Press reports 2004

20 September 2004
Rain stopped play when Shiplake went away against Caversham, at anything betweenm 10 and 12 ends. However, perhaps it may be said that a positively winning pattern had been established by four of the five rinks particularly for Trevor Beaumont playing with John Chamberlain, Bill Blackmore and Jill Rumble with a score of 24-4 on end 11. Overall part match score was 80 to Shiplake and 41 against.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, David Buckett, Peter Cross, Les Redding 14-7
John Chamberlain, Jill Rumble, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 24-4
Helen Robinson, Vera Harris, Ray Wheeler, Barry Lambourne 18-7
Sylvia Blackmore, Sonia Stretch, Iain Robinson, Peter Sawdon-Smith 12-19
Francis Benham, Bob Beard, Wendy Cross, Phyl Mansfield 12-4

Shiplake travelled next to BAConcorde where the usual convivial end of season hospitality was available. Whilst the host team won by 8 shots, Shiplake was pleased to have reduced the gap right down from a 48 shot loss when they last met. As befitted the last match to be Captained by David Bullock before he takes up the Senior Vice Presidency of OBA, David and his team of Margaret Bullock, Francis Benham and Phyl Mansfield took top place with a score of 25-9. Match score Shiplake 93 to 101.
Shiplake scores:
Helen Robinson, Pat Buckett, Peter Cross, Iain Robinson 20-23
Angie Main, John Snook, Pat Main, Peter Christmas 11-29
Julia Perry, David Buckett, Mairwen West, Howard West 11-21
Val Beard, Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard, Wendy Cros 26-19
M Bullock, Francis Benham, Phyl Mansfield, David Bullock 25-9

13 September 2004
Shiplake went away to Peppard where they made hay while the sun still shone with a crop of high scoring wins and a match total of 142 shots to 97. Skip Les Redding had a field day playing with Val Beard, David Steel and Eric Smith (who is back to bowls after a long injury time). Les, winning a stunning 16 ends out of 21, recorded top afternoon result of 36 shots to 10. Howard West too enjoyed the golden afternoon celebrating a win of 27 shots to 13, and 14 ends won out of 21 played.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, Eric Smith, David Steel, Les Redding 36
Angie Main, Patricia Steel, Peter Christmas, Howard West 27-13
Eric Davis, Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard, Phyl Mansfield 23-20
Doreen Allen, Jerry Stockwell, Ray Wheeler, Brian Evans 17-14
Vera Harris, Peter Higgs, Bill Blackmore, Wendy Cross 17-20
Sylvia Blackmore, Jill Rumble, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 22-20

Whilst all Shiplake players are competitive and keen to win, it may have been a match of sideways glances across the green between married pair David and Margaret Bullock in order to see who was doing best as they both played skip against Broadmoor. Their teams were completed by Val Beard and Peter Higgs, and Paula Benham and Maurice Hill respectively. Margaret was well ahead at end 10 with a score of 17-5, whilst David's card showed 11-3. Whether that gap put extra ginger into the play of her husband and his team, is not known but their games ended in what was probably a very satisfactory tie of 25-11. Shiplake 79. Broadmoor Staff 57.
Shiplake scores:
Pat Buckett, Francis Benham, Peter Sawdon-Smith 20
Val Beard, Peter Higgs, Davis Bullock 25-11
Paula Benham, Maurice Hill, Margaret Bullock 25-11
Rosemary Taylor, Bob Beard, Mike Lovejoy 11-15
Sonia Stretch, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 22-16

Shiplake's Millenium triples result - Helen Robinson, David Buckett, Barrie Evans 10. Val Beard, John Snook, Peter Christmas 3.

There were some wonderful parting shots as Shiplake's retiring Chairman Howard West, playing in partnership with Angie Main, David Buckett and Peter Cross achieved a top score of 35 shots to 7 when the side played Wargrave, historically acknowledged as a top rate side. However, as the opposing team scored on only six ends, at least one opposing skip was having an off-day. Vice-Captain Wendy Cross enjoyed a good result with the help of Val Beaumont, Sonia Stretch, and Peter Christmas and a 26-14 result. Match score Shiplake 133-71.
Shiplake scores:
Angie Main, David Buckett, Peter Cross, Howard West 35-7
Phyl Mansfield, John Snook, Les Redding, Trevor Beaumont 20-19
Margaret Bullock, Rosemary Taylor, David Bullock 20-10
Val Beaumont, Sonia Stretch, Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross 26-14
Mairwen West, Maurice Hill, Pat Main, Barry Lambourne 32-21

6 September 2004
Shiplake went away to Suttons and returned home to Memorial Avenue with a very satisfactory score from a hot afternoons' work. Graham Kennedy came out as the skip of the top team once again, scoring 26 , whilst allowing his opponents to score only on 8 ends of 21 and 9 shots, with backing group Angie Main, David Buckett, and Bob Beard. Les Redding playing with Sonia Stretch, often to be found this season in one of the two top teams, who with Helen Robinson and Margaret Bullock completing the rink ended with a team score of 27 to 14. Match score, Shiplake 128, Suttons 102.
Shiplake scores:
Sylvia Blackmore, Maurice Hill, Peter Christmas, David Bullock 22-25
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Mike Lovejoy, Len Mitton 13-22
Sonia Stretch, Helen Robinson, Margaret Bullock, Les Redding 27-14
Angie Main, David Buckett, Bob Beard Graham Kennedy 26- 9
Mairwen West, Rosemary Taylor, Wendy Cross, Iain Robinson 16-16
Vera Harris, Pat Main, Howard West, Trevor Beaumont 24-16

