Press reports
Reports on matches and other club events are submitted to
the Henley Standard every week
19 September
A touch of nostalgia for summer days now gone as Shiplake's last two outdoor matches at the Memorial Recreation Grounds were played out in fair weather. The first versus Caversham saw Bill Blackmore taking the local grandstand with an excellent result of 27 shots to 10. Bill, always a redoubtable leader and opponent, led his rink of Val Beard, Jill Rumble, and Peter Cross through all 21 ends, with no noticable or positive threat or reply from the opposition. Trevor Beaumont came in an honourable second in the shot differential stakes with a final score of 22 shots to 13 to Caversham. Shiplake 114 Shots. Caversham 83 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Sylvia Blackmore, Ray Wheeler, Phyl Mansfield, Trevor Beaumont 22-13.
Val Beard, Jill Rumble, Peter Cross, Bill Blackmore 27-10.
Peter Christmas, David Buckett, David Bullock,Wendy Cross 28-23.
Eric Davis, Ann Cox, Bob Beard, Les Redding 15-23.
Sonia Stretch, Jackie Stafford, Brian Evans, Barrie Evans 22-14.
Captain Wendy Cross who has led Shiplake through to be the 2005 winners of the Plomer Cup, and gained second place in the Manchester Unity League ended her first season with an inspirational and light-hearted in-house match at home. The rules were Wendy's, and great fun they proved to be, as all the leads who pride themselves on touching the jack were "fined" 20p for their "mistake." Similarly a jack launched by a bowl into the ditch which in the best of circumstances is normally a case of approbation, also attracted a fine of 20p, and so on, and what is normally a "good" bowl became suspect or "bad", the fines led all the way through to £110 raised by this fine fashion for the Renal Unit at Royal Berkshire Hospital. With anything between quadruple and single shot points awarded for how a bowls head finished either by mistake or design, the Captains' score-keeper in particular seems not to have kept a record at all until end 8 when an amicable record of 40 all were agreed, and ended with 75 shots to Wendy and 105 shots to Pat Main. Star of the late, late season show was Peter Christmas who has often featured this season as a leading performer. Aided and abetted by Helen Robinson and Janette Macarthur the scoreboard proscribed an impossibe lurching turn at 99 shots, adjusting to a final score of 119 shots to 61 against the Brian Evans triple. Les Redding did well against Phyl Mansfield with his score of 108 shots to 72.
Scores:-
Pat Walker, David Buckett, Les Redding 108. Peter White, Jackie Stafford, Phyl Mansfield 72.
John Snook, Peter Cross, Bob Beard, 86. Tommy White, Jill Rumble, Trevor Beaumont 94.
Wendy Buss, Ray Wheeler, Barrie Evans 95. Darren St John, Sonia Higgs, Peter Higgs 85.
Angie Main, Val Beaumont, Pat Main 105. Terry Auger, Val Beard, Wendy Cross 75.
Sonia Stretch, Ann Cox, Brian Evans 61. Helen Robinson, Janette Macarthur, Peter Christmas 119.
12 September
Shiplake and Peppard have already met twice this year in league matches, and on Wednesday afternoon the two sides met again for a 5 rink friendly match. On two rinks the home side led from the start. Graham Kennedy skipped his rink to an impressive 32-15 win, whilst Bill Blackmore’s rink achieved an equally impressive 29-11 victory. On the other three rinks the games were finely poised at the half-way point, but refreshed by cups of tea the home rinks forged ahead, and the final result was a win on all five rinks, and a score of 137 shots to 66.
Shiplake scores:-
Margaret Bullock, Eric Smith, Brian Evans, Wendy Cross 25-12
Bob Beard, Sonia Stretch, Phyllis Mansfield, Graham Kennedy 32-15
Val Beard, Vera Harris, David Steel, Bill Blackmore 29-11
Angie Main, Pat Steel, Ray Wheeler, Trevor Beaumont 28-9
Francis Benham, Pat Walker, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 23-19
On Saturday 20 Shiplake bowlers made the trip up the M40 for a new fixture against Bicester. Unfortunately at the same time as the bowlers arrived so did a torrential downpour and within minutes the green was flooded. The game had to be called off, so the two clubs have to wait until next year for an inaugural game between them.
The finals of the Evenlode Trophy took place over the two days of the weekend. Shiplake had qualified earlier in the season and five Shiplake men travelled to Carterton to battle against teams from eleven other Oxfordshire clubs hoping to win this prestigious event. At the end of the first day Shiplake were in second place, but a hard fought second day, which included a victory over Oxford City and County, the eventual winners, left them in fourth place.
Shiplake players: Francis Benham, Barrie Evans, Graham Kennedy, Barry Lambourne, Iain Robinson.
On Sunday Wargrave travelled to Shiplake for a friendly game of 6 rinks. Pat Main and Captain Wendy Cross skipped their rinks to victory, but the biggest win was achieved by David Bullock, who, with Vera Harris, Pat Steel and Peter Cross led throughout and won by 30 shots to 9. The final result was a win to Shiplake by 120 shots to 96.
