End of Season Work (22nd and 23rd September)
As the last two friendlies against Seale & Sands and Castle Green were away we took the opportunity of good weather to start the end of season renovation of the green. On Friday, the verticut, scarify and mow resulted in 70 barrowloads of thatch and clippings. Saturday started with tining and sarrel rolling followed by spreading root zone improver and grass seed. Cleaning up the equipment took ages too. Now we have to hope for favourable growing conditions.

The sheds have been rearranged and the ditch liners are up, cleaned and stored – all in record time.

Fish and Chips (21st September)
Just as last year, the weather threatened to curtail the bowling before our end of season Fish and Chips but we braved the wind, rain and worms for the last club night triples game of the season. No one can remember the results but Andy took this photo. Paul D arrived with the wherewithal to provide mushy peas and we even had lemon wedges, and bread and butter for chip butties.

John ran an impromptu quiz which turned out to have 19 rather than 20 questions and the winners scored 12! David still thinks a group of crows should be called a ‘nuisance’ rather than a ‘murder’. The evening finished with the expected entertaining raffle by Ken and Andy. Thanks to Trevor for arranging the evening for us all.

Annual Bowlers v Village Club (17th September)
The annual match between the Village Club and Bowlers in aid of the Village Club charity looked precarious at 2.30pm when the heavens opened. However by 3pm and the scheduled start the sun came out and so did the players for a 2 wood triples match over 16 ends.

The Bowlers won although at one stage Allen was getting worried as it was 14 all on his rink with two ends to play. We enjoyed a delicious buffet provided by the Village Club. Thanks to Ali for organising the food, everyone who contributed to the raffle and all those who took part.

Pauline accepted the trophy on behalf of the Bowlers.

Club Competition Finals (9th and 10th September)
It was unseasonable hot over finals weekend with over 30^oC temperatures on both days which was sapping for the players, markers and spectators. All the matches were keenly contested and many could have gone either way. Well done to all the finalists and those who helped to organise a successful weekend. The trophies will be awarded at our presentation lunch in October.

Knaphill Triples
Having already won our zone, Merrow went one better than last year by winning the final at Knaphill. In the semi-final we narrowly beat Knaphill ‘A’ by one shot and in the final crept past Camberley ‘A’ by 3 shots. In addition to the people who played in the final, Barbara, David O, Jo and Mike B, Paul D and Sally contributed much to our success. Special thanks to David O, the reserve on finals day.

President v Chair
We had glorious weather for our rearranged President v Chair match on 3^rd September.

We started with a ‘Spider’ (‘Ollie the Octopus’) which was won by Steve M. Several of our newest bowlers took part in their first ever full match, which was a five triples friendly.  Tea was taken after 10 ends, when the score was very even. Delicious cakes and biscuits were provided by Chris M, Helen L, Melanie and Pauline.

The final result was a win for the Chair by 13 shots and David F presented the trophy to Richard. The day concluded with a raffle and picnic tea. We raised a total of £250 for the President’s charity, The Alzheimer’s Society.

Thank you to everyone for making it such an enjoyable and successful day.

Friendlies
On Saturday 23^rd September, Seale and Sands, with excellent Captain Kate, were lovely hosts to a depleted Merrow team. The considerable challenges of reaching the club owing to A31 road works and approach road closures, did not prevent the match being played, or even be delayed.

Over the next 2 hours Merrow and Seale and Sands were neck and neck – but some sort of fatigue set in with Merrow, and we were soundly beaten in the end.

We all retired to the British Legion next door for a really relaxing early evening, forgetting about bowls and just enjoying each others company. A great fixture, a lovely venue, and excellent hosts. Report by Ian

On the 2^nd September, Merrow were defending the David Matthews Cup in our annual match, which this year was away at Ripley.

The four triples match was level at tea but Merrow came out stronger after the break for the win.

