Another outing for the Gloucestershire bowlers, this time travelling to Bristol for the increasingly popular 3 Bowl Pairs format.
A strong field of 34 teams competed across 9 mats at Bristol Indoor Bowling Centre, Liberty Lane. The centre has recently had its main carpet renewed, but it is still settling in and has yet to be fully stretched and walked down. As a result, mat-on-mat conditions felt very much like bowling uphill, with bowls holding only a modest amount of bias.
Gloucestershire was well represented, with teams from Sharpness, Ripple, Deer Park Archers and Defford taking part. With six groups in operation, the county’s competitors found themselves well spread across the mats. The competition consisted of five knockout games, with a welcome lunch provided after Game 3.
Ripple 2 and the Sharpness Kits both progressed into the Plate competition. There was the customary organiser’s conundrum when Ripple 1 initially appeared to be placed ahead in their group despite seemingly having fewer points. Fortunately, Geoff, who had stepped in to organise the event at short notice, quickly resolved the situation. Well done to Geoff for keeping everything running smoothly under the circumstances.
Steve the Otter was in attendance throughout the day and provided loyal support to the Sharpness team as they battled their way into the Plate Final. Unfortunately, the final turned on a single bowl when the “Dads Know Best” team produced a perfectly weighted shot to remove the match-winning lie from Sharpness and claim victory.
The main final saw Cearn emerge victorious against Ross after a closely contested and well-fought match.
A great day of bowling, good company and plenty of competitive action.
The next Bristol, Avon event on the calendar is the Triples competition on 13th September.