Shiplake scores:-
Vera Harris, Pat Steel, Peter Cross David Bullock 30-9
Margaret Bullock, Pat Walker, John Snook, Trevor Beaumont 15-15
Sylvia Blackmore, Maurice Hill, Brian Evans, Wendy Cross 23-14
Rosemary Taylor 10, Ann Cox, Peter Higgs, Peter Christmas 10-20
Sonia Stretch, David Buckett, Phyllis Mansfield, Pat Main 25-17
Angie Main, Jackie Stafford, Helen Robinson, Bill Blackmore 17-21
5 September
Shiplake hosted all the President's men when Oxfordshire's Mike Petersen of Oxfordshire BA and Mike Poole President of Hertfordshire BA met for a county match. Both local and nearby club players were well represented. Shiplake's Trevor Beaumont playing out of his normal place at Skip soon adjusted to position two on his rink where there is commonly a need for both drawing and firm woods to be delivered. Darren St John at lead with his signature bright blue bowls, blazed up and down the green in a temperature in the 80's. Darren, well known as a finalist in county circles, kept up to his own exacting standard as part of a rink. David Bullock, President Elect of the Oxon BA in 2006 skipped at an excellent level showing a lead of 14 shots to one at 6 ends and 18 to 3 at 11 ends eventually coming out as top skip of the day. Other local players featured Barry Lambourne, Howard West, Simon Hastings, Joe Wylie, Keith Clayton, Iain Robinson, Barry Smart, Peter Cross, Bob Gilkes and Henry Franklin. The OBA lost the match by a few shots.
Shiplake played away for a four rink fixture against Blackbird Leys. Sonia Stretch who has long been a reliable bowler, who, teamed with Eric Davis, Bob Beard and Skip Howard West soon moved steadily ahead playing the numbers game. At end 10 the score was an unchallenged 17 shots to one. At this point their opponents began to move but only to a final 10 points to Howard's 26. Meanwhile Les Redding's card looked as though his rink had played hopscotch rather than bowls through to their 21 ends, as the plus scores on their winning six ends out of 21 jumped two or three spaces at a time albeit with scores of anything between 3 to 6 shots on those few ends. Nevertheless, Les's result was a more than respectable 22 shots to 23.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, David Buckett, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross 20-20.
Mairwen West, Paula Benham, Peter Cross, Les Redding 22-23.
Eric Davis, Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard, Howard West 26-10.
Val Beard, Terry Auger, Pat Main, Francis Benham 18-19.
Shiplake's Finals Day was played on a green still to be admired for its playing condition at this late stage in the season. The sun shone all day, and there was the usual excitement in the air as the players in the morning session took their places on the green. Captain Wendy Cross and Val Beaumont played 21 ends for the Ladies Singles where competition remained keen throughout and the score close until Val took the final to a winning 21 shots to 15. Peter Higgs put up an good show of 11 shots in the Novices Competition against Trevor Beaumont's 21 shots. Darren St John had a hard and uphill task in beating David Bullock as he pitted both his wits and playing ability against David in the Men's Singles before winning with a score of 21 shots to 15. Val and Trevor Beaumont met Angie and Pat Main to play for the honour of winning the Married Pairs event which ended in a close 18 shots to the Beaumonts and a win for the Mains with 19 shots. The Senior Citizens Cup was won by Bill Blackmore with 21 shots, to Ray Wheeler's score of 4. In the 2 Woods Darren St John beat Margaret Bullock over the 3 set 7 end contest, 7-5, 4-7, 7-4. Barry Lambourne using both his pschycological and playing skills, beat Darren St John playing for the Plate, 22 shots to 6. The Handicap Singles was won by Brian Evans with 21 shots, against Iain Robinson 4. The Drawn Pairs featuring Ryan Buckett playing with Patricia Steel made 22 shots and Peter Higgs and Barrie Evans 13.
30 August
Shiplake, ever loyal to their old friends the Courage Pensioners, played at home for the Bonzer Cup. Bob Beard, Peter Watson, and Mairwen West, (Junior Vice-President of Oxfordshire WBA) made best score of 20 shots to 7. After a highly competitive afternoon, the home team won the cup by a single shot. Shiplake 84 shots, Pensioners 83 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Ray Wheeler, Howard West 19-19.
Eric Davis, Patricia Steel, Bill Blackmore 4-24.
Val Beard, Eric Smith, Wendy Cross 21-13.
Pat Walker, David Steel, Pat Main 20-20.
Peter Watson, Mairwen West, Bob Beard 20-7.
Val Beaumont and Sylvia Blackmore, semi-finalists in the Oxforshire Women's Bowling Association Unbadged Singles were both knocked out of the competition only in the last end by their respective opponents.
