents will be in the next round. Gerald Webb (Staff Reporter)
Thursday July 14th. This week the B-Boys were at home and after having beaten Blue Circle away earlier in the season they had every expectation that tonight victory would be theirs. "not tonight Josephine" however they did do slightly better than the A Team losing 3-11 on points. 59-76 on shots. The rink consisting of Terry Miles, Ron Hart & Mike Alexander drew 13-13. Dave Greenwood, Rex Trollope & Mike Mitcham posted the only win 17-15. Pete Romijn, Ken Martin & Duncan Poole suffered a heavy loss 10-24. Jim Thomas, Mike Burt & Dave Keen were 11-1 to the good by the seventh end but eventually went down 19-24.
Thursday July 14th. The titles of several pop songs come to mind when considering the form of Devizes A in the Mid Wilts League, There's Down, Down deeper and down by Status Quo for a start. Tonight the boys were away at Chippenham Town on a lovely summer's evening and with the benefit of a very good green. "that's the end of the good news" To be fair our team is minus two of it's regular skips through injury, these guys may need to come back for next week even if they are on crutches. This week the three Ken's, Ken Roberts, Ken Surman & Ken Oliver lost a hard fought game 6-18. Bryan Reeves, Roy Chumbley & Bill Lee lost 8-23. Pat Miller, Norman Miles & Stan Rutherford lost by 21 shots. 9-30. Alan Sims, Mike Ponting & Peter Bradbury drew 13-13. The overall shot score was Chippenham Town A 84 Devizes 36. 1-13 on points. This result leaves the A Tean in a very precarious position near the bottom of the league. "all to play for".
Wednesday July 13th. If it is true to say that losing is a habit then the Four Rink team have the habit after losing their fourth match on the trot at Salisbury Town 10-4. There was success on two rinks Don Tucker, Bill Cowan, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield winning 22-16 and Jim Scott, Henry Crate, Eddie Bowden & Peter Fielding winning 24-23. On the other two rinks Harry Garlick, Dave Keen, Robin Drake & Gerald Webb dropped a four on the last end losing 20-21 whilst Alan Sims, Monty Smith, Matt Thompson & Trefor Jones lost 13-27 so victory for Salisbury 87-79. Things get no easier for the Four Rink side when they entertain league leaders Amesbury on Monday evening.
Monday July 11th. The Wilton Posse came into town tonight as one of the front runners in the Three Rink League. This was a close and competitive match all the way through with Devizes finally coming out on top 67-62 to claim an 8-2 victory on points. Peter Charters, Monty Smith. Mike Alexander & Pete Fielding soon found themselves 11-0 down but fought back hard keeping the aggregate score tight, but finally going down 18-26. The rink consisting of Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Robin Drake & Trefor Jones were trading blows with their opponents at the beginning of the game the Devizes team then started to fall back but with the rallying cry of "come on chaps" they took the offensive finally running out winners 26-17. The rink of Heney Crate, Ken Roberts, Phil Cave & Gerald Webb were never behind in their close fought match, although their opponents did draw level on two occasions, however going into the last end our boys were one shot up they secured a 23-19 victory by picking up three shots. The Three Rink side now have a twelve day break before entertaining Stratton Churchway.
Saturday July 9th. Alderbury today ended any hope of the Four rink side progressing to the knockout stages of this years competition when they inflicted the second 12-2 defeat of the week on the side. The only bright part of the afternoon was the 21-20 win for Alan Simms, Monty Smith, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones who, until the last few ends were well down but suddenly things changed and they turned it around. In the other rinks Jim Scott, Henry Crate, Peter Fielding & Andy McCann lost 16-23, Don Tucker, Bill Cowan, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield lost 13-23, and Henry Crate, Dave Keen, Robin Drake & Jonathan Cook 15-24. Next up Salisbury away 0n Wednesday evening.
Thursday July 7th. First of all I'm very jealous on arriving at the club last night i discovered these boys were having hot sausage and mash with onions as their post match meal, meanwhile out on the green the weather was kind and at this stage the game looked competitive, and indeed the final shots tally was Devizes 62, Avon 62 with Devizes losing on points 6-8. Ken Stout, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee lost 12-16. Harry Garlick, Bryan Reeves & Roy Chumbley lost 12-17. Ken Surman, Ken Oliver & Ken Roberts drew 15-15 This weeks winning rink of Alan Simms, Norman Miles & Peter Bradbury had a good win by 23 shots to 14. In contrast to the B team Peter has mainly kept his original squad together but has had to make some changes because of injuries.