Finals Day at Shiplake, and a long and very hot, but enjoyable spectator experience indeed. It was as ever an occasion when the most talented club players meet to decide winners and runners-up some playing continuously in any one event for three hours. Competitions Secretary Peter Cross again organised the smooth-running event. A good crowd of supporters gathered to watch for most or all of the day. An early start for both Barrie Evans and Peter Sawdon-Smith in the Mens' Singles which lasted 17 ends. Barrie beat Peter 22-11. Wendy Cross playing against Sylvia Blackmore in the Ladies Singles won 21 shots to 8, again over 17 ends. Margaret Bullock, playing in the Singles Plate started slowly, but by end 7 had overtaken opponent Helen Robinson, and went on to win 22-15. Two top Shiplake male players, Barry Lambourne and Barrie Evans virtually flogged it out between them in the Handicap event, with 23 ends taken to provide the winner, Barry Lambourne, and a score of 21-15. The married pairs, which historically can provide for the participants a fraught three or four hours, was played very harmoniously between the popular Mairwen and Howard West, and the still emerging reliable and competent pair, Janet and Jerry Stockwell. Play continued for 20 ends the gallant, ever composed losers scoring 9 to the West's admirable winning score of 34 shots. Later in the day both Howard West and Barrie Evans, partnered by Val Beard and Janette Macarthur respectively, were on the green again, all using 4 woods in the Drawn Pairs. This was another long hot session. Val and Howard who won 26 shots to 14, leapt ahead at the third end with 6 shots to make a score of 10 on the card, and success continued. For Barrie and Janette, a five shot win on end 16 was unfortunately too late to help them begin to equal their opponents' end result. Senior Citizens in the shape of the popular players Phyllis Mansfield and Les Redding were pretty equally balanced against each other until end 12 when Phyl equalled an earlier four by Les, which put her nicely ahead for a final winning score of 15-10. Captain David Bullock who has led the club through a very good 2004 season, met Trevor Beaumont in the 2-wood competition, which can be resolved in 2 sets, but is perhaps more commonly played over 3 sets of 7 ends. Finals Day play continued in that form with Trevor taking the first set 7-3, and David Bullock the 2nd and 3rd sets 7-4 and 7-3 respectively. Bill Blackmore and Brian Evans playing the Novices Competition went through to a 21 end result, with Bill Blackmore winning 21 shots to 15.

31 August 2004
There were no sad Captains at Shiplake when they played their last evening match to a win at home against Trenthams, for in particular David Bullock with the help of Val Beaumont, Bill Blackmore and Maurice Hill, Vice-Captain Wendy Cross with Angie Main, Philip Freshwater and Brian Evans made scores of 27-13 and 22-9 respectively. Match result Shiplake 109 shots, Trenthams 89.
Shiplake scores:
Angie Main, Philip Freshwater, Brian Evans, Wendy Cross 22-9
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Peter Higgs, Barry Lambourne 22-13
Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, John Chamberlain, Iain Robinson 17-36
Val Beaumont, Maurice Hill, Bill Blackmore, David Bullock 27-13
Helen Robinson, Peter Cross, Trevor Beaumont, Graham Kennedy 21-18

Shiplake's Captain of the day Len Mitton led a successful five triples against the usual cheerful crowd of Courage Pensioners, onto a green still in excellent condition at this stage of the season due to the professional care given by greenkeeper Iain Robinson. The home team result benefited from the state of the green but also from Iain's renewed bowling accuracy and energy and together with the help of Eric Davis and Philip Freshwater romped home to a 38-6 win. Wendy Cross, Helen Robinson and Bob Beard made a good profit with their score of 23-5. Match result Shiplake 103 shots to Courage Pensioner's 67.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, John Snook, David Steel 20-10
Helen Robinson, Bob Beard, Wendy Cross 23-5
Eric Davis, Philip Freshwater, Iain Robinson 38-6
Jill Rumble, Mairwen West, Len Mitton 16-19
Pat Steel, Howard West, Les Redding 6-27

Anyone scanning the Shiplake triples line-up for their last match of the MUL season away to Harwell might well have been confident of a full 12 point result for the Memorial Avenue club. Not so in the event, although trial ends looked encouraging and there was a lively and positive mien on most rinks. Graham Kennedy went right through to best result of the afternoon playing with Margaret and David Bullock to a result of 28 shots to 11 away. Whilst three of the five rinks recorded success, Shiplake ended with just 8 MUL but 95 shots, and Harwell 4 points and 75 shots. With the last results to come in, and from the University of Reading in particular, should now decide Shiplake's place in the 2004 league results.
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, David Bullock, Graham Kennedy 28-11
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Trevor Beaumont 25-19
Helen Robinson, Iain Robinson, Len Mitton 15-10
Val Beaumont, Peter Christmas, Barry Lambourne 14-17
Wendy Cross, Peter Sawdon-Smith, Barrie Evans 13-18

Vice-Chairman Pat Main took the Shiplake side away to Huntley and Palmer where they ran into surprisingly heavy flak as their opponents took the biscuit winning three of the five rinks in this friendly match. Whilst the end result was an honourable 82 shots to Shiplake and 96 away, David Steel who this season has shown more of the cheerfully positive leadership he is capable of, came out top with a score of 25-13 assisted by Eric Davis, Pat Buckett and Peter Higgs.
Shiplake scores:
Vera Harris, John Snook, Bob Beard, Pat Main 12-31
Pat Steel, Annette Chamberlain, David Buckett, John Chamberlain 13-16
Eric Davis, Pat Buckett, Peter Higgs, David Steel 25-13
Sonia Stretch, Val Beard, Helen Robinson, Iain Robinson 20-16
Jill Rumble, Angie Main, Francis Benham, Peter Christmas 12-20

At the end of play on Bank Holiday Monday in the men versus women's annual event Barrie Evans once again presented the Margaret Evans Cup to Shiplake's male team. Try as they may, the women in general prove themselves unable overall to meet the strength and expertise of their male opponents. Each year however there is usually at least one woman who with her team proves herself a match for whomsoever she may draw as opponents. This year it was Val Beaumont not so very far into her Shiplake bowling career, and whom with the backup of Jill Rumble and Annette Chamberlain, achieved best women's result against the male team who comprised a very strong County and ODBL side. Shiplake men 106 shots. Women 79 shots.

