South Cliff v Patrons - Sunday 18th July

This game against the Patrons was our first friendly game for nearly two years but the weather was on our side. Tables and chairs were set up outside so everyone could enjoy the beautiful warm afternoon. The game started promptly at two and it was rather strange, but quite inspiring to see the green bustling with players.

South Cliff fielded a relatively inexperienced team, four were playing their first ever competitive game of bowls, two more were returning from injury and many of the skips were untested at this level.
The heat was such that after nine ends we all took a break to take on some liquid refreshment and at that point the Patrons were slightly ahead, although all the games were tight.

As the games finished it became clear that each side was going to win three rinks and the overall score was going to be close. A quick calculation showed us to be one shot behind with just one game and one end to finish. A glance at the head showed us to be two up with just the skips to bowl and that's the way it stayed despite their skips best efforts. The final score - 89 to 88 to South Cliff.

There were wins for Derek's and Graham's rinks, but South Cliff's top rink on the day were Joyce Clayton, Bill Ellis, Patrick Corbett and Ken Young who won 19-11.

We then sat down to tea and cake and scones and a relaxing chat to our opposition about what a really lovely day it had been.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a success: Wendy and her team in the kitchen, those members who did the baking, Anne who sorted the raffle and kept spectators refreshed, everyone who helped move furniture around, but especially Bill and Pauline who arrived early to set up and were still there at the end clearing away.