Thursday July 7th. Tonight the Mid Wilts B-Boys travelled to Broughton Gifford determined to reverse their recent run of poor form Team captain Terry Miles has been ringing the changes by putting in some of his young colts. "a bold move for a first year captain" It will be interesting to see how the two teams fair given the very different approach each has taken with selection. The team of Ron Hart, Terry Miles & Mike Alexander had an enphatic win 27-10. This was only Ron's second game and by all accounts he played a blinder. Dave Greenwood, Rex Trollope & Mike Mitcham did even better winning 27-7. Jim Thomas, Eddie Bowden & Dave Keen won 19-11. This was Jim's first game in the league, I was told not to mention he sent down a couple of woods on the wrong bias. Pete Romijn, Dave Russell & Duncan Poole lost 9-14. I sensed a good deal of satisfaction from team captain Terry Miles, he was very upbeat about his team and encouraged by the performance of his four new recruits. Devizes won 82-42 on shots 12-2 on points.
Wednrsday July 6th. "So near but so far" is how best to describe this disappointing evening for the Four Rink side. Last night under the dark clouds of Amesbury. The match was keenly contested all evening, and coming into the last couple of ends Devizes had their noses in front, but a couple of bad ends swung it from what was potentially a 12-12 victory into a 12-2 defeat. There was another good win for Peteer Fielding, Henry Crate, Andy McCann & Ron Morland 17-12 but defeats for the other three rinks with Alan Simms, Matt Thompson, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones losing 14-19. Don Tucker, Martin Thompson, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield 21-26 and Colin Little, Robin Drake, Steve Mulligan & Jonathan Cook going down on the last end 21-22. a good effort but to no avail. On Saturday the side will entertain Alderbury. (Report from Gerald Webb)
Monday July 4th. The Three Rink League side travelled to the picturesque village of Broughton Gifford where the bowls green is situated adjacent to the local pub. All though our boys put up a good fight winning on two of the three rinks they lost the aggregate and thus the match 6-4. The rink of Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Ken Roberts & Colin Little went down heavily 11-36 whilst Keith Nelson, Stuart Jones, Bill Cowan & Robin Drake won 24-12 and Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Mike Alexander & Peter fielding won 22-18. Their next match is on Monday July 11th. when they entertain Wilton.
Friday Jul 1st. Tonight the Three Rink side played their third match of the week and gained their second victory with an 8-2 points win over Bradford On Avon. There was a comfortable 25-16 win for Harry Garlick, Martin Thompson, Ken Roberts & Colin Little whereas the other two rinks were tighter affairs with Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones winning 21-17 and Mike Alexander, Stuart Jones, Bill Cowan & Gerald Webb for the second time this week going down by two shots, losing 17-19, although the result flattered the Devizes lads as they picked a four on the last end. For their next game the side is off to Broughton Gifford on Monday
Thursday June 30th. Our Mid Wilts A Team were away to bottom of the league Bradford On Avon with an excellent chance of picking up all the points, alas this golden opportunity was not to come to fruition. As was the case last week the scores at the halfway mark were more in favour of our boys, but somehowe we seem to have lost focus in the second half, except Peter Bradbury's team who lost it in the first half and then managed to turn things around in the second. Ken Stout, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee Drew 12-12. Bryan Reeves, Chris Merrifield & Bob Howe lost 14-20, having gained a six on one end and then giving away a six on another. Ken Surman, Jim Scott & Ken Roberts lost 17-18 & Peter Bradbury,Norman Miles & Alan Sims won 19-13 despite being down 6-13 at the tenth end. The match score was as follows Bradford On Avon 11 points 63 shots. Devizes 3 points 62 shots
Thursady June 30th. For the second week Devizes B were at home this time to Trowbridge Town. Team Captain Terry Miles has intoduced one or two of our newer bowlers to the league scene, he firmly believes that new talent should be nurtured and that this policy is in line with what at one time was the stated aim of the Mid wilts League. Having made a great start to the season results have been somewhat poor over the last few weeks, but in the last two games the shot difference has been close. Mike Alexander, Terry Miles and newcomer Ron Hart lost 14-20. Dave Greenwood, Rex Trollope and Mike Mitcham lost 13-18. Phil Coombs, Petere Charters and Don Tucker lost 15-24. With a return to form the only winning rink was that skipped by Duncan Poole with another newcomer, Pete Romijn who had a good win 21-7. The shot score was 63-69 the points 12-2 to Trowbridge Town.
Wednesday June 29th. The Three Rink side travelled to Swindon for the second match of the three scheduled for this week. The sun shone brightly but not on the devizes lads as they suffered a 10-0 defeat the only close rink being Mike Alexander, Martin Thompson, Bill Cowan & Gerald Webb who were still in the ga13-18Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones lost 15-28 whilst Henry Crate, Harry Garlick, Ken Roberts & Colin Little went down 14-26. Their next match is on Friday when they entertain Bradford on Avon.
Monday June 27th. Tonight the Three Rink side played the first of three matches in five days when they travelled to Blue Circle. On what is best described as an interesting green the side battled well to earn a well deserved victory winning eight points to two. there were wins for Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones 20-15 and for Mike alexander, Stuart Jones, Bill Cowan & Gerald Webb 17-11 On the third rink of Henry Crate, Harry Garlick, Ken Roberts & Colin Little the scores were all level at 20-20 going into the last end but sadly they couldn't quite pull it off going down by one shot making the final match score 57-47 The Three Rink side will be on their travels again on Wednesday when they play Swindon before returning home to play Bradford On Avon On Friday.