24 August 2004
Shiplake playing away to Hurst kept in mind the need to gain high, preferably maximum points at this late and almost critical stage of the MUL calendar. This upbeat mindset led to another evening of success for the club. By end 15 Shiplake had pulled ahead of Hurst by 30 shots, and at the 18th and final end the club could proudly boast a win by 48 shots and 10 MUL points to Hurst's 2 points. Barry Lambourne made highest score of 38 shots to 8 well backed up by Mairwen West and Worthing triples finalist Peter Sawdon-Smith. Graham Kennedy added a significant profit of 18 shots for the home side. Shiplake 113 shots. Hurst 65 shots.
Shiplake scores:
Mairwen West, Peter Sawdon -Smith, Barry Lambourne 38-8
Val Beard, David Bullock, Graham Kennedy 25-7
Vera Harris, Pat Main, Howard West 19-13
Angie Main, Peter Cross, Les Redding 14-23
Wendy Cross, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 17-14

Shiplake went into their last all male fixture in the ODBL series against Charlbury aware that the result of another match elsewhere in the county, which included their closest contenders, could if they won their match, just tip the balance and lose Shiplake the opportunity to become top of the 4th Division in this their first season. At evenings end mobile phones were busily gaining information on the outcome of the all important Bloxham match. As Bloxham's negative result became clear, league organiser Trevor Beaumont who has been assisted throughout by Barry Lambourne, could congratulate themselves that 3 of the 4 carefully selected Shiplake rinks had continued the run of excellent results and promotion to the 3rd Division. Graham Kennedy, playing with Francis Benham, David Steel and Peter Christmas, shone out with his display of leadership, grit and skill which resulted in his teams' 29 shots to 16 shot win.

A week of stormy weather and high rainfall led to a potentially tender green at Memorial Avenue , Shiplake when they entertained BA Concorde to a friendly match. Sunshine, however prevailed in every way as home scores on 3 rinks were good average wins and another finished in a tie. Barry Lambourne, Mairwen West, John Snook and Pat Main provided the highlight score of 31-15 including a 7 towards the end of the match. Shiplake 188 shots. BA Concorde 85.
Shiplake scores:
Mairwen West, John Snook, Pat Main, Barry Lambourne 31-15
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Howard West, Wendy Cross 19-19
Val Beaumont, Pat Steel, Bob Beard, Peter Christmas 20-16
Val Beard, Angie Main, Peter Cross, David Steel 24-18
Sylvia Blackmore, Philip Freshwater, Peter Higgs, Trevor Beaumont 24-17

15 August 2004
Shiplake playing away to Stuarts Henley had to thank in particular Barrie Evans and his team of Margaret Bullock, John Chamberlain and Mike Lovejoy, for their score of 33-13. Barrie and team only conceded five ends out of 21 played. Len Mitton made a useful 20 shots to 9 to his opponents and with Barrie's good margin an aggregated profit of 31 closed the deficit suffered by the three other rinks playing in this Plomer Cup match and left the club with a profit of four points. The final call of 104 shots to Shiplake and 100 to Stuarts, the four shot margin and two rink successes, allowing a 6 points-all league result.
Shiplake scores:
Helen Robinson, Rosemary Taylor, David Bullock, Iain Robinson 16-26
Sonia Stretch, Phyl Mansfield, Bill Blackmore , Barry Lambourne 16-27
Annette Chamberlain, Maurice Hill, Ray Wheeler, Graham Kennedy 19-25
Wendy Cross, Pat Main, Les Redding, Len Mitton 20-9
Margaret Bullock, John Chamberlain, Mike Lovejoy, Barrie Evans 33-13

Shiplake's in-house Drawn Fours Cup event attracted a good entry and five sets of five ends later winners and runners up were established by organiser Peter Cross. The Cup will presented later in the year at the club's Dinner and Dance for the 8 point win achieved by Skip Peter Christmas, Francis Benham, Jill Rumble and Val Beard. Close into second place came the rink of Peter Sawdon-Smith, Sonia Stretch, Pat Main and Ed Jukes with a score of 7 points.

