AYLESHAM & SNOWDOWN WELFARE BOWLS CLUB

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Saturday 2nd. May
 
The Betteshanger game.
 
The weather forecasters had promised us a lovely sunny day with temperatures reaching a heady 20 degrees, perfect for the start of May.  The bowling gear had been prepared, whites pressed to a point where you could cut your hand on the creases, shirts so brilliant white you needed sunglasses to take them off the hangers, shoes polished until you could see your face in them, everything prepared and ready.
The bowling gladiators from both sides had spent the morning in quiet contemplation of the battle ahead, prayers had been said, everyone fully aware that this was the game that would be talked of for many a year, this was THE BETTESHANGER GAME.  Goodbyes had been said to Wives and Girlfriends, paracetamol breakfasts had been taken to get over the hangover from Friday night. 
The journey to the green was quiet, all the men feeling the nervous tension of anticipation, those travelling in cars looked out at the beautiful Kent countryside, wondering if after this day anything would ever be the same again.
Then it was onto the green, the sweat of fear on the foreheads and sweaty handshakes all round. To the centre of the green strode our gallant Captain, Leon King, the speech he gave far more inspiring than that given by Henry V before the battle of Agincourt on St. Chrispins Day. Then the battle began, oops I mean game.
Two up two back, visitors jack, arms being loosened from the nervous tension, suddenly the game proper was under way, the battle cry's were heard for miles around, well you bowled, that will keep, looking for another yard, take more green and the all time favourite, You jammy Ba***rd.
Many nice comments on the state of the green, summed up overall by John P., "it will be nice when they get the tarmac down".
The first ten ends were all close, Betteshanger just edging in front. When the bell rang for tea the shout of "thank you God" came from Rick Travers, trailing battered, bruised and bloody by a 12 shot deficit.
Tea was a quiet affair, players tired and exhausted slumped in the chairs around the tables of the clubhouse, the Captains speech was a great boost to morale as he explained that if we didn't get our fingers out, after the game our goolies would be hanging on the hooks now occupied by our Club Blazers. but a moment of exhilleration as we held the raffle, many people nearly winning  and a few lucky old gits taking the prizes. Then it was back on the green, strenghtened and sustained by all the lettuce we had consumed.
With the fortitude of giants, and the threats of the Captain still ringing in our ears, Aylesham & Snowdown gradually edged ahead, even Rick Travers had got his act together and had edged ahead, one hand for bowling and the other caressing the parts he didn't want to lose, just one or two ends to go Aylesham are now cruising to Victory, suddenly a hush descended over the whole green. All eyes were fixed on the Captains loaded rink, whispers of  he's dropped a hot shot, tears began to fill the eyes, Aylesham players were dropping to their knees in prayer, the count went on, finally a count of seven was declared, Betteshanger players erupted in cheers, Aylesham players unashamedly wept openly, at close of play the score was Betteshanger 117 Aylesham 111.
So if you come to Aylesham this season, don't expect to see our usual display of hanging baskets, some of them are missing,  Leon's goolies, along with his team mates, Vic Lonie, Dave Roby and John Quinn are now hanging where the baskets would have been.
 

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Sunday 19th. April 2009
 
Yardstick Singles
 
This weekend saw our Yardstick Singles competition taking place, Saturday the weather was sunny and warm, unfortunately with a cold easterly wind, however the standard of bowls was high, with three players sharing top spot with 63 points, Dave Lawson, Glwadys Wellings & Ian Prosser.
The second day Sunday,  saw grey skies and a bitter cold breeze, but once again the standard of bowls on the green was very high, Rick Travers was the overall winner scoring 80 points, with his wife Mary travers in runner up spot with 71 points. Appreciation was expressed to the green staff for providing an excellent playing surface, with thanks going to Ian Prosser for organising the event. On a slight downside, the weekend although well supported, could have been better supported if bowlers from the Saturday, had returned late on during Sunday, for the conclusion of the competition and the prize giving.
 
 

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The draws have been made for the National Competitions our fixtures are listed below. For details of all the draws click HERE.
 
National Competitions
 
National Two Fours
Home to Sandwich B.C. to be played by 16th. May
 
National Top Club
Away to Canterbury B.C. to be played by 13th. May
Playing on Wednesday 6th. May 6pm.
 
County Competitions
 
County Two Fours
Home to Broadstairs & St. Peters B.C. to be played by 16th. May

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Saturday 12th. April

Today saw the first of the seasons outdoor competitions for our Club, the Yardstick Pairs.

Once again the weather was on our side, what started early morning as a grey hazy day turned to sunshine by midday, the afternoon was bright sunny, warm and clear. The competition was played over four rounds of ten ends, and at the close of play, Rick Travers and Ray Hastilow were clear winners by 24 shots, runners up spot was shared by Mary Travers/Richard Hadfield & Bill Field/Hazel Hood. Thanks were given to Ian Prosser for the organisation of the event and to the greenstaff for preparing an almost perfect playing surface.

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Saturday 11th. April.
 
The new season got under way today with the traditional Captain v President game. The weather was very kind and it was sunshine all the way, with very pleasant temperatures.
The game was well supported, 52 players taking part, the Presidents side proved to be worthy winners of the match. The spider was won by Brian Castle, he took home a bottle of Scotch as his prize. The raffle was also well supported, every winner was of course a member of committee, nothing dodgy there of course, it is nice to see them win something, as they never win anything on the green.

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Dates for the Diary:
Saturday   16th. May        Wine & wisdon evening  7.30pm.
Saturday   18th. July        Social evening & Indoor Presentation.
Saturday   22nd. August  Social evening. 

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The result of the Last Shift competition was as follows:
 
Aylesham & Snowdown  12 Points (Winners)
Tilmanstone                        10 Points
Betteshanger                        9 Points
Chislet                                    5 Points
 
The Trophy was presented by Arthur Hockley, who during his speech pointed out that it was good to see the spirit and cameraderie of the Kent Coalfield  being kept alive by this inter Colliery competition.
Next years competition will be hosted by Betteshanger.

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Longmat & Shortmat

Both Long and shortmat indoor bowling will be available in the clubhouse from the beginning of October, we would welcome anyone who would like to come along and try their hand at these.

Shortmat is played on Monday- Tuesday- Wednesday- evenings from 4pm.

 Longmat is available Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday evenings from 4pm.

If you don't fancy trying it straight away just come along and have a look, you are sure of a warm welcome. See you soon.

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Click Here For Long Mat News

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Click Here For Short Mat News

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Have a look at the new rules that came into force in April 2007:www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk/laws/index.html 

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