Thursday June 23rd. Devizes Mid Wilts A Team travelled to Holt to take on Trowbridge Police on what their team captain described as a funny old rink, but as has been the case in recent weeks they didn't come away laughing. The overall shot scores were Devizes 58. (2 points) Trowbridge Police 70 (12 points. It is interesting to note that at the conclusion of the tenth end Devizes were ahead on all four rinks, the shot difference at this stage was 45-27 in favour of our boys. The individual team results were as follows. The three K's Ken Surman, Ken Roberts & Ken Oliver won 21-15. Bob Howe, Bryan Reeves & Roy Chumbley lost 12-19. Keith Nelson, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee lost 12-20. Alan Simms, Norman Miles & Peter Bradbury lost 13-16. This means that in the last eight ends or so Devizes only managed to score thirteen shots across the board, "funny old game on a funny old green".
Thursday June 23rd. The Mid Wilts B-Boys were at home to Holt on one of the better nights for weather of the last couple of weeks. With the holiday season upon us there will soon be a need for more personnel changes, but tonight Team Manager Terry Miles fielded most of his usual players but for the third week in a row was unable to record a win. The team won on two rinks and lost on two, the final shot score being 68-71. Holt 10 points. Devizes 4 points. Phil Coombs, Terry Miles & Mike Alexander lost 14-21. Dave Greenwood, Rex Trollope & Phil Cave won 20-18. Mike Burt, Ken Martin & Duncan Poole lost 11-16 & Peter Charters, Mike Mitcham & Don Tucker won 23-16. "keep at it boys" still all to play for.
Wednesday June 22nd. The Four Rink league side were in action tonight at Trowbridge Town. The match for a change started in bright sunshine and was a close affair all the way through with Trowbridge just coming out on top 74-75. There was a good win for Mike Peter Fielding, Bill (just in time) Cowan, Andy MacCann & Ron Morland 20-10 and a much closer affair for Colin Little, Henry Crate, Martin Thompson & Jonathan Cook who won 23-21. Alan Simms, Harry Garlick, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones losing 23-18 and Don Tucker, Peter Charters, Mathew Thompson & Ken Oliver going down 22-14. Although there was only one shot in it, the league points were 10-4 to Trowbridge. The Four Rink side now have a two week break before facing Amesbury on July 6th.
Monday June 20th. After a run of disappointing results the Three Rink league side had a much needed win when they overcame Avon 10-0 on points at home. The tightest rink was skipped by Phil Cave supported by Henry Crate, Harry Garlick & Ken Roberts winning 17-16 with more convincing wins from Mike Alexander, Stuart Jones, Bill Cowans & Gerald Webb 17-10 & Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones 26-9. The side now have a few days break before entering a five day period when they play three games starting at Blue Circle on Monday.
Friday June 17th. Three pairs were involved in the Men's National Pairs with Trefor Jones & Gerald Webb travelling to Holt where they were soundly beaten by Middleton Cup youngsters Wayne Simmonds & Wayne Snook 8-27 at home Ron Morland & Andy McCann lost 11-19 to Brian Routledge & Dave Richards from Trowbridgr Westbourne. Colin Little & Jonathan Cook beat a pair from Blue Circle led by Les Kirby, they will now go on to face either Roger Green (Spencer Moulton) or Colin Easton (Avon) next Friday at Devizes.
Friday June 17th. On a wet and miserable evening our Three Rink Team entertained Chippenham Park in a rain reduced match not only could they not beat the rain they couldn't beat the opposition either, losing 8-2 on points. There were losses for Harry Garlick, Stuart Jones, Norman Miles & Ken Roberts 6-13 and Mike Alexander, Bill Cowan, Robin Drake & Phil Cave 4-16, with the only success being Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Martin Thompson & Peter Fielding 21-8. Out boys now face Avon on Monday.
Thursday June 16th. In the Men's National Champion of Champions our men's 2010 club champion Ron Morland travelled to Box to take on their counterpart Steve Snook. The match for the most part was a close affair at least until the scores were level at 13-13 but unfortunately Ron couldn't press on and eventually lost 13-21.
Thursday June 16th. Tonight our B team were away to Calne playing on what they described as a green more tricky than Warminster. Having had such a good start to the campaign the B Boys have just gone off the boil of late, and tonight didn't do their ranking any favours. The only team to score was the one skipped by Mike Alexander with Phil Coombs & Terry Miles who managed a draw 16-16. Biggest Losers tonight were Mike Burt, Ken Martin & Duncan Poole who lost 8-26. Peter Charters, Mike Mitcham & Dave Keen started poorly but eventually got a head of steam up but were soundly beaten 12-19. Dave Greenwood, Phil Cave & Don Tucker were beaten 13-22. Devizes lost 49-83 in shots & 1-13 in points.