Shiplake played superby in the re-arranged away MUL match against Pangbourne, bringing home all 12 league points. Barry Lambourne skilfully raised his end score to a 32 shots to 8 win, ably backed up by Val Beard at lead and a still improving player Peter Higgs playing at two. Len Mitton added a profit of 11 and with the remaining three triples all adding more modestly it added up to a highly successful evening. Shiplake 109 shots. Pangbourne 62.
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, Howard West, Graham Kennedy 17-12
Wendy Cross, Bob Beard, Peter Sawdon-Smith 17-11
Phyl Mansfield, Bill Blackmore, Les Redding 21-18
Mairwen West, David Bullock, Len Mitton 22-13
Val Beard, Peter Higgs, Barry Lambourne 32-8

Shiplake's final match of the week away to Wargrave showed a downturn in fortunes. Barry Lambourne showed the least deficit, his team again including Peter Higgs, and completed with Angie Main and Patricia Steel. Overall an unusually high match loss for Shiplake who scored 69 to Wargrave's 117.
Shiplake scores:
Sylvia Blackmore, David Buckett, Wendy Cross, David Bullock 12-18
Angie Main, Patricia Steel, Peter Higgs, Barry Lambourne 20-23
Doreen Allen, Vera Harris, Bob Beard, David Steel 12-30
Margaret Bullock, Maurice Hill, Peter Cross, Les Redding 10-22
Val Beard, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Ray Wheeler 15-24

8 August 2004
Shiplake's first match of the week in the MUL series was played at home against Peppard. Barry Lambourne, putting up a sparkling display of high skill bowls against the acknowledged ability of his opponent Owen Kearns, came off the green with a card showing a win of 24 shots to 8 for Peppard. Wendy Cross and Peter Christmas completed this top triple. A good result overall for Shiplake with the match score of 97 shots and 8 MUL points, 70 shots to Peppard and 4 MUL points.
Shiplake scores:
Brian Evans, Phyl Mansfield, Trevor Beaumont 20-14
Val Beaumont, Len Mitton, Graham Kennedy 24-10
Margaret Bullock, Peter Cross, Iain Robinson 15-22
Wendy Cross, Peter Christmas, Barry Lambourne 24-8
Helen Robinson, Les Redding, Mike Lovejoy 14-16

Barry Lambourne in the final of the OBA Officers' Cup lost to Chris Earl 14-21.

Shiplake continued their week with a second MUL match entertaining Hurst at Home. This event yielded more of the extraordinarily high final end Shiplake scores which have been a feature of late for this talented club. The top triple was again skipped by Barry Lambourne this time playing with Margaret and David Bullock, their final tally being 37 shots to 8 against. The score included an end of seven shots and another of six. Trevor Beaumont and team established an unchallenged mid-match score of 19, and thereafter Hurst won on only four ends for six shots and the home triple 29 shots. Shiplake 133 and 10 MUL points. Hurst 53 shots and 2 MUL points.
Shiplake scores:
Wendy Cross, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 23-10
Margaret Bullock, David Bullock, BarryLambourne 37-8
Helen Robinson, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 29-6
Phyl Mansfield, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 30-14
Angie Main, Peter Cross, Iain Robinson 14-15

Innovative Shiplake were front runners in hosting the Home Counties 2004 all male Under 25's finals event at the weekend, when 6 rinks from the Oxfordshire and Kent Bowls association met at the Memorial Avenue Recreation grounds. Competitors ranged in size from a tiny nine year old through to a gentle but strapping giant of no less than 6'6". Both teams of smart, modern, lively yet disciplined and enthusiastic youngsters worked hard and skillfully in noonday temperatures of around 30 degrees. Oxfordshire's Junior Deputy Vice-President David Bullock and Assistant Secretary Peter Cross hosted the match which Kent won by 28 shots.

Meanwhile across the town to Trenthams, Shiplake's Vice-Captain Wendy Cross introduced Ed Jukes to his first match and the pleasures of competitive bowling. Ed. Wendy, Val Beard and John Snook made a steady 19 all. Rink of the day spot goes to Sonia Stretch, Maurice Hill, Bob Beard and Pat Main, who helped Shiplake with their best score opf 29 shots to 11 away. Final club score 106 shots to 923 for Trenthams.
Shiplake scores:
Rosemary Taylor, Sonia Higgs, David Buckett, Iain Robinson 23-15
Angie Main, Pat Buckett, Helen Robinson, Les Redding 18-26
Val Beard, Ed Jukes, John Snook, Wendy Cross 19-19
Sonia Stretch, Maurice Hill, Bob Beard, Pat Main 29-11
Eric Davis, Jill Rumble, Peter Higgs, Phyl Mansfield 17-21

2 August 2004
The summer air was soft and sweet at the Shiplake Green in the Recreation grounds for a six rink evening match against Tilehurst. Everyone agreed the event had been superb which may have made it easier for the visitors to lose by 34 shots. Vice Captain Wendy Cross and team were unstoppable from the first end and won 14 of the 21 played. Wendy's team was skipped by David Steel who had had a good weeks' practice away with the touring side, and was supported by Peter Watson and Ray Wheeler. Match shots to Shiplake 131. Tilehurst 97.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, Julia Perry, David Bullock, Barrie Evans 21-18
Annette Chamberlain, Patricia Steel, Bob Beard, Len Mitton 19-26
Helen Robinson, Peter Cross, Bill Blackmore, Graham Kennedy 20-19
Sonia Stretch, David Buckett, John Chamberlain, Iain Robinson 19-11
Margaret Bullock, Phyl Mansfield, Brian Evans, Barry Lambourne 24-15
Wendy Cross, Peter Watson, Ray Wheeler, David Steel 28-8

Congratulations to Shiplake's Barry Lambourne who is to play in the third round of the OBA Officers' Cup.

