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