The much vaunted Mid Wilts A team were at home tonight playing on the now hallowed turf and very much expecting to redeem their fortunes, yours truly had stood down after a poor game last week which should have been a further help to the team. As with the B team they had a rink which managed a draw and with exactly the same points 16-16 The guys taking the addage that it is a "drawing game" were Keith half Nelson, Bryan Reeves & Norman Miles. The big winners this week were Ken's Marauders skipped by Ken Roberts with Ken Oliver & Ken Surman who romped home 23-12. Peter Bradbury's outfit with the vastly experienced Chris Merrifield and aided by the solid leading of Harry Garlick had a slow start but gained eight shots through ends twelve and thirteen, but the real drama came on the last two ends with Devizes scoring a four with Spencer managing only a three on the last, phew!! Devizes winners 20-19. The big losers for the A team were Ken Stout, Stan Rutherford & Bill Lee who never really got into the game going down 8-26.
Tuesday June 14th. Tonight the club played in the Wiltshire Men's Tourist Trophy against Swindon North End, which is a two rink competition with one rink playing at home and the other playing on the opponents green. This was a hard fought battle at both venues with Don Tucker, Jonathan Cook, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield travelling to Swindon where they came away with a great result winning by two shots 21-19. There was another battle at Devizes with Peter Fielding, Matt Thompson, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones eventually overcoming their opponents on the last end when they picked up a three to win the match 17-15 resulting in an aggregate score8-34 to Devizes. The clubs next challenge will be against Supermarine, Purton or Garrards in a tie which has to be played by July 17th.
Monday June 13th. The Three Rink side travelled to Warmister tonight and I am not sure whether it was a night to remember or one to forget as they nether mastered the green leading to heavy defeats for Harry Garlick, Ken Roberts, Colin Little & Gerald Webb 8-29 & Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones 13-26 The only bright light of the evening was a win for the team consisting of Mike Alexander, Matt Thompson, Robin Drake & Phil Cave who won 17-15 so an 8-2 points defeat 70 shots to 38. My conclusion is that playing at Warminster last night was an experience to forget, but one thing to remember is how spoilt we are with the greens we have at Devizes. Thanks to Trefor & the rest of our greens team.
Saturday June 11th. Sixteen men travelled to Winsley to play this popular four rink friendly in a lovely setting in the middle of the village. On what turned out to be a warm and sunny afternoon there were wins for rinks consisting of Bryan Reeves, Tony Marsh, Colin Little & Trefor Jones also for Bill Lee, Monty Smith, Dave Keen & Gerald Webb whilst the rinks consisting of Maurice Otridge, Bill Cowan, Eddie Bowden & Phil Cave along with Harry Garlick, Roy Chumbley, Ken Roberts & Ken Oliver were defeated. Although there were two winning rinks for each club Winsley won the aggregate. We look forward to welcoming Winsley to Devizes on Saturday August 27th.
Friday June 10th. On a cold wet miserable evening the Three Rink side entertained Blue Circle and recorded a much needed win. There was success for Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones who won 23-15. Harry Garlick, Ken Roberts, Colin Little & Gerald Webb won 25-13. The third rink of Mike Alexander, Martin Thompson, Robin Drake & Phil Cave were being soundly beaten but fought back eventually going down 18-22. The highlight of the evening was a wood delivered by Harry Garlick on the 20th end, when after putting his first wood on the jack he must have recorded the shortest wood in three rink history when his second wood bobbled up the green no more tham 15 metres from where he delivered it. In typical fashion Club Captain Trefor Jones mentioned this in his dispatches after the match and Harry dutifully donated a pound to the Captain's Charity. (editorial comment) You need to get a pond off of Peter Bradbury who delivered one even shorter than that in the Mid Wilts on Thursady)
Thursday June 9th. Our Mid Wilts B team were at home tonight against North Wilts and yet again pulled off a very creditable victory. Looking at the make up of their teams good balance seems to be paying off. The team led by Mikle Alexander, with Terry Miles & Phil Coombs won 21-13. The team skipped by Dave (Chopper) Keen with Mike Mitcham & Peter Charters won 18-14. The team consisting of Don Tucker, Rex Trollope & Dave Greenaway won 17-12. Phil Cave, Ken Oliver & Monty Smith didn't quite make it and lost 11-16. Captain Terry Miles was pleased with the win and commented on the good game played by Phil Coombs. Devizes 67 shots North Wilts 55. Devizes win 12 points to 2.