Whilst there was a high temperature for the beginning of the Shiplake versus C F Taylor match, the evening cooled down and was perfect to play for the George Parr Plate. Bill Blackmore began his bowling as he meant to go on. Successfully. With his team including Angie Main and Patricia Steel, and a final score showing a nice number of threes, fours and fives, the best result of 27 shots for the home side and 16 shots to Tilehurst. The trophy was retainedby Shiplake for a further year. Match score 94 Shiplake. C F Taylor 82.
Shiplake scores:
Rosemary Taylor, Ray Wheeler, David Steel 21-19
Angie Main, Patricia Steel, Bill Blackmore 27-16
Margaret Bullock, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross 20-13
Kath Deighan, Maurice Hill, Pat Main 10-19
Eric Davis, Jill Rumble, Brian Evans 16-15

On a sizzling afternoon Barry Lambourne in the MUL series away to the University of Reading continued in his normal role of top class bowler, scoring 30 shots to 15 away. High performing Margaret Bullock and Howard West completed the team. Barrie Evans contributed second highest score with 22-10. Match scores:- 93 shots and 6 point to Shiplake. 89 shots and 6 points to University of Reading.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Trevor Beaumont 13-21
Margaret Bullock, Howard West, Barry Lambourne 30-15
Wendy Cross, Les Redding, Graham Kennedy 14-26
Val Beaumont, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 22-10
Mairwen West, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 14-17

LATEST ODBL RESULTS.
Shiplake were at home to Bloxham for a four rink match, which ended with two winning rinks and 2 losing. Trevor Beaumont once again made a high differential score of 30 shots, including a six, to Bloxham's 13. John Chamberlain, Les Redding and Bill Blackmore completed the team. However, with three rinks finished and the overal score standing at 85 all a win now relied on Barrie Evans to make just one shot to ensure winning the match. Sadly this was not achieved and the final score became 85 to Shiplake and 86 to Bloxham. Points 3-3.
Shiplake( skips only):-Barry Lambourne 21-32, Trevor Beaumont 30-13. Barrie Evans 15-27. Graham Kennedy 20-17.
A morning match at home for Shiplake versus Witney Town. The day started hot and continued upwards as the sun continued to climb. Barrie Evans and team played at a highly commendable level, never faltering through from six shot on end two, through to a celebratory seven on end seventeen, and a finished of 33 shot win to 11 away. Featured player on another rink has to be Peter Cross who as an individual in a team got into an early admirable rhythm of accuracy playing at two. Match score Shiplake 96 and 4 points. Witney Town 81 and 2 points.
Shiplake( skips only):-:-Iain Robinson 23-30. Trevor Beaumont 23-23. Barrie Evans 33-11. Barry Lambourne 17-17.

12 July 2004
Wind and rain, and half the road closed by a fallen tree in the Memorial Avenue at Shiplake all served to work against a high turnout for the annual fish and chip supper. For the stout parties who did brave the hazardous weather, the evening was well saved by Vice-Captain Wendy Cross who organised an extremely individual indoor competition of miniature bowls, which would be well worth repeating when faced by difficult weather.

A weekend of travel began with Shiplake's Captain David Bullock escorting 6 rinks for a friendly match against Hook. The onset of high rainfall meant that the match was abandoned at around 15 ends all across the green. At games' end Trevor Beaumont and David Bullock were both 11 shots ahead of their opponents, with the Captain and his team scoring a 7 on end three. Therefore, David just nosed ahead in the publicity stakes, for Trevor's team card showed the lesser score of a 6 shot entry quite late in the match.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, Peter Higgs, Trevor Beaumont 22-13
Margaret Bullock, Francis Benham, David Bullock 17-6
Rosemary Taylor, Helen Robinson, Iain Robinson 11-24
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, Peter Sawdon-Smith 16-11
Val Beaumont, Eric Davis, Bob Beard 19-13
Paula Benham, Pat Main, Peter Cross 12-14

Shiplake then travelled away for a 6 rink friendly but highly competitive match against Wokingham. The match proved to be an afternoon of steady achievement overall with the highest shot wins of 9 apiece recorded by Skips Barrie Evans and Iain Robinson. Shiplake 117 shots. Wokingham 100.
Shiplake scores:
Sylvia Blackmore, Howard West, Peter Cross, Barry Lambourne 18-12
Helen Robinson, Jill Rumble, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 25-16
Eric Davis, Angie Main, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 20-14
Mairwen West, Peter Higgs, John Chamberlain, Wendy Cross 17-25
Val Beard, David Buckett, Pat Main, Iain Robinson 24-15
Margaret Bullock, Bob Beard, Peter Crhistmas, Les Redding 13-18

A buzz of excitement and anticipation at Shiplake as they opened up their immaculate green to host the OBA pairs quarter finals . With OBA President Alan Hunt, Shiplake's David Bullock OBA Junior Deputy President, and Peter Cross, Assistant County Secretary in attendance, pairs from Banbury Central, Oxford City and County, Summertown, Chadlington and Carterton, and three pairs from Banbury Borough were inspirational as they demonstrated the level of skill required to compete for a stake in the County semi-finals.

5 July 2004
Shiplake were at home for a 5 triple Plomer Cup match against Henley which ended with Shiplake winning on three rinks out of five and a close 86 shots to Shiplake and 84 to Henley. Graham Kennedy's win of 9 shots over his opponents and a final score of 25 shots to 13 against, offset a similar losing score elsewhere, with steady unremarkable play on the other three rinks. Graham played with versatile Margaret Bullock and Eric Davis. Plomer Cup points:- Shiplake 8 points, Henley 4 points.
Shiplake scores:
Sonia Stretch, Ray Wheeler, Bob Beard 11-24
Mairwen West, Brian Evans, Mike Lovejoy 17-14
Eric Davis, Margaret Bullock, Graham Kennedy 25-13.
Pat Steel, Peter Higgs, Len Mitton 14-19
Val Beard, David Steel, Iain Robinson 19-14

A home match for the AIT sponsored Shiplake ODBL team versus Charlbury led to a 4 point to 2 point win, and the possibility that this result may tip the balance towards Shiplake's promotion into a higher division. Scores across the four rinks were close, but once again it was Skip Graham Kennedy, playing with Francis Benham, David Steel, and Iain Robinson who provided a vital 9 shots which gave the team the necessary advantage for an overall team win. Shiplake 74 shots. Charlbury 69 shots.
Shiplake( skips only):- Barry Lambourne 17-15. Barrie Evans 20-24. Terry Davis 14-16. Graham Kennedy 23-14.

