A wonderful end to a very promising season for many bowlers. The club has been successful in recruiting a number of new members over recent years; this year is no exception. Several ‘new faces’ are showing real promise. The Coaching team are making plans to add to the initial (FREE) Coaching Course which is available to all. Additional, more advanced tuition, will be available to members from next year.

On Friday evening the Buffet & Presentation took place for the Integra League bowlers. Any member who has joined the club in the last 5 years is eligible to enter the Integra League. Play is available every Thursday afternoon and / or evening of their choosing to allow for work, holidays and other commitments. The teams are drawn from the players present and vary each game. They have been battling it out for the past three months to find an eventual winner. The winning players are Liz Walls first place, Richard Cleal second and third Rosemary McDonagh.

At the weekend, Batchwood’s closing day Triples Competition took place. The teams are drawn and play several other teams during the afternoon. Good competitive play with much laughter took place with the eventual winners being an all-female team of Liz Walls, Joyce Hopkinson & Sue Swain. Chris Kelly, the Competition Secretary has had a successful season in his first year in that position.

Batchwood Bowling Club has had a very successful year. A ladies’ senior fours became champions of Hertfordshire and represented the County at the National Finals. The men had two teams in the Watford District Veterans League. Both teams were promoted this year. The Blue team were promoted from the second division to the first division. The Yellow team were promoted from the third division to the second division. A Batchwood team played in the final of the Vet’s Fours and won. In the St Albans District finals two wood triples competition a Batchwood team won. Other successes took place in St Albans & District, and in Club competitions.

The club has a full programme of social events during the winter months to keep members in touch with one another. Anyone who is interested in joining a mixed club with a famously friendly reputation PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected] for enquiries or more information. A free short coaching course is provided for potential new members and the first-year subscription is reduced. All organised matches and casual roll-ups are free.

Tricia Gascoine

Press Officer