Thursday June 9th. The Mid Wilts A Team travelled to league high flyers Chippenham Town on what turned out to be a very overcast and chile evening. overall this turned out to be a very tight game despite Devizes having suffered some catastrophic ends on rink four. Bob Budden's team who had a bad defeat last week turned out to be this weeks stars. Bob Budden, Stan Rutherford & Ken stout were convincing winners 20-5. Ken Roberts, Ken Surman & Jim (the invigilator) Scott achieved a narrow win 18-16. Roy Chumbley, Chris Merrifield and Brian Reeves at end seven were well in the lead 10-3, but after this dropped away losing 12 shots in 4 ends. Final score 13-23. This weeks wallies were Peter Bradbury, Mike Ponting & Norman Miles, although it should be said that Norman had a good game. Our boys were holding on well after 12 ends when the score was 10-10, then came the two disaster ends when they dropped 10 shots, game over. Final score 13-21. On the last end Peter Bradbury held shot which if kept would have given Devizes the Aggregate, the opposing skip took that away with the last wood of the match. Devizes 64 shots Chippenham Town 65. Chippenham win 10-4.
Wednesday June 8th. In the Men's Pairs Maurice Otridge & Ken Stout took on P Ronin & Peter Fielding. For the first fourteen ends this was a very competitive game with nether more than a couple of shots in it, but then Maurice & Ken seemed to have run out of steam and could not add to their score, At this stage it was 10-10. In the last few ends Peter Fielding & P Ronin gathered another 11 shots to win 21-10
Wednesday June 8th. For the second time in four days our Four Rink league team were in action when they entertained Trowbridge Town and for the second time they had a convincing win this time 12-2. There were wins for Don Tucker, Martin Thompson, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield 17-12, Colin Little, Henry Crate, Robin Drake & Steve Mulligan 21-13, Peter Fielding, Dave Keen, Mathew Thompson & Andy McCann 19-9, In the fourth game Harry Garlick, Terry Miles, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones were trailing by 12 shots at one point but fought back finally going down 16-20. Thanks to Terry Miles who stepped in at the last moment. The Four Rink side now has a two week break before they play the reverse fixture at Trowbridge.
Wednesday June 8th. Over Sixties competition. Brian Reeves got away to a flying start and by end six he had a 9-1 lead although Dave Greenwood did start to make an impact but Brian always seemed to have all the answers finally winning the game 22-10.
Monday June 6th. Ron Morland v Peter Fielding in the Men's Championship on paper this game would look to be quite competitive but looking at the scorecard it seem to have been a comfortable win for Ron 21-8
Monday June 6th. From our staff reporter. Today 26 Greenkeepers from all over Wiltshire came to the club to take part in the annual Bowls Wiltshire greenkeepers competition. They must have been impressed with all they saw and played on as both greens looked and played brilliantly. After some strong and competitive bowls Kevin Carter, "beaten last year by Andy McCann" and Steve Taylor both from Highworth Bowls Club go forward to the Bowls Wiltshire finals weekend in September.
Sunday June 5th. After the disappointment of losing at Pewsey on Wednesday the Four Rink team bounced back with an enthatic win 14-0 win over Downton at Devizes this afternoon. althouigh there had been rain overnight the green bowled well. On rink one Peter Fielding, Dave Keen, Matt Thompson & Andy McCann won 34-10. On rink two Don Tucker, Martin Thompson, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield won 26-12. On rink three Harry Garlick, Bill Cowan, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones won 25-16 and on rink four Colin Little, Henry Crate, Robin Drake & Steve Mulligan won 22-11. Deviozes 107 Downton 49. The Four Rink team have their next match at home to Trowbridge Town on Wednesday evening.
Friday June 3rd. In the Over 60's competition Bob Budden got off to a flyer and after 4 ends was 7-1 ahead but Jim Scott rallied and by the 10th end had drawn level 8-8 although Jim held a 2 shot lead on the 16th end he failed to score again leaving a victory for Bob of 21-16.
In the Men's Handicap Don Tucker carrying a 4 shot handicap had a comfortable victory over John Root he was 10-0 ahead before John managed a reply. John did manage a little revival later on but eventually lost 7-25.
The Man's Championship featured a match between two very experienced club members Jonathan Cook & Eddie Bowden, It was a tight game for the first 11 ends but Jonathan picked up 5 shots in the next two which seemed to be the catylist for him to go on and win convincingly 21-12.
Friday June 3rd. Tonight our Three Rink team were at home to Spencer Moulton the rink details are as follows. Peter Charters, Monty Smith, Pete Fielding & Trefor Jones won 21-17. Harry Garlick, Bill Lee, Colin Little & Gerald Webb lost 22-25. Mike Alexander, Norman Miles, Robin Drake & Phil Cave lost 15-26. Devizes lost the game by 58-68 2-8 on points.
