The Over 60’s ladies National singles competition took place this week between Sarah Marshall of Berkhamsted and Lesley Tutt of Batchwood. Sarah is totally blind. It was a fascinating and enlightening match.

When a visually impaired bowler plays, a thin white breakable string is placed along the centreline of the rink to assist orientation and aiming. This string helps bowlers align themselves on the mat and judge the line they wish to play. In addition, markers may be placed on the string at 2 metres and 25 metres from the front and rear ditches to assist in description of the jack length.

When Sarah came to bowl, she touched the 2 metre peg to ascertain her position, then placed the mat counting her steps as she went. Placed the mat down using the string to adjust. Again, using the string, she took up her position on the mat to deliver her bowl. When walking up the rink she took the arm of her guide, Liz. There were many close ends during the game. Sarah won the match 21 – 13.

Lesley Tutt and Sandra Clark played their Senior National Pairs at Tring against Lyn Boniface and Helen McMillan. After a poor start dropping 7 shots on the second end the Batchwood team gradually improved to beat the opposition winning 21 - 16. . Sue Swain, Yvonne McCauliffe, Jerry McCauliffe and Dave Richardson narrowly lost to Garston away in the National fours against a strong team.

Batchwood played away at Harperbury in a unique annual match for the Michael O'Brien trophy. Batchwood won 63 - 54. The top rink was Aqil Nasser, Beryl Birch and Liz Schlatter.

In the St Albans & District singles competition George Tutt beat John Turkentine 21 - 11 both of Batchwood BC.

Tricia Gascoine

Press Officer

Level 2 Coach