Margaret Bullock, several times winner of the Shiplake women's trophy, has qualified for the quarter finals in the Oxon County singles. Margaret had quite a tussle until the point where Margaret was 7 shots to 15 down. However, she did not then allow her opponent another winning shot over the final 9 ends. Final score 21 shots to Margaret and 15 against.

An afternoon away for Shiplake in high gusting winds when they visited Maiden Erlegh for a 6 rink friendly match. A pleasing result for Vice-Captain Wendy Cross as her team scored 115 shots to their hosts' 95 shots. Helen Robinson, more often on the green as a Lead played at three to her husband and Skip, Iain, with Angie Main and Francis Benham completing the most successful team of the day with a score of 25 shots for Shiplake and 9 shots to Maiden Erlegh. Shiplake scores:
Bob Beard, Paula Benham, David Steel, Trevor Beaumont 20-9
Julia Perry, Pat Steel, Peter Higgs, Peter Sawdon-Smith 17-24
Sonia Stretch, David Buckett, Pat Main, Wendy Cross 14-18
Angie Main, Francis Benham, Helen Robinson, Iain Robinson 25-9
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Maurice Hill, Graham Kennedy 21-17
Val Beaumont, Jill Rumble, Les Redding, Len Mitton 18-18

28 June 2004
Some disappointment for Shiplake as rain cancelled mid-week play against Pangbourne. However, the lively Memorial Avenue club had celebratory arrangements for later in the week when a new garden donated by Julia Perry in memory of her husband Mike was opened by his four grandchildren. The garden is in memory of Mike's part in building the present clubhouse, and his work as President, Chairman and Captain. Mike's family afterwards entertained a party for 50 members and old bowling friends.

Shiplake's ODBL team returned to winning form with a full 6 point away win against the Oxford University Press Bowling club. After recent see-saw results for Skip Terry Davis in various situations, Terry came up trumps and pipped Barry Lambourne to the top shots spot. Terry was steadily backed up by Bob Beard, Les Redding and Len Mitton and a score of 26 shots to Shiplake and 12 to OUP was achieved, with admirable scorecard plus entries on 14 of 21 ends. Shiplake 100 shots. OUP 63.
Scores(Shiplake Skips):- Barry Lambourne 24-13. Graham Kennedy 27-21. Terry Davis 26-12. Barrie Evans 24-17.

A carefree and successful if damp Shiplake played 5 triples away to Prospect Park scoring 107 shots to their hosts' 68 shots. Helen Robinson, Francis Benham and Trevor Beaumont made a profit of 21 including two end scores of 7 shots, and a final score of 31-10. Val Beaumont, Peter Higgs and Iain Robinson ran a close second with a score of 26-11.
Shiplake scores:
Helen Robinson, Francis Benham, Trevor Beaumont 31-10
Val Beard, Jill Rumble, Peter Sawdon-Smith 2-15.
Paula Benham, Pat Main, Bob Beard 20-14
Angie Main, Julia Perry, Wendy Cross 10-18
Val Beaumont, Peter Higgs, Iain Robinson 26-11

Shiplake at home in stormy, rainy weather nevertheless enjoyed the match against Watlington in the Plomer Cup. Five rinks were significantly successful, and Barrie Evans attained a satisfactory 16 all result. The now familiar good results this season were continued by Barry Lambourne and Trevor Beaumont who both gained 19 shot wins. They were closely followed by the scores registered by Graham Kennedy, whose card showed two ends each with a score of 6 shots, and next Terry Davis in the "who won and by how many" league close behind.
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, Daveid Buckett, Trevor Beaumont 27-8
Angie Main, Phyl Mansfield, Terry Davis 23-12
Wendy Cross, Les Redding, Barry Lambourne 28-9
Julia Perry, Pat Main, Graham Kennedy 28-11
Helen Robinson, Maurice Hill, Barrie Evans 16-16

21 June 2004
Shiplake, playing 6 rinks at home to Suttons had a very comfortable win with Captain David Bullock making top place in this match playing with Helen Robinson, Maurice Hill (who is bowling remarkably well) and Brian Evans returning a score of 32-11. This included one leap of 6 shots on end 19. Shiplake score 127 - Suttons 92.
Shiplake scores:
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Phyl Mansfield, Iain Robinson 22-10.
Helen Robinson, Maurice Hill, Brian Evans, David Bullock 32-11
Val Beard, Pat Main, Mike Lovejoy, Len Mitton 19-12 Angie Main, Dave Buckett, Les Redding, Peter Sawdon-Smith 14-15
Margaret Bullock, Peter Higgs, Bob Beard, Wendy Cross 21-13 Julia Perry, Ray Wheeler, Peter Cross, Barrie Evans 19-21