Thursday June 2nd. The Devizes MWL A Team were at home to Corsham tonight and at last the weather was warm and sunny. The Triple skipped by Roy Chumbley with Chris Merrifield and Brian Reeves were 7-1 up by the 5th end but by the 13th end there was only two shots in it. Devizes ran out comfortable winners 14-10. On rink 5 Ken Roberts, Jim Scott and Harry Garlick were in a fairly competitive game up to the 10th end when scores were 10-10 but on ends 11 & 12 our boys scored 8 shots, game over final score was 22-15 to Devizes. Our team skipped by Bob Budden with Stan Rutherford & Ken Surman struggled for much of their game finally losing 9-21. Star rink this week was the triple skipped in the absence of Peter Bradbury by Bill Lee with Pete's crew of Mike Ponting & Alan Simms. For the first 9 ends the game was competitive but then our lads scored a 5 followed by an 8 which really broke the will of the Cosham team. From then on Devizes forged further ahead winning by 37-8. It must be said that the opposition played with great spirit and were a tribute to good sportsmanship. Match score Devizes won 82-54 Devizes 12 points, Corsham 2 points.
Our B Team travelled away for the second week for a match against Melksham Town The rink skipped by Mike Alexander with Terry Miles & Bill cowan had a very good win 22-9. Duncan Poole, Rex Trollope & Ken Martin won again, they have a 100% record of wins so far, victorious again 21-17. Unfortunatly their were two losing rinks Phil Coombs, Eddie Bowden & Dave Keen were well beaten losing 8-33. Peter Charters, Ken Oliver & Phil Cave lost 10-17. Match score Melksham Town 76 Devizes 61 Melksham 10 points Devizes 4 points.
In the Men's Handicap Ron Morland with a top handicap of 8 had a resounding victory over V Alexander 29-8 whilst in the Men's Novices Cup B Brown inflicted a crushing defeat on B Stevens winning 21-2
Wednesday June 1st. Report from Gerald Webb.Tonight the Men's Four Rink team traveled to local rivals Pewsey for an important league match. The rink of Don Tucker, Jim Scott, Ken Oliver & Chris Merrifield started well but then the wheels came off and they suffered a heavy defeat 8-26 however the rink of Peter Fielding, Dave Keen, Andy McCann & Ron Morland faired better and came out with a convincing 28-12 win. The other two rinks both had tight affairs with Colin Little, Henry Crate, Robin Drake & Jonathan Cook drawing 18-18 and Bill Cowan, Eddie Bowden, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones drawing 20-20 this meant that the aggregate score was 76-74 to Pewsey with Devizes securing four points and Pewsey 10.
Tuesday May 31st. This Men's Championship game proved to be a pretty tight affair with Matt Thompson holding the lead for much of the game and at end nine he held a five shot lead but by the 25th end Dave keen had fought back the score now being 20-20. Dave then got the all important wiining shot, and when I saw him just after the game he seemed very pleased to have defeated the young buck.
Tuesday May 31st. This evening Don Tucker took on Eddie Bowden in the over sixties comp.Eddie scored on 14 ends against Don's 6 final score being a win for Eddie 23-8
Matt Thompson acheived an enthatic win over Ken Stout in The Men's Handicap. Matt who holds a handicap of 6 beat Ken by 27-15 Ken started quite well scoring a three on the first and fifth ends but thereafter only managed singles.
Monday May 30th. Report from Gerald Webb. The Three Rink side traveled to Holt looking to end their bad run of form and although there was a marked improvement they still went down 8-2. Peter Charters, Mike Mitcham, Peter fielding & Trefor Jones built up a strong lead but eventually went down 17-15. In The Rink with Harry Garlick, Monty Smith, Matt Thompson & Gerald Webb the lead changed several times but the Holt team were too strong winning 24-17. In the third rink Mike Alexander, Ken Roberts, Robin Drake & Phil Cave the Devizes team built up a commanding lead from the start before the Holt team led by former Devizes player Alan Burnhope, staged a strong fight back to bring the scores level but the Devizes lads crept back in front again and finally won 21-17. This Friday the Three Rink team will be back on home soil trying to get back to winning ways when they take on Spencer Moulton.
Suinday May 29th. In the Men's Novices competition L Griffin had a decisive victory over Ted Hanning winning 21-10 meanwhile in the Men's Handicap Martin Thompson had a resounding victory over Eddie Bowden 21-3
Friday May 27th. After blogging that as a club we were getting it together in the leagues all of a sudden the wheels have come off the trolley. Our three rink team were away to Wilton and suffered a heavy defeat. Phil Cave, Mike Alexander, Ken Roberts & Robin Drake went down 8-28. Harry Garlick, Bill Cowan, Matt Thompson & Gerald Webb lost 13-26 whilst Peter Charters, Stuart Jones, Peter Fielding & Trefor Jones faired a good deal better only losing by three shots 20-23. Match result a ten nil victory for Wilton.
Thursday May 26th. The Mid Wilts A team were at home for their game against league leaders Trowbridge Westbourne B. The weather was very uncomfortable with a strong prevailing wind. The rink skipped by Stan Rutherford with Norman Miles & Phil were soundly beaten 6-32. On rink one Bob Budden, Jim Scott and Pat Miller also suffered a heavy defeat going down 8-22. Peter Bradbury's team with Mike Ponting and Alan Simms had quite a battle, at one stage being within a couple of shots, but the gap widened over the last few ends and they lost 12-21 The best effort came from the rink skipped by Bob Howe with Chris Merrifield & Brian Reeves who had an extremely tight game. On the penultimate end our boys were only one shot down when a nil score was declared as both teams had woods touching the jack. Going into the last end it was nip and tuck, trowbridge ran out winners by 15-17. Final shot score Devizes 41 Trowbridge Wetsbourne 92.
