Press Report 19th May 2025

A very busy week for Batchwood in National, County & St Albans & District competitions.

Results as follows:

National Competitions:

The Batchwood ladies’ team of Brenda Bennitt, Joyce Hopkinson, Jenny Gauthier & Jackie Bell played Marcia Dunstone’s team away at Berkhamsted in the National Women’s Senior 4’s. A formidable team. Batchwood led in the first half, Berkhamsted caught up in the second half. After being one down at 15 ends, Batchwood were up by 3 shots on the penultimate end. It should have been easy...but Skip Jackie was 3 shots down (scores level) when she went up to bowl on the last end, with her 3 bowls left to play. Jackie managed to get 2nd wood but Marcia knocked another of her own team’s bowls up making 2 shots to Berkhamsted. Batchwood won the match by one shot. What a game!

The National Men’s Unbadged singles had varied fortunes. John Turkentine beat Nigel Whittle of Townsend 21 – 4. Eddie Clark beat B. Clarke of Potters Bar 21 – 8. Chris Kelly lost fo M. Taylor of Shire Park 6 – 21 & Jerry McCauliffe lost to T. Tharby of Harpenden 14 – 21.

Dave Gauthier played Joe Festa in the Over 60’s Men’s singles at Harpenden BC. It was a very good game and although Dave lost 12 - 21 the score didn’t reflect the game at all. There were some very good close heads. A great game to watch. John Turkentine played Kevin Murphy away at Mill End winning 21 – 18.

The National Mixed Pairs took place at Batchwood BC on a cold, windy evening. The home team of Jenny & Dave Gauthier played Jackie Bell also of Batchwood being partnered with Steve Maynard of Harpenden. Both teams played some good shots; but the opposition pulled away winning 20 – 12.

In the National Mixed Fours Yvonne McCauliffe’s team were beaten by Diane Jewell’s team away at Potters Bar 13 – 19.

County Competitions:

The Batchwood Men’s team of David Harris, Aqui Nasser, George Tutt & Brian Parkes beat a Whit Hern team in the County 4’s. They made an excellent recovery after being 14 – 6 down on the 10th end to beat them 22 – 18.

In the Men’s County Fours Dave Richardson played P. Jones away at Welwyn & District BC winning 15 – 21. George Tutt played A. Langley of Harperbury at home losing 7 – 22.

St Albans & District Friendly League:

Batchwood Ladies’ played two rinks away at Potters Bar. They won one rink, lost the other - Potters Bar won overall. Batchwood Men played 3 rinks away at Potters Bar and won on all three rinks.

Herts Bowls Coaching Society (HBCS)

At the weekend HBCS held a Skills Day at Batchwood. The objectives of HBCS are to raise standards of coaching and play, and increase participation of bowls within Hertfordshire. The coaches travel throughout Hertfordshire.

Batchwood Members were divided into two groups, one experienced bowlers, the other inexperienced. The subjects covered were many and varied: Etiquette; Positions – Duties & Responsibilities; Purposeful Practice; Bowls Ballistics; Playing Laws etc. Members of varying degrees of knowledge participated and the session was appreciated by them all. Our thanks go to Eddie Plume and his HBCS team for their time, patience and understanding.

St Albans Spring Fair

Batchwood had a stall at the St Albans Spring Fair. Batchwood members met members of the public many of whom expressed an interest in bowls. The Mayor kindly honoured us with a visit during his busy schedule.

Open Day – Monday 26th May between 2.00p.m. – 5.00p.m.

Batchwood are holding another Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday 26h May between 2.00p.m – 5.00p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend. A rare opportunity to experience the thrill of bowling with guidance from coaches and experienced bowlers. All equipment will be provided. Flat soled shoes need to be worn. More information can be obtained by contacting [email protected] or 07957 572715. You can be assured of a warm welcome.

Tricia Gascoine

Press Officer

Level 2 Coaching