Congratulations to Aaron, who, on Thursday, won through to the fifth round of the Open Champions competition, by beating some stiff opposition in Pauline Dando from Pratten’s. He now goes on to meet Kevin Jones on August 3rd at Norwest, in round five. He has also reached the fifth round in the County Unbadged competition and will be playing this on August 4th against D. Rafferty in Bath. Good luck Aaron, keep up the good work.

While our ladies’ fortunes remain rather grim as far as results go, due mainly to lack of players, it’s great to know that they are still enjoying their bowling and that our new ladies are gaining valuable experience which will hold us in good stead for next season. Keep at it girls, things can only get better. 

But it’s a very different picture as far as the lads are concerned. They started the week on Tuesday, by welcoming Fry’s bowlers to Norwest’s green for their fifth round game in the Wedmore Plate competition. It was a great evening and good to see lots of supporters there to cheer our lads on, and the cheering obviously worked as our lads did us proud, winning by 31 shots. They meet Pratten’s for the next game, which will be a quarter-final. So it’s another week of keeping our fingers crossed. 

On Wednesday, it was a busy evening for us, with two Men’s games. The first was away to Fosseway for the last Mid-Somerset league game. Once again, Norwest came away triumphant, winning all 16 points. This means that our lads finished as ‘best runners-up’ and go on to meet Bath in the semi-final on Wednesday, 2nd August at Bath. It would seem that more finger crossing is needed, so good luck boys for both games, we’ll all be rooting for you.

The second game was a two rink friendly at Bloomfield, overall, a much more relaxed game but still a win by 22 shots for Norwest. Another Men’s game on Saturday saw the lads off to Wyrall Park for a friendly, which certainly lived up to its name by ending in a 76 shot draw. 

On Sunday, it was our away day to Bideford, which unfortunately I was unable to attend, however, according to Mary, it was very enjoyable, even though the weather was somewhat unpredictable and we lost the game. Thanks as usual to John Martin Coaches and also to Martyn Hunt, our organiser, but just one thing Martyn, next year could you check the date with me first – I just hate missing out!

And finally, don’t forget that next Sunday it’s our annual Fun Day. I’ve ordered the sunshine, Harold’s ordered the burgers and all you’ve got to do is turn up ready to have some fun and spend some money. This year we’re raising funds for the Dorothy House Hospice and, as I’m sure you all know what a brilliant job they do, why not come along and help us. We’d love to see some fellow bowlers from other local clubs or anyone else who’d like a to pop along and have a go at any of our games, the tombola or to just enjoy a beer and burger.

N.H.