Our Mid Wilts B Team were away to Chippenham Park and up until tonight had won all their matches. Captain Terry Miles reported that conditions were also uncomfortable with a biting wind, but did at least have one winning rink which was Duncan poole, Ken Martin & Rex Trollope. Mike Alexander, Terry Miles & Peter Charters went down 22-12. Phil Cave, Mike Mitcham & Dave Russell lost 15-11 with Dave Keen, Eddie Bowden and Maurice Otridge suffered a 20-10 defeat. Shot score 68-55 to Chippenham Park.
Tuesday May 24th. In the National Mixed Pairs Ron Morland & Sheila Garlick put up a spirited performance versus a pair which was skipped by Graham Shadwell, our duo were two down going into the last end and indeed were holding two shots when with virtually the last wood Ron took the jack into the ditch result being Devizes scored one shot, and lost the game by one. "well done a really good effort"
Tuesday May 24th. Not a good evening for the club as both teams entered into the National 2 Fours lost. One team hosted Avon the exact details I do not have but the team that went to Spencer Moulton fought hard on a tricky rink with one way facing directly into a bright sun. Pete Fielding, Matt Thompson, Gerald Webb & Trefor Jones were in a nip and tuck game leading for some of the time but eventually went down by 8 shots, but the other rink consisting of Peter Charters, Mike Alexander, Robin Drake & Andy McCann were trailing badly for much of the match but staged a brilliant fight back to draw level on the last end.
Monday May 23rd. Ron Morland, Andy McCann, Jonathan Cook & Colin Little traveled to North Wilts to play in the last 16 of the County Fours competition where they came up against a very strong team from Westlecot made up from Middleton Cup players, unfortunatly the team was too strong and ended Ron's team's run for this year.
Saturday May 21st. This Afternoon the Four Rink team traveled to Alderbury and fought hard but unfortunatly lost 8-6. The rinks skipped by Ron Morland, Jonathan Cook and Ken Oliver all won close matches but the rink skipped by Trefor Jones suffered a heavy defeat, thus the aggregate was lost.
Thursday May 19th. "WOW"!!! A sleeping giant is waking up there are great league results coming through at the moment, Devizes Bowls Club is making it's mark on the county scene. MWL B at home to Trowbridge Westbourne A The triple skipped by Michael Alexander had a staggering 41-4 victory which included a HOT SHOT! (9 shots achieved on one end) Phil Cave's boys came in with a win of 19-13 followed by Duncan Poole who won 20-14 Dave Keen's triple only lost by one shot 16-17. The match score was an incredible 96-48 to Devizes. "Well Done" MWL B have now won four games in a row.
Thursday May 19th. MWL A were away to Chippenham Park and havn't so far got into top gear this year. There were two winning triples led by Peter Bradbury and Bob Budden, unfortunatly the team led by Stan Rutherford sustained a heavy loss as did the team skipped by Bob Howe, who at eight ends were 13-8 but then failed to score another shot untl the very last end eventually losing the game 14-27, as David Coleman would have said "remarkable"
Wednesday May 18th. The Four Rink team were back in action last night against Warminster and recorded an excellant 12 points to 2 victory. There were good wins recorded by rinks skipped by Trefor Jones, Ron Morland and Jonathan Cook with Chris Merrifields rink only going down on the last end. The Four Rink side now travel to Alderbury this coming Saturday.
Tuesday May 17th. The men traveled to Box in the second round of the Top Club Competition and in the Two Wood Jonathan Cook was neck and neck for most of the match before his opponant got away at the end. Pete Fielding put up a good fight in the Four Wood and led for much of the time but could not hold on. Trefor Jones and Gerald Webb started slowly in the Pairs and then went on to a ten end winning streak to win comfortably. Colin Little, Matt Thompson and Steve Mulligan fought hard in the Triples but were always behind and in the Rink Don Tucker, Henry Crate, Ken Oliver and Chris Merrifield had a close match and led for much of the time but fell at the final hurdle. "Oh well there's always next year."
Tuesday May 17th. Ron Morland traveled to Calne today to play in the National Champion of Champions and defeated David Johns 21-8
Monday May 16th. In The County Fours two Devizes teams came head to head on a cold evening. Colin Little, Jonathan Cook, Andy McCann & Ron Morland were too strong for Trefor Jones, Gerald Webb and Mathew & Martin Thompson, running out comfortable winners, they now go on to play in the last 16 at Spencer Moulton on May the 23rd.
Monday May 16th. Did you know? that At present there are about 400.000 bowlers in England and about 90.000 in Scotland. The oldest bowling club in the country was formed in Southampton in 1299.
