Category: Match Reports

Great start to our S and D campaign winning both our games.

Hard first game on a tricky green away at Alderbury winning 12-0 on points 37-30 on shots.

We then followed that up by a great win against a very strong Pewsey Reds side last night winning 12-2 on points 79-68 on shots.

Great effort from all that played. You all made your captain proud with how well you all played and brought a great positive attitude on to the green which shows in these great results.

Well done again

Thanks all

James

National Competition Round Up (by 6th May)

Mens C of C: T.Warner beat M.Oliver 21-18

Mixed Fours: J.Bull (Amesbury), M Annetts, N Revell & T.Warner beat C.Easton (Avon) 21-6

Mixed Pairs: J McShane (Amesbury) & G.House lost to M.Mundy (Pewsey) 16-17

M. Annetts & T.Fiddy beat S.Uncles (Holt) 28-5

J. Bull (Amesbury) & N.Revell lost to C.Moore
(Holt) 15-19

Nick

Our second match of the season was an away game against Westlecot, last years league winners.

This was a tight encounter last season in which we fell slightly short and unfortunately this game turned out to have a similar outcome.

On Rink 1 Bob Armstrong’s make shift rink had a super tussle throughout and showed great spirit to claw the game back from a 6-13 deficit to only trail 13-15 with 2 ends to play. Disaster then struck as they conceded a 4 and 6 to fall to a 13-25 defeat.

On Rink 2 Nick Revell’s foursome held on to a comfortable lead from the 4th end and ran out winners 22-10. It’s important to add that this result doesn’t quite reflect the game as the Westlecot rink seemed to play good bowls and get unlucky results on multiple occasions.

On Rink 3 Chris Weekes rink started well to lead 5-0 after 3 ends. Unfortunately it was downhill from there as constant pressure told and the Salisbury four found them selves 6-20 down. A final blow came on the last end where dropping a 7 meant we fell to a 10-29 defeat.

Finally over on Rink 4 Tom Warner’s rink had a battle which ebbed and flowed with 9 ends shared a piece. Great bounce back ability was shown after having dropped a 4 on the penultimate end to level 16-16, we picked up a 4 to close out a 20-16 victory.

Full scores:

Rink 1: B.Pike, J.White, G Annetts & B Armstrong lost to B Whittingham 13-25

Rink 2: T.Fiddy, N Gillespie, J.Moody & N Revell beat N.Smith 22-10

Rink 3: P.Mortimer, R.Blackwell, G House & C.Weekes lost to M.Richards 10-29

Rink 4: A.Plumb, E.McConnell, F.Boynton & T.Warner beat M.Titcombe 20-16

Final Score: Westlecot 80 (10) Salisbury 65 (4)

Nick

In our first match of this years Mens Wiltshire Four rink league we welcomed a much depleted Royal Wootton Bassett side to Devonshire Road hoping to get the season off to a good start, having struggled to previously record a win in the first game of a four rink season since the Wiltshire Premier League came to be.

This was to be no exception as we were slow out of the blocks and trailed throughout the match albeit rather closely at times.

On Rink 1 Tom Warner’s ever-present rink trailed 3-5 at 7 ends but turned the tide quickly with successive counts to lead 16-5 at 11 ends. This unfortunately was to be last shots they would score as the RWB rink won the next 7 ends to finish up 16-14 to Salisbury.

On Rink 3 Nick Revell’s rink tussled closely throughout only to eventually pull away in the second half of the match and come out winners 19-12.
Welcome back to Jordan Moody who has rejoined the club having played a few seasons elsewhere.

It was a tough evening for the Salisbury boys on Rink 4 skipped by Bob Armstrong as despite only trailing 6-9 at 11 ends, they finished the match with a 7-22 loss. This seemed to coincide with the green slowing down as the early April night drew in.

On Rink 5 the rink skipped by Chris Weekes couldn’t quite break the RWB scoring pattern of 1s and 2s. They trailed 4-9 at 10 ends and after dropping a 4 on the 11th end it was always going to be difficult to claw back. The final 7 ends were shared 4 shots apiece to finish 8-17 to RWB.

Full scores:

Rink 1: A.Plumb, G.Annetts, F.Boynton & T.Warner beat J. Nobbs 16-14

Rink 3: T.Fiddy, S.Gregory, J.Moody & N. Revell beat D. Godwin 19-12

Rink 4: B.Pike, J.White, J.Vincent & B. Armstrong lost to K.Anderson 7-22

Rink 5: P.Mortimer, J.Hurle, G.House & C.Weekes lost to C.Cheesley 8-17

Final Score : Salisbury 50 (4) Royal Wootton Bassett 65 (10)

Nick

On Saturday

The four combatants from Castletown BC, Fordingbridge BC, Salisbury BC and Wilton BC assembled for the “round robins” of 6 ends each.

In the first round Salisbury secured wins on two rinks against Wilton.