Rosemary presented Steve M with the trophy and we all enjoyed a post-match drink and chat. Ken was keen to tell everyone the story about his hornet, even those who had heard it several times before!

We look forward to next year where the trophy will once again be played for, this time at home.  Report by Debbie.

Friendlies
The weather stayed fine for our final Wednesday friendly at Holloway Hill. Our hosts led by Captain Roland were their usual accommodating and friendly selves.

The overall game was a win for Merrow. Rink results were: a draw, 13 – 13, for Debbie , Joan and Lesley who pulled back in three ends towards the end; a win,18 – 13, for Steve M, Steve D and John P; and a win 21 – 9 for Allen, Ken and Brian. Report by Allen.

Despite the threat of rain at our away match with Burpham Bowls Club on Saturday 26th, everything went like clockwork. We managed to get our 18 ends in with only a few spots of rain during the tea break at half time.

Overall it was a jolly affair with our kind Burpham hosts and a very close game finishing 90 – 86 in favour of the home side; it was 3 rinks each.

We all had a drink and a laugh in their lovely clubhouse afterwards. Report by Allen.

On Wednesday 16^th August we hosted Puttenham for our usual two triples friendly. We had a very warm and dry match with Merrow comfortably in the lead when we stopped for a cream tea at half-time. Puttenham made a comeback after the break and were level on one rink going into the final end but Merrow managed to hold on for a close win on both rinks. Thanks to David E for sorting the tea and doing all the extra washing up. Report by Debbie.

Sunday 13^th August saw Merrow play a friendly match at Woking Park. Despite the authorities digging up virtually every road in the Woking area, we all just about made it in time for the 2.30pm start! With the weather set fair, the four rinks produced a close match with Merrow ultimately coming out on top 68 – 54. Two of the rinks were drawn, John P, Ken and Michael  picked up a three at the last end to win by one shot, whilst on the fourth rink Lesley, Melanie and Richard won with a little more to spare. Next Saturday (19th August) sees the return fixture when Woking Park visit Merrow. Report by Richard D.

Worms!
It’s been raining a lot and the worms have been having a field day. Mike B helped roll and scrape the (two barrowloads) of mud off the green before we attempted to mow.

Further extracts from the continuing diary of a new(ish) bowler
Whilst learning how to make tea for more than 12 people, I learnt that if the urn ‘trips out’, it can be easily reset by pressing the button underneath in the middle (not so easy if full of water), which is when you will find out it’s not working!?
If the bowl in the sink is full, water the plants.

Main bowls skill this week…Sign Language!!
With many people hard of hearing and/or poor sight, this is important when the distance between you is up to 40 metres.

So when placing the mat, or centring the jack or indicating how much your bowl is off the mark, I have learnt the following…

Use 2 hands to show distance, then point which way…
Roll and point your fingers to ask for the jack to be rolled once, roll twice for two rolls…
Be careful to roll the right direction, but even then it may not go that way…
Add your voice, to help those who are hard of hearing or sight…
e.g…. A touch/a smidgeon /a tad/a bit/ a bit more. How long is a bit?…
A metre, there are varying views to what that distance is as well.

The planning for the second, of what we hope will be, our annual Aussie Pairs competition for the Raison Trophy, in memory or Lorna and David, started months ago. Folks were invited to apply with a deadline of 23^rd July but there were several attempted last-minute entries. These had to be declined as the format had been juggled to accommodate the 16 who did apply in time.

The morning started early with green preparation and setting up for two leagues and all the players arrived in time for the 9.30am draw, though it should be noted that Barbara and David O were last to arrive despite being closest. Pauline and Helen arrived with cake which made the tea break much more interesting. The two morning group stage matches were played in glorious sunshine. We had lunch in the clubhouse due to the deteriorating weather and the last afternoon group games caught the start of the forecast rain.

