PRESS REPORT 15th June 2026

Twenty members took part in a singles, knock-out competition at the weekend called the Fixed Jack. Players have 4 woods, and Trial Ends are played. The Short Jack spot is placed in line 23 metres from the front edge of the mat; and the long jack spot is placed 4 metres from the back ditch. If the jack is moved off the spot the Marker returns it. Players can score up to 10 shots each end. The first 4 woods nearest the jack score. Shot wood 4 points, 2nd wood 3 points, 3rd wood 2 points, 4th wood 1 point. The winner is the first player to reach 70 or more points. There was an outstanding performance by Richard Cleal in a closely fought game, defeating John Bell in Round 1. A high level of consistency displayed by Joshua David to reach the final in this competition at the first time of asking. The semi-finalists were Brian Parkes who beat Eddy Thackeray, and Joshua David who beat John Turkentine. The final takes place in September.

Batchwood played the London Welsh at home starting the game in lovely sunshine. This dramatically changed after bowling 14 ends and the heavens opened. The match had to be abandoned due to lightning, torrential rain and hailstones. Batchwood were in total command on 3 of the 4 rinks, the final score being 67 – 42. It was played in a good friendly competitive spirit. The afternoon concluded with an excellent meal provided by Brenda Bennitt.

Brian Parkes, our Treasurer, has had an amazing run of successes in recent competitions. In the District 2 wood Triples the Batchwood team of John Bell, Jon Quick & Brian Parkes played Colin Malone, Paul Stevens & Dave Sparrow of Potters Bar Bowls Club at home. At the halfway stage the teams were fairly evenly matched. However the Batchwood team gradually crept ahead with a win of 22 – 14.

Parkes played at home in the Vets Singles against Danny Johnson. Parkes made a slow start but soon found his normal rhythm eventually winning 21 – 13. Parkes played another singles competition this week; this time in the St Albans & District Bowling Association. He played away at Welwyn Garden City Bowls Club. On the penultimate end the scores were level at 20 all. Parkes scored on the final end winning 21 – 20.

Tricia Gascoine

Press Officer