Playing away at the beautiful Goring Gap, Shiplake bowls unfortunately found most of the gaps between their opponents bowls instead of onto or next to their desired objectives and came away after a hard-working afternoon with only 1 of the 3 rinks winning, and an MUL score of 3-9. Not for nothing however does winning Skip Graham Kennedy have tigers on his new red bowls, for with his usual stealth and tenacity he clawed his way to a positive score of 19 shots to 14. Julia Perry, Phyl Mansfield and David Steel made up Graham's team. Shiplake 44 shots, Goring 56 shots.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beard, Mike Lovejoy, Les Redding, Len Mitton 15-22.
Julia Perry, Phyl Mansfield, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 19-14
Terry Davis, Patricia Steel, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 10-20

Shiplake at home to Twyford played a close 6 triple match ending in a score of 95 to the home team and 101 to their visitors. Barry Lambourne playing with his usual skill and style helped most to keep the overall loss within bounds with the help of Janet Stockwell who puts up some fine bowls, and at two Peter Watson, ending in 19 shots to 7.
Shiplake scores:
Philip Freshwater, Maurice Hill, Margaret Bullock 12-18
Eric Davis, Patricia Steel, Wendy Cross 21-18
Doreen Allen, Jill Rumble, Ray Wheeler 18-11
Sonia Stretch, Jerry Stockwell, Brian Evans 12-25
Rosemary Taylor, Peter Cross, David Steel 13-22
Janet Stockwell, Peter Watson, Barry Lambourne 19-7

Shiplake women played in the Top Club series at home against Banbury Central. Margaret Bullock playing the singles slot won with a very good result of 21 shots for Shiplake and 15 for her opponent. The Pairs and Triples lost significantly with the Rink returning a very respectable score of 18 points to 22 away. Overall the match was lost 59 shots Shiplake and 85 Banbury Central.

Distinction for Shiplake and congratulations to Trevor Beaumont following the award of his Oxfordshire County badge.

Shiplake playing their first match at home in the ODBL found that visitors Morris Motors took several ends to read their rinks and by the seventh end all began to look set fair for Shiplake to go steadily ahead to another good win. However, at 15 ends the picture had changed with the score for Shiplake at 66, and Morris Motors 61. Shiplake then proved unable to keep pace over the final ends. Only the rink skipped by Barry Lambourne provided a win with Barry encouraging and instructing his team, particularly helping the newest player on his rink Peter Higgs, into playing a good part in the win of 26 shots for Barry to 12 shots against. Peter Christmas and Iain Robinson completed the top team. League points, 1 Shiplake, 5 Morris Motors. Match score 59 Shiplake, Morris Motors 85.
Shiplake( skips only):-Barry Lambourne 26-12. Terry Davis 19-20. Barrie Evans 18-24. Graham Kennedy 17-25.

7 June 2004
Shiplake, at home to Reading Oddfellows ended with a 108 to 81 shot win, much of this success contributed by inspired play from Skip Trevor Beaumont who now seems to have settled down to a high standard of play and who was assisted by Peter Christmas and Vice-Captain Wendy Cross. Four end scores of 6's and 4's contributed to a 34-12 shot win. Terry Davis and Iain Robinson returned the other two successful cards. MUL points: 8-4.
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, Peter Cross, Terry Davis 20-15
Helen Robinson, David Bullock, Iain Robinson 22-13
Val Beaumont, Howard West, Barrie Evans 16-24
Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross, Trevor Beaumont 34-12
Mairwen West, Phyl Mansfield, Graham Kennedy 16-17

On Thursday 48 ladies from the Counties of Oxfordshire and Wiltshire played at the Memorial Grounds to a tie of 104-104. Local players in the Oxon side were Mairwen West and Phyl Mansfield.

Shiplake are proud to announce that Margaret Bullock has been selected to play for Oxfordshire in the National event the John's Trophy

Shiplake were at home on Saturday against Nettlebed for an MUL/Plomer Cup match and very high scores were again achieved by the home side. Particularly outstanding were Graham Kennedy, returning a card showing 5 end scores of 4, and others of 3, with a final shot score of 38-5. Rosemary Taylor and Peter Christmas completed the most successful triple. Iain Robinson at Skip and Trevor Beaumont with Mairwen West were in the frame with a close run second best score, which included seven ends in a row unchallenged by the opposition, and a final score of 35-7. MUL and Plomer Cup points:11 Shiplake, Nettlebed 1. Match score:-Shiplake 133. Nettlebed 56.
Shiplake scores:
Rosemary Taylor, Peter Christmas, Graham Kennedy 38-5
Mairwen West, Trevor Beaumont, Iain Robinson 35-7
Angie Main, Bob Beard, Len Mitton 31-20
Vera Harris, Howard West, Peter Sawdon-Smith 13-13
Val Beard, Les Redding, Barrie Evans 16-13

Shiplake ladies at home on Sunday to Bicester, in the national Top Club event played singles, pairs, triples and rinks and won through by a single shot to the quarter finals when they will meet a Banbury team.

Another sunny Sunday for Shiplake away to Wallingford and a comfortable win of 78 shots to 66. Frances Benham who has recently returned to the area and the club played Skip to Margaret Bullock and David Buckett, entering the thankful ranks of a "double figure" score of 12-18. John Chamberlain and team of Jill Rumble and Maurice Hill stole the show with a very good score of 24-13.
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Frances Benham 12-18
Angie Main, Philip Freshwater, Les Redding 18-10
Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Wendy Cross 11-13
Jill Rumble, Maurice Hill, John Chamberlain 24-13
Pat Buckett, John Snook, Len Mitton 13-12

All credit to Shiplake's ODBL team when they played away to Witney Town, coming home with a 4 points to 2 win. The rink of Middleton Cup player Barry Lambourne, assisted by Peter Christmas, David Buckett, and Iain Robinson returned the best score of 32-14. Barrie Evans' rink contributed a further 15 shot differential. Match score: 87-64.