The second round saw Salisbury edge past Fordingbridge by one shot on Ashley’s rink and a slightly better score on Fraser’s rink. So two rounds down and no loses – all looking go for a place in the final on Sunday!!

And so it was off to lunch and then the final session with SBC needing to avoid defeat; as it happened Salisbury had a comfortable win against Castletown and so were through to the final.

 

Sunday’s Final

So it was down to the final and as fate we have it the rinks played the other teams from those played on Saturday in the round robins; Nick Cavill’s rink comprising of himself, Mark Curtis, Alan Webb and Christina Bundy played against Fraser Boynton, Neil Gillespie, Anne Selby and Ronmey Denning; the other rink had Fordingbridge’s Gwyn Willians, Graham Bailey, Pat Allington and Richard Hindley playing against Ashley Plumb, Graham House, Doreen Hillier and David Wressell from Salisbury.

Both Salisbury rinks got of to a decent lead and at the halfway point they were 9-3 and 12-3 ahead; Gwyn’s rink pulled back to 8-9 down after 12 ends and drew level at 12-12 after the 17th end; so a one end shoot out, which Salisbury managed to snatch by 1 shot. On the other rink it continued to be nip and tuck for 4 ends before Fordingbridge strung together a run of 5 winning ends – Salisbury kept it to mostly 1’s and so managed to hang on the their lead. The winners were Salisbury by 4 shots, but by wins on both rinks.

Salisbury Comms

As the 2022 year draws to a close, and the end of the 2022 bowling season becomes a distant memory, it gives a chance to reflect on what a great season we had.

Wiltshire Four Rink League

Following the Covid pandemic, 2022 saw the first year of the new premier league for the men’s four rink county league. The premier league consists of 10 teams and a total of 18 games are played with each team being played twice (once home and once away).

I have had the pleasure in captaining the four rink league team and my thanks goes out to my selection committee – James Vincent, Bob Armstrong, Graham House and Jamie Reynolds (ex officio) for their invaluable input throughout the season.

Overall, Salisbury had a tremendous year in the league finishing tied 3rd with Spencer Moulton out of the 10 teams with a total of 156 points (second place on 196 points and the winner on 205 points). We had some terrific wins during the season exceeding 100 shots in our home match against Marlborough (103-47).

We had a number of games called off during the season with all bar two being rearranged in the correct time frame. The results of the two outstanding matches (home to Royal Wootton Bassett and home to Purton) were therefore decided by the league committee upon presentation of my arguments for a certain result given the circumstances surrounding the original cancellations. We were awarded a 10-4 win against Royal Wootton Bassett and a 13-1 win against Purton.

During the season one of the major decisions taken by the selection committee was to try and keep teams together as often as possible. This allows players to get to know each other’s playing styles and build up a team spirit across the green. Looking ahead to 2023 it will be even more important to build on this success with personnel changes expected across the team with leaving and returning members on the cards.

National Competitions – Club Double Rink

Unfortunately, this was a short-lived affair with a home draw against Pewsey Vale early in the season. Both rinks ended up losing by a single shot each 15-16 and 12-13. A disappointing start to the season, but plenty to build on for 2023.

Looking ahead to 2023 we will be entering two teams into the Double Rink competition. As a selection committee we find ourselves in the fortunate position of having an abundance of members wanting to play in this competition. We have tried this approach in previous years and ended up having to give away one of the team’s matches due to lack of player availability. However, we are encouraged on availability and the development opportunities this will provide to the club, especially with 16 players being required for the county four rink league but only 8 being able to play in the top tier double rink competition.

National Competitions – Top Club

Our first round match was away to local rivals Amesbury. On a tricky green early in the season this could be a very real banana skin match. The two wood singles was first to finish, as expected, and despite a good run of ends early doors the Amesbury player proved too strong and recorded a 15-8 victory.

Next to finish, slightly earlier than expected, was the triples team recording an 18-4 in 13 ends. This levelled the points one apiece. The pairs was next to finish with a decisive 18-15 victory dropping a 3 on the final end in the name of damage limitation. This saw Salisbury take a 2-1 lead with the fours and four wood singles left to finish.

Both remaining matches were incredibly close with the fours leading 16-15 into the last end and the singles trailing 16-18. With the singles dropping a one to trail by 3, the fours luckily collected a 1 and took the match 17-15 resulting in an overall 3-2 victory.

Next up was another away trip, this time to Spencer Moulton on what can only be described as a dirt patch. With some changes in personnel in different disciplines the match started well with the two wood singles recording a convincing win. The pairs was next to finish narrowly losing with the four wood singles also losing. This left the triples and fours still in play.

A decision by the skip in the triples to drive halfway through the game saw all the Salisbury bowls disappear from the head and a 7 dropped. This proved too much in the end with the triples losing by 3 shots with the fours leading by 1 shot with 2 ends to play. A disappointing 2-3 loss overall on points, but plenty to build on for 2023.

