This is a popular annual fixture in the BWBA’s calendar and there was a first for this year’s match. In addition to three BWBA rinks there were three rinks from the local group of visually impaired bowler, Worthing Visually Impaired Bowlers Club.
The wheelies included leading wheelchair bowler Lea Davis who had travelled from Essex to play. He skipped a rink that had to settle for second place by 13 shots to 19, though they did score 11 shots in the last eight ends. Had the match been over 23 ends (yes we all know that does not happen!) then they might have won as the home rink skipped by the ebullient Tom Bates were definitely on the run. BWBA Captain, Ian Blackmore lost by 17 shots to 21; but there was one victorious BWBA rink lead by president Terry Fitzgerald who squeaked past the home rink by one shot, phew.
The WVIBC rinks had a far less easy time but all were agreed that they had had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Worthing Pavilion Captain, Ken Smytherman thanked all concerned and looked forward to next year’s return match.
Match Result (BWBA & WVIBC rinks first) : –
C.Jones, J.Heap, T.Baldwin, T.Fitzgerald
26 – 25
J.Miles, M.Walton, M.Gooch, J.Barrass
C.Ward, D.Woolnough, L.Davis
13 – 19
A.Westcott, D.Langham, P.Pullan, T.Bates
Y.Body, G.Body, I.Blackmore
17 – 21
T.Urbin, K.Couter, K.Smytherman
R.Thurman, N.Thomson, B.Ide, B.Ide
12 – 26
E.Hamblett, A.Page, B.Homer, B.Ledger
B.Kerly, K.Goldsmith, J.Corker, M. Steeles
12 – 32
N.Franklin, K.Merrett, B.Bodicoat, D.Elliot
J.Taylor, B.Williams, A.Norman, C.Thurman
6 – 45
D.Allen, B.Parker, G.Farley, D.Virgo
Overall Result = 86 – 168