This last week saw Paulton’s Ladies start their Wild League campaign with a narrow defeat at home to Prattens’ Ladies.
Paulton got off to a good start, but could not hold on, with the consistency of Prattens’ Ladies being the main factor in their win. A loss by seven shots, winning on one of the three rinks, was not a bad start to the season, though.
Paulton’s Men played a Friendly against Stothert and Pitt’s Men, in Bath, and managed to get their first win of the season. Two of the three rinks went to the very last end to determine the result, but Paulton came out on top overall, winning by 37 shots to 35.
Saturday saw the start of the County League, with Paulton’s Men away to a strong Purnell B team. Paulton’s new-look team, with seven of last season’s core missing, showed great fight in winning on two of the three rinks, but losing the match overall. Paulton had a new bowler, Jeremy Alsop, to thank for playing at the last minute. Jeremy only started bowling the week previously and this was his first ever match, of any description.
Paulton’s Mixed team played a friendly against Trowbridge Police and were unlucky to lose by just two shots. Trowbridge unfortunately lost two players very late on the day before the match was due to take place. After a few frantic telephone calls, Paulton were able to come to their rescue, supplying them with two of our members, so as both teams had equal numbers.
Shortly after the match got underway, heavy rain came down and both sets of players were forced to take shelter in the clubhouse. After a short time, the game resumed with much friendly banter. Paulton managed to win on one rink, drew on another and narrowly lost on the other two.
Bob Richards