Killer Bowls Match to End Season

Shiplake Village Bowling Club arranged an inaugural bowls competition menacingly called ‘Killer Bowls’ on Sunday (6 September) to replace what would have been the club’s main finals day which of course was erased, along with most other things, from this year’s calendar. The unusual and untested competition proved to be a significant draw for both players and spectators alike and with the weather set fair, everyone settled down for a fascinating encounter.

With a total of 22 players, it was arranged to play on two rinks,11 on each, each player having been allotted a number had two bowls to play with, normal bowls rules applied only the player with the bowl furthest away would have to forfeit that bowl.  It proved great fun yet strangely nerve jangling especially when down to just the one bowl.

Four players made it to the final, John and Clare Gutteridge, Dave Webb and Graham Kennedy.  In the end Graham came away the winner, all received a prize of Centenary Glass and Lottery scratch card as well as a cash prize for the winner.

The day proved a great success, especially as the bar was open for the first time this season and there was plenty of free food.  The competition itself was an inspired choice for this day, giving all players a fighting chance on the green and offering a fun spectacle to watch too. It was so pleasing to see such a good turn out after such a disappointing season for us all.  Hopefully ‘Killer Bowls’ will become an annual event.  www.bowlsshiplake.com