Wiltshire Men’s County Competitions – Tourist Trophy

For the third consecutive season Salisbury reached the county final of this competition (double rink) which is a great achievement in itself. This season we saw a repeat of the 2021 final facing Royal Wootton Bassett.

Unfortunately, a repeat of 2021 was on the cards with a strong Bassett contingent out in force. One rink losing 18-23 and the other conceding at 12-26, it was a resounding victory for the Bassett boys.

It is no mean feat for the same team to reach three consecutive finals in as many years, however having won it in 2019 and losing 2021 and 2022, it would be good to see the trophy return to the club in 2023.

Wiltshire Mixed County Competitions – Double Rink

Salisbury once again entered the mixed county double rink featuring 8 men and 8 ladies – the only real opportunity for the men and ladies to play together competitively outside of national competitions.

Salisbury had a great run in the competition collecting a number of victories against tough opposition. Unfortunately, the run came to an end in the semi final against a tough Royal Wootton Bassett side with the away team losing 10-23 and the home team losing 10-18.

Wiltshire Men’s Competitions – Unbadged Singles

This was a really pleasing competition to witness this year with the eventual final being contested by two Salisbury players – Fraser Boynton and Jamie Reynolds.

In their run to the final both players went all the way to the wire in their respective semi finals. Fraser played Keith Williamson from Westlecot and at 18-15 up and holding a single the match looked to be in control, however some great bowls from Keith saw a number of consecutive singles scored and Fraser found himself trailing 18-20. A fantastic final end from Fraser saw him collect three shots and claim the 21-20 victory.

In Jamie’s semi final against James Bryant from Stratton Churchway a closely fought match went bowl-for-bowl for most of the match. Jamie found himself 16-20 down through a combination of good bowls from James. After picking up a single, Jamie proceeded to change the length and after a fantastic display of draw bowling found him collecting three shots and taking the match into a one end shoot out. Jamie collected the shot and match 21-20.

The final proved no different with there never being more than two shots in the match for most of the game. At 20 ends Fraser held a 14-13 lead and a great end saw him collect a three and take a 17-13 lead. Back-to-back doubles and a single for Jamie saw him regain the lead at 18-17. After another three close ends (taking the match to an extraordinary 27 ends) saw Fraser collect two singles and a double to take the match 21-18 (a reversal of his 18-21 defeat in the 2017 final at the hands of another now-Salisbury player Ashley Plumb).

Men’s National Competitions – Individuals

Salisbury’s only contender at the National Finals at Leamington was Tom Warner in the two wood singles. Having lost the county final to Dave Godwin from Royal Wootton Bassett 15-12 Tom was looking for a good run at Leamington.

Tom reached the national quarter final playing Leo May from Hampshire. At 13-14 down on the last end Tom found himself holding one with four foot to draw a second shot for the match. Unfortunately he was slightly short and an extra end was played with Leo taking the end and the match.

Overall a brilliant season for the Salisbury Men and something to build on for 2023.

Tom Warner
Captain – Four Rink and Nationals
Salisbury BC

Over the last few days, the Finals of our various competitions have been played out in good weather and in a great spirit.

Most of the Finals were played on Saturday 17th September, but permission was given to stage the Men’s Championship Final a week earlier.

The Results (in order of play):

Saturday 10th September

Men’s Singles Championship

Tom Warner won against Fraser Boynton 21-14

Saturday 17th September

Ladies Singles Championship

June Clouston won against Anne Selby 21-13

Men’s Handicap Singles

Brian Pike won against Graham House 21-5

Mixed Triples

Rose Pattenden, Jim White and Alan Biles won against Gill Cartwright, Mike Lincoln and Graham Annetts 15-11

Men’s Pairs

Martin Hall and Bob Armstrong won against Ed McConnell and Steve Gregory 24-20

Ladies Two-wood

Valerie Botting won against Rose Pattenden 14-11

Ladies Special Singles

Christine Mansfield won against Jane Neill 22-8

Men’s Veterans Singles

Steve Gregory won against Jim White 22-5

Men’s Two-wood

James Vincent won against Paul Mortimer 16-7

Sunday 18th September

Men’s Special Singles

Toby Fiddy won against Ed McConnell 21-14

Mixed Pairs

Lorna van Zyl and Toby Fiddy won against Di Wort and Ed McConnell 16-14

In addition to our club competitions on Sunday 18th September, we also hosted two finals of the Salisbury & District BA knockouts. Results were:

S&DBA Pairs

Vince Kimber and Michael Mundy (Pewsey Vale BC) won against Paul Mortimer and Bob Armstrong (Salisbury BC) by 21-9

S&DBA Triples

Mark Spanswick, Vince Kimber and Michael Mundy (Pewsey Vale BC) won against Paul Mortimer, Brian Pike and Bob Armstrong (Salisbury BC) by 19-17.

John Hurle
Secretary Men’s Bowls Committee