Shiplake travelled away to Harwell for the last MUL match of the season. The Iain Robinson and Barrie Evans' triples made 11 shot wins and Mike Lovejoy tucked in just behind with 10 clear shots, with Wendy Cross contributing a further win of 5 shots. Elsewhere Graham Kennedy, Julia Perry and David Steel worked very hard to beat their opposition by just 1 shot and were pleased to complete the 5 triple match towards to win all 12 available points. Shiplake 99 shots and 12 MUL points. Harwell 61 shots and nil MUL points.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Howard West, Mike Lovejoy 22-12. Mairwen West, Peter Higgs, Barrie Evans 21-10. Peter Christmas, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 18-13. Julia Perry, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 16-15. Helen Robinson, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 22-11.
Shiplake's Ryan Buckett and Barry Lambourne played in the English Bowling Associations semi-finals at Worthing in the Oxfordshire Middleton Cup team against Cornwall and came through the winners. Oxfordshire then lost in the finals against Cumbria.
Shiplake played Huntley and Palmers at home and whilst three of the five rinks had a very good win one particular loss cancelled out most of the profit. Rosemary Taylor, David Buckett, Francis Benham and Bill Blackmore put a plus score on two thirds of their card ending with the best result of 26 shots to 8.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Jackie Stafford, Peter Higgs, Peter Christmas 21-17. Rosemary Taylor, David Buckett, Francis Benham, Bill Blackmore 26-8. Sylvia Blackmore, Terry Auger, Patricia Steel, Wendy Cross 12-33. Ann Cox, Maurice Hill, Mairwen West, Barrie Evans 20-14. Sonia Stretch, Paula Benham, John Snook, Howard West 15-18.
Shiplake ended the August Bank Holiday with the annual match between teams headed by President Julia Perry and Chairman Pat Main for the Betty Shaw Cup. Peter Higgs playing at skip with Jackie Stafford and Peter Cross held on well against the notable talent of Trevor Beaumont to end 14 shots to 19. Brian Evans had a great tussle against David Bullock, with two five shot ends along the way to a 22 shot to 16 win. Barry Lambourne was outright winning skip with top score of 24 shots to 14 backed up by Julia Perry and Margaret Bullock, against Pat Main, Vera Harris and Captain Wendy Cross. President 119 shots. Chairman 102 shots.
22 August
Shiplake played host to a touring side from the premier Chelmsford (Essex) Bowling Club. Local players faced stiff opposition from the visitors. At the end of play Captain Wendy Cross playing with Julia Perry, David Buckett and Peter Christmas finished with the only club win of 27 shots to 16. David Buckett, who has now achieved a useful variety of shots played with quiet and skilful confidence. All other rinks lost to a lesser or greater extent, but an excellent afternoon of good bowling had been spent on the way to Shiplake's score of 107, Visitors 137.
Shiplake scores:-
Helen Robinson, Jackie Stafford, Bob Beard, Graham Kennedy 19-21.
Sonia Stretch, John Snook, Ray Wheeler, Trevor Beaumont 11-23.
Mairwen West, Peter Cross, Phyl Mansfield, Les Redding 14-21.
Julia Perry, David Buckett, Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross 27-16.
Angie Main, Eric Smith, Janette Macarthur, Howard West 16-35.
Val Beard, Ann Cox, Pat Main, Len Mitton 20-21.
Shiplake's Barry Lambourne has continued to support his home club whenever possible the meantime heavily engaged in the Oxon Middleton Cup Team, County matches and competitions, and local competitions, plus joint captaincy of the ODBL squad. This high level of bowling activity and skill was evident in the match against Woodley at the Memorial Avenue green. It was the first occasion this season when a skip lost only 5 ends out of 21. Barry, with Angie Main, Ray Wheeler and Bob Beard allowed their opponents no opportunity to make a mark on their card, until the home rink had played 7 ends and showed a score of 16. At 21 ends the score was 37-16. Graham Kennedy comes in smartly at number two with 31 shots to 9 and Captain Wendy Cross with 30 shots to 12. An excellent evenings' work at Shiplake with the final total of 142 shots to Woodley's 70 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Ray Wheeler, Bob Beard, Barry Lambourne 37-16.
Vera Harris, Maurice Hill, Trevor Beaumont, Graham Kennedy 31-9.
Val Beaumont, Patricia Steel, Peter Christmas,Wendy Cross 30-12
Eric Davis, Pat Walker, Mike Lovejoy, Len Mitton 24-17.
Val Beard, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Peter Sawdon-Smith 20-16.
Shiplake, at home to Hurst in a very competitive but highly enjoyable MUL match established Peter Sawdon-Smith to the fore with best score of the afternoon. Val Beard and Maurice Hill were in support ending the afternoon 29 shots to 16. Captain Wendy Cross arrived at second spot playing with Peter Christmas and Les Redding returning a card showing 23-11. Shiplake 10 MUL points and 109 shots. Hurst 2 points and 82 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, Peter Sawdon-Smith 29-16.
Peter Christmas, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 23-11.
Julia Perry, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 18-22.
Val Beaumont, Howard West, Barry Lambourne 19-15.
Mairwen West, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 20-18.
Shiplake announces that Barry Lambourne and Ryan Buckett will be playing in the Oxfordshire Middleton Cup squad at Worthing in the English Bowling Association semi -finals against Cornwall during the coming weekend. Good