We decided against playing the three playoff matches to determine 3rd through to 8th place and those who stayed were treated to an exciting final between Mike B & Paul D and Allen & Joan. It was 7 all after the scheduled 8 ends so the match went to a one end tie-break. Well done to all the finalists and spectators for braving the rain, remaining focussed and smiling.

David E presented the winners and runners up and the two 4th place teams with their respective trophy and prizes.

If you want to take part next year don’t forget to apply by the deadline!

Well it’s summer and the rain has started – it is needed for the green but not much fun to play in. Some dedicated folk have turned up to club nights despite the weather and managed to get a few ends in before (sometimes) having to admit defeat.

We played at Tongham on Saturday 29th July. This was our first visit to Tongham. It was an enjoyable afternoon and the weather stayed fine. We started with a spider where David E got closest to the spider, winning a bottle of wine. Tongham were accommodating hosts treating us to tea and biscuits at half time. Although we won on 3 rinks and lost on 1 rink, the overall score was close with Merrow winning by just 6 points. Report by Allen M.

Despite a heavy shower we all had an enjoyable game against our friends from Holloway Hill on Wednesday 13th July. Due to the heavy shower we stopped for tea and biscuits early, provided by John P and Debbie, sat out the rain then continued the rest of the match winning overall. Special congratulations go to Ken, Pauline and Brian who won on their rink 25 – 13.

Although wet weather was forecast we completed our friendly at Stoke Park, 9^th July without a drop of rain falling. After gaining early leads we gradually fell away and lost narrowly on all four rinks for an overall defeat by 20 shots. A highlight however was Lesley, Allen and John gaining a hot shot (winning all nine shots on one end), so they will be in line to receive a certificate. Report by Richard D.

One or two match reports are still missing, but all the results can be found on BIAS.

The on-going diary of a new(ish) bowler

A few more months later I have learnt more:-

Swishing….
It’s fast that way but slower coming back…
Making tea for 12+ people…
The fuse box for the fridge is behind the curtain…
Bugs that lay their eggs in the green…
What happens in the ditch when jack makes an escape from its predators…
Where to hide when I want to vape…
Even the best players can be awful….
There has been Earl Grey tea, in the jar that says PG, sabotage…
I still need to get lower…
I love this club and its people…

What I haven’t learnt yet:-

Why the trees cast a shadow that covers half the green but when you go to the other end it only covers a quarter…
Why your bowl has a mind of its own when confronted with invisible obstructions…
Why we say “have a good game” to our opponents when clearly I don’t mean it…
Why my bowls have no understanding of how to play….
And why I want to go to bed at 7pm after an afternoon at bowls.

Still so much to learn and hoping for a degree at the end of this journey!

Just as David E was about to give an update on the friendly fixtures his match report emails have been temporarily (we hope!) lost by Virgin Media so instead we have some photos of our lovely flower beds and banks. Steve D and Barbara along with volunteers have been doing a fantastic job improving our outlook.

You can catch up with the league situations, including our internal club night league under the Fixtures tab.

Club competitions are now well underway so remember to check out the competition noticeboard for your next game.

This Sunday’s (4th June) friendly at Godalming was played in good spirits, sunshine, and with a brass band playing in the background. The home team played well as the score line indicates, but Merrow gave it their best. Congratulations to Debbie, Helen and Suheyla who were our highest scorers losing by only one shot.

Thanks to Godalming for their hospitality; they are a friendly team and we look forward to our match with them at Merrow next season. Report by Ken B

Saturday 3^rd June we entertained Heathervale. Unfortunately they could only field two triples, however that gave the opportunity for eight Merrow bowlers (organised by Debbie) to enjoy two side games.

The match against ended up in a narrow victory 30-26 for Merrow with one each side winning a rink, Merrow’s victors were Ian, Joan and Richard. Thanks to Helen and Jo for the catering. Report by Richard

Open Day
The Open Day was busy with 13 participants ranging from teens to nearly 90. Several have already returned for some coaching and we look forward to making them welcome in the club.

