Once again Norwest had problems with water on the green, but unlike last year when they needed their wellies to play, this week the soaring temperatures meant that keeping the players supplied with drinking water was a full-time job.
The week started badly for the Ladies with two lost games. Monday evening they welcomed Frome Park to their green for a game in the Fear Plate competition, which ended in a win for Frome Park and consequently saw Norwest out of the competition for this year. On Tuesday, the club was away to Bath where the lack of rain, extreme heat and lack of greenery on the 'green' meant it was running exceedingly fast and Bath Ladies, being familiar with the conditions, took advantage and trounced Norwest.
The Annual Freda Bowditch Memorial Tournament, a Ladies open triples competition, was held on Wednesday on a gloriously sunny day. There were fourteen teams battling it out for the trophy throughout the day. Coffee and biscuits were served to separate the morning sessions and tea and cake in the afternoon. A luncheon of salmon, ham or cheese salads with fruit salad and ice cream was provided for the players and for this they were grateful to the catering team of Anne, Pat, Val, Nora and Roy. The results were, First: Jo Dunsford, Warminster, Second: J. Clarke, Nailsea, Third: O. Grant, Frome Park, and Fourth: C. Fordham, Bath Post Office. Thanks go to Mary for organising the competition, Mike for umpiring, Marion for doing the raffle and, as always, Ken on the bar. Thank you also to all the ladies who supplied a really scrumptious array of homemade cakes and last, but not least, the club owes a very big thank you to their sponsors, Aims Refreshments Ltd for their generous support.
The Ladies final game of the week was on Thursday when they went to Pratten's for a Wild League game. Yet another scorching day and after a really friendly game, which Norwest Ladies won on all rinks, were treated to a very welcome cuppa, some currant bread and a good gossip, a good way to finish the week.
Tuesday evening saw the Men welcoming Queen Camel to Norwest for the next round of the Wedmore Plate. The game was played in a very friendly atmosphere on a lovely summer evening with lots of banter and the outcome sees Norwest going on to the next round. On Wednesday, the Men went off to Castle Cary for a Mid-Somerset League game which they won 3–1 and scoring 14–2 points. They are on a roll at the moment, keep it up!
Finally, on Friday, the Somerset Patrons Team joined Norwest to play a game in celebration of the club's 85th anniversary. A spider competition was held before the game started with the proceeds going to the RUH baby unit, this was won by Mike Gilbert, of Prattens.
The keenly-contested game on a hot and sunny day was enjoyed by all the players and the result of a 145 - 99 win for Norwest seemed only fitting for this special occasion. A further cause for celebration was when Ron (or is it Ronald!) Bryant, Doug Aukland, Mike Briggs and Eddie Nott scored a hot shot, well done chaps, that's another badge to pin on your blazers.
A superb meal was enjoyed after the game for which we thank Sue, Doris, Maggie and Lyn, well done, once again, ladies! Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success, especially Anne and Ken on the bar, Marion, our raffle queen, and Paul for organising the spider. The Patrons Chairman, Gerry Gridley, finished off the day by congratulating Norwest on reaching their 85th anniversary and raised a toast to all the club members.