24 May 2004
Shiplake were privileged to repeat last years' social evening with Henley based AIT Financial Services Software when about 20 young and enthusiastic members of their staff took to the rinks with two experienced Shiplake players in each mixed team. Several showed a natural aptitude for the game which took place on a perfect early summer evening. An enjoyable time for all involved, playing a relaxed shared activity, ending with all-comers entertained to a delightful supper supplied by AIT Catering staff. The event was hosted by Iain Robinson.

Back onto a serious track with an MU League fixture, Shiplake put their heads down and concentrated hard on winning the away evening match to Peppard. This was achieved with 7-5 match points, and a fairly rare differential of one shot. 83 to Shiplake and 82 to Peppard.
Helen Robinson, Peter Cross, Terry Davis 15-8
Vera Harris, Bill Blackmore, Len Mitton 14-20
Wendy Cross, Brian Evans, Barry Lambourne 19-12
Julia Perry, David Bullock, Graham Kennedy 17-17
Sonia Stretch, Mike Lovejoy, Iain Robinson 18-25.

Shiplake bowlers' vantage point of the river Thames almost next the green at Henley must surely rate a privilege in any bowling calendar. An enjoyable tussle in lovely surroundings, where Les Redding with Mairwen West and David Steel helped keep the whole team afloat in this Plomer Cup match with a welcome 17 shots over their opponents. Match shots another close win for Shiplake with a 87-86 result.
Shiplake scores:
Mairwen West, Dave Steel, Les Redding 28-11
Patricia Steel, Peter Higgs, Peter Sawdon-Smith 18-20
Margaret Bullock, John Chamberlain, David Bullock 19-8
Val Beard, Phyllis Mansfield, Howard West 14-20.
Vera Harris, Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard 8- 27.

Shiplake at home met South Oxford, a club with a respected County-wide reputation. Win or lose, such opponents put everyone on their mettle. For all their effort, however, the final scores were Shiplake 89 and South Oxford 100. Whilst there were some close scores the best showing came from Len Mitton, playing with Julia Perry, John Snook and Bill Blackmore who clocked up 21-16.
Shiplake scores:
Helen Robinson, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Trevor Beaumont 15-23
Janet Stockwell, Maurice Hill, Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross 18-18.
Val Beaumont, Sylvia Blackmore, Jerry Stockwell, Graham Kennedy 21-18.
Angela Main, Dave Buckett, Peter Cross, Iain Robinson 14-24.
Julia Perry, John Snook, Bill Blackmore, Len Mitton 21-16.

The 16 strong Shiplake all male team made their entry into the Oxford District Bowls League away to a Knock-Out Cup event at Banbury Central Bowls Club. Score:-Shiplake 49. Banbury Central 83. Next, another away to Florence Park, Oxford and an excellent win of 5 points to 1 was achieved. The scores on all 4 rinks were very close and Shiplake can congratulate themselves that at this early stage of the new venture they achieved a positive result.
Shiplake scores only:- Skips: Trevor Beaumont 17-20, Graham Kennedy 21-17, Barry Lambourne 22-17, Terry Davis 20-16.

17 May 2004
Shiplake, knowing well the strength and resolve to win by their opponents Stuarts Henley, put up an equally determined performance in the Plomer Cup series at home, which ended in a win for the home side of 112 shots and 8 cup points, to Stuarts 95 shots and 4 cup points. Terry Davis with his team of Helen Robinson, Sonia Stretch and Trevor Beaumont clocked up an admirable 38-17 contributing a massive 21 shots towards the favourable Shiplake result.
Shiplake scores:
Val Beaumont, Doreen Allen, Howard West, Iain Robinson 16-17
Angie Main, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross, Barry Lambourne 23-16
Margaret Bullock, Maurice Hill, Les Redding, Mike Lovejoy 13-25
Mairwen West, Rosemary Taylor, Brian Evans, Graham Kennedy 22-20
Helen Robinson, Sonia Stretch, Trevor Beaumont, Terry Davis 38-17

Another win for Shiplake when they played at home against Burghfield. The plus scores made by the ever vigilant Bob Beard and his team of Mairwen West, Philip Freshwater and Bill Blackmore with their score of 29-11, and Terry Davis with Val Beaumont, Pat Buckett and Margaret Bullock playing at 3 adding a further plus of 10, helped the home side stay on top with a final match differential of 11 over their opponents. Shiplake 106, Burghfield 95.
Shiplake scores:
Jill Rumble, Angie Main, David Buckett, Trevor Beaumont 9-31
Val Beard, Cyril Chick, Julia Perry, Graham Kennedy 22-19
Mairwen West, Philip Freshwater, Bill Blackmore, Bob Beard 22-19
Sonia Stretch, Pat Buckett, Margaret Bullock, Terry Davis 28-18

Shiplake's second Plomer Cup match of the week against Watlington proved to be a neck and neck affair as the 5 triples on each side clocked up an aggregate of 85 shots each. Shiplake won on 3 rinks and scored 7 cup points, whilst Watlington won on 2 rinks and scored 5. Vice-captain Wendy Cross, Val Beard and David Steel made the best score of the afternoon of 20-11. .
Shiplake scores:
Margaret Bullock, Maurice Hill, Barry Lambourne 20-13
Mairwen West, John Snook, Graham Kennedy 15-14
Val Beard, David Steel, Wendy Cross 20-11
Rosemary Taylor, Peter Cross, Les Redding 14-20
Pat Steel, Bob Beard, Howard West 16-27