Tony D who joined us last year summed up the day:

Pretty obvious it’s a happy club!
I’m fairly new, but love it here..!! 👍👍👍
I’ve learnt about rock cakes, plants, compost, and getting lower!
Who could ask for anything more 🤣

Friendlies
The match away today (28th May) was against Knaphill. Merrow presented stern opposition and were narrowly defeated by 10 points but won on two rinks. The occasion was convivial and the weather excellent. Well done to David E, Paul P and Sally in getting our top winning rink. Report by John W

The local derby match against Burpham on the 27th May was very popular with enough players to make a five triples game. The weather was good and we enjoyed an afternoon of catching up, bowling and tea with our near neighbours. Merrow won overall on shots with Burpham winning on 3 of the 5 rinks. Report by Debbie.

On Sunday 21^st May, we made our biannual visit to Milford for a four triples friendly. We won narrowly overall by 70 – 65, with our winning rinks being achieved by Sue R, Dave F and David E and Chris, Steve M and Richard. The other two rinks of Sally, Tony R and Debbie and Brian R, Michael P and John W were just edged out.

Thanks to Milford for their hospitality which we look forward to reciprocating when they visit Merrow next season. Report by Richard

It was lovely to see so many familiar faces from the indoor season when Merrow played against Wonersh on Saturday the 20th May. The result proved to be very close on all rinks, however Merrow had to accept a narrow defeat in the end.

Allen, Pauline and Trevor were Merrow’s only winning rink but Jo, Tony R and Sally tied on their rink. The overall result was 53-61, which rightly reflected a close game all round.

Thanks to Steve D and Paul P for the splendid tea, which with the heat and blue skies, conjured up a vision of a quintessential old English garden high tea. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the opposition said that they were already looking forward to their next visit! Report by John W

As part of the national Bowls’ Big Weekend, Merrow are holding an Open Day on Monday 29th May, 10am-4pm. Everyone is welcome, just bring trainers.

Skills
Everyone managed to score points in the second skills session with some tricky scenarios set up to test our ability to get the correct line and weight. Check out the table on the league tab and why not come and join us on a Monday afternoon and see how you fare in the challenges?

Friendlies
A fine and sunny afternoon made an enjoyable friendly bowls match at Mayford Hall on Wednesday 17th. Mayford Hall fielded a strong team and beat Merrow 72-55. Tony D, Joan and Helen got the best result for Merrow forcing a draw on the last end of a 15-15 rink. Report by Allen M

Merrow achieved two firsts in our friendly at Liphook on Saturday (13th), our first friendly win of the season and the first game to be played in sunshine!

In what is our most distant journey of the season Merrow were the eventual winners by 88 shots to 44. Comfortable wins were achieved on rinks 1 and 2 by Ian M, Tony D and Michael P, and Pauline H, Steve M and David E. Rink 5 was a tight affair with Jo J, Allen M and Debbie E losing by one shot, with rink 6 even closer where a draw was achieved by Trevor R, Dave F and Richard D.

A big thank you to our hosts at Liphook, who we will entertain later in the season. Report by Richard D

Oatlands Park Bowl’s club were obviously keen to play our mid week game (10th May) as some of their team turned up early at 1.30 pm, all very smart in their blazers and ties. They even offered to help prepare for the game but this was declined and we gave them a cup of tea instead.

I would like to thank Ken and Lesley for being the caterers that day and also to thank Ken for swishing all of the rinks.

The game proceeded in not too bad weather, just a couple of light showers, we stopped for tea and biscuits after 10 ends, short speeches were made and Oatlands Park thanked us for being a friendly and welcoming club.

The second half started in a jolly fashion but then on the 12/13th/14th end the heavens opened up with hailstones and thunder. As everyone was drenched the captains decided to call it a day.

We won on two of our rinks but lost on one rink. The total score was in favour of Oatlands Park who despite the weather thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. We dried off in the bar with a drink. Report by Allen M