SIXPENNY HANDLEY 6 SALISBURY 2
Shots: SIXPENNY HANDLEY 58 SALISBURY 51
Wor Barrow nestles gently on Handley Down just before we turn right off the A354/B3081 roundabout, heading towards the bowls club on the far side of the village. Wor Barrow was excavated by Augustus Pitt Rivers who holds a connection to both clubs. He not only inherited a vast chunk of the nearby area but the riches he discovered in Wessex are also on display in the Salisbury Museum. To gain the spoils tonight one team would certainly have to dig deep.
Geo-Fizz isn’t needed here as Handley’s “home turf” has no humps or bumps being artificial and the only trench we might go into tonight was around the rinks as we adjusted from the grass we know.
Ann, Paul and Roy initially found the head tight and the Jack buried but then their bowls carefully brushed through narrow channels to reveal treasure in 12 of the last 14 ends for a tremendous 27-9 win.
Mark (in his first game), Sandra and John found finds sparse in the middle of their game and try as they might their quarry earned Handley a valuable 14-23 success.
Heather, myself and Ken were down in a hole very quickly and while those few sherds of luck eluded us, in truth Handley thoroughly out played us and they were good value for their 10-26 triumph, well done Patsy, Ron and Paul.
Visiting Handley is always an amicable place to play and the company didn’t disappoint. Congratulations go to our cordial hosts for a well-deserved victory and we wish Paul and his Handley team good fortune for their upcoming matches.
Just down the road at Tollard Royal, Pitt Rivers must have had many busy shovels and trowels to create The Larmer Tree pleasure Gardens. Now it is a place that hosts weddings and a large annual festival for a variety of performers.
Tonight our performers fell a bit short overall but looking on the bright side it was only by 7 shots and we still top the league, so we hope for much better luck next Time, Team.
Malc.