Sunday May 15th. Mixed Friendly against Somerset Acorns was cancelled as they were unable to raise a team.
Saturday May 14th. We had a six triples friendly against Swindon North End on a sunny and breezy afternoon. It was an enjoyable game with Devizes coming out on top overall.
Saturday May 14th. In The Bowls Wiltshire Mixed Rink competition Devizes Blue played against Swindon. Sue Long, Colin Little, Trefor Jones & Marguirite Alexander were the away rink and went down 25 shots to 13 whilst at home Joyce Little, Josie Mulligan, Steve Mulligan & Jonathan Cook won a close encounter 21 shots to 16 final result Devizes 34 Swindon 41. Swindon play either Mere or Downton in the next round.
Saturday May 14th. On Friday evening Matt Thompson, Trefor Jones & Gerald Webb traveled to Spencer Moulton to take on Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Graham Shadwell's team in the county triples and although they played well they went down 21-12
Friday May 13th. Gerald reports that last night Red played against Spencer Melksham A in the first round of the Bowls Wiltshire mixed double rink and suffered a heavy defeat. At home the rink skipped by Ron Morland went down 31-9 whilst the away rink skipped by Gerald Webb went down 21-12 on a green that is best described as interesting. Oh to be able to take the Devizes green around with us we are spoilt. Spencer Melksham A now go on to meet Salisbury Victoria in the next round. Mike Ponting adds. I think that the scene of confusion at Devizes last night may have some what unsettled our team, certainly there were a number of issues around timing and rink allocation that had the potential to cause stress to those involved.
Thursday May 12th. The Mid Wilts B Team notched up their third victory in a row tonight playing away at Blue Circle. The team led by Duncan Poole won by an impressive 23-11 with Dave Keen, Eddie Bowden & Maurice Otridge posting an enphatic victory 20-11 both well supported by Phil Cave's team who also won by a good margin 17-9. The only losers this week were the rink skipped by Michael Alexander. Devizes 67 shots Blue Circle 48 Devizes win 12 points to 2.
Thursday May 12th. The Mid Wilts A team were at home tonight to high flyers Chippenham Town. the rink skipped by Bob Howe won 25-14 well supported by the rink skipped by Peter Bradbury who prevailed 18-15 having been tied at 15 all after the 16th end. Don Tucker's team lost 12-20 with Bill Cowan's team also losing 13-25. The overall score was Devizes 68 Chippenham Town 74. Chippenham Town 10 points - Devizes 4
Wednesday evening saw the four rink side in action for the first time this season at home to Pewsey. On three rinks the games were tight with wins for rinks skipped by Trefor Jones & Ron Morland with a narrow defeat for Jonathan Cook & his rink. Jonathan playing his first four rink game for many years soon found himself well down but managed to claw his way back to only lose by three shots.The fourth rink was an easier affair with Chris Merrifield skipping his team to a comfortable win. Final result Devizes 12 Pewsey 2
On Tuesday evening the three rink team came up agains't a strong Swindon side at home. Rinks skipped by Robin Drake and Gerald Webb were always behind whilst the rink skipped by Trefor Jones, although leading for much of the game were finally overhauled in the last few ends to also go down. Final result was a 10 nil defeat.
Gerald Webb reports that we won the Top Club by 4-1 agains't Blue Circle so we now travel to Box sometime next week.
Gerald Webb says - County Fours - Mathew & Martin Thompson, Trefor & myself went to Holt last night and beat a team skippered by Justin Davis 27-23 to set up a match agains't Colin Little, Jonathan Cook, Andy McCann & Ron Morland on Monday 16th.
Thursady May 5th. On a visit to the club tonight I witnessed a match on the bottom green part of the Top Club series, if anyone has results please e-mail ponting160@btinternet.com
Thursday May 5th. Our Mid wilts B Team lead by Terry Miles notched up their second impressive win at home to Broughton Gifford. They won on three rinks and lost on one. Devizes B 12 points Broughton Gifford 2 points.
Thursday May 5th. Our Mid wilts A Team were away to Avon and lost on three rinks with the one winning rink skipped by Bob Howe. Devizes A 2 points Avon 12 points.
Don't forget that it is CLUB OPEN DAY this Saturday. May 7th. come up and have a roll-up and talk to prospective new members.
Saturday April 30th First defeat of the season in the men's leagues suffered at Stratton Churchways when our boys were well and truly hammered. Talking to some of the guys they were of the opinion that the heavy green at Stratton affected the length of their efforts as they had been used to lovely smooth greens at Devizes.
Thursday April 28th. More good news both our Mid Wilts teams started the season with good wins. The A team secured a 12 points to 2 victory at home to Bradford On Avon, with the B team achieving a superb 14 points to nil win away to Trowbridge Town.
A great start to the season for our Three Fours boys as they notch up their first win in the very first game at home to Broughton Gifford. Devizes 10 points Broughton 2 points.