07/09/2026
Ladies v Men Triples Challenge
6 September 2026
Last year, it was decided to resurrect the Ladies v Men Challenge match, in triples format. This year, and hopefully for future years, we’re doing the same.
Jan, Julie and our excellent Social Committee looked after the Ladies teams’ line up plus the much-appreciated American Supper with the usual kitchen paraphernalia to follow and Richard again looked after the Men’s teams’ line up.
Phil was asked to place a notice on the website, asking for members to submit their name, and the final count, after a few call-offs due to injury, hospital treatment and double booking was 19 Ladies and 24 Men, with 2 ‘walking’ wounded.
Maybe some of you can remember last year and the pre-match drama in the kitchen, a well-known hazardous area, when Jools decided to drop kick a sharp knife leading to Emergency Services being called out. This year, she matched it by swallow diving into the shower and breaking her collarbone. It was suggested that she still could’ve played as she had an uninjured left arm, but she whimpishly declined.
This year, following his new knee surgery, Geoff attended and was much welcomed, his and Jools’ presence at the club these past few weeks has been missed. Better still, Geoff was celebrating a birthday, some cruel rumours going round about saying it was his 82nd, but we all know he has one or two more years left to reach that total. Many thanks for the first drink at the bar, much needed after a titanic struggle against our Ladies.
During the process of organising the afternoon, members were asked about providing an American Supper, donating a raffle prize (a big thank you to all who donated to this match and throughout the friendlies season), sorting out in the kitchen and organising the clubhouse to seat and serve almost 50 people. This was done with our usual efficiency, not a hint of pandemonium anywhere.
Playing format for the afternoon was 6 triples, 18 bowlers, with Ladies making only 1 sub (no requirement for Davida Brown this year) and Men 6 subs, coming onto the rink after the halftime refreshment break.
One of the ‘rules’ of the game was for Men to bowl opposite handed on each of the final ends of the session. This provided some hilarity (especially from Karen who had a good-natured heckling session with Des throughout) but also an opportunity for the Ladies to (try to) score heavily. Also, anyone bowling wrong bias, wore a Dunces Hat for a couple of ends (you know who you are, Dave and Carole S, Susan, Tony, Judy, Wendy, Steve W & Pete S) and anyone hitting the jack, not only had chalk on the wood, but qualified for a melted chocolate sweet from the bowl on each rink.
Also, it was good to see several of our first season bowlers joining in, you’re always welcome.
At the end of the afternoon, it was 4 wins to Men and 2 wins for Ladies, Men 99 shots, Ladies 80 shots, Men 59 ends Ladies 47 with 2 tied.
Prestigious Top Rink for Men on Rink 5 involved Graham, Tony, Julian and Des by winning 24-12 against Fiona, Karen and Jenny, Ladies scoring 4 shots on the 9th end but losing the 18th by 1 shot.
The next good win by Men on Rink 4 involved Rob, Graham and Richard coming out on top by 20-9. Ladies took 3 shots on 9th end but lost 18th by 1 shot.
The first win for the Ladies, playing on Rink 3 involved Carole, Wendy and Jan against Peter, Pete, David and Brian by 17-11. Ladies took 1 shot on 9th end and an outstanding 5 shots on the 18th to secure the win, well done.
The next win for the Ladies played on Rink 2 involved Ann, Julie and Susan against Peter, Glynn, Adrian, Steve and Steve by 19-14. They took 3 shots on 9th end and another 2 shots on 18th end finishing on top of a tight match.
A closer win for Men on Rink 1 involved Dave, Robb, Bryan and Steve against Debbie, Ann, Judy and Angela, score 15-11. Ladies took 1 shot on 9th end and 2 shots on 18th, taking full advantage of the opposite handed delivery ‘rule’ but not sufficient to win the match.
And finally, we come to Rink 6 with Mike, Brian, Jeff and Jeffery taking on Angela, Eileen and Therese, Men winning 15-12. The difference in the score was due to our Ladies not taking advantage of the opposite handed delivery rule by losing the 9th by 1 shot and again losing the 18th by 2 shots. So, despite claiming the men only won on the last end, Ladies have only themselves to ‘blame’.
The good weather played its part in a great afternoon of friendly banter and some very good bowling on both sides. The American Supper was excellent, thanks to all who donated and to those who baked some fantastic cakes. Raffle went very well, congratulations to those who won a prize and thanks again to those who donated.
Thanks to the photographers, team photos always appreciated.
I guess we’ll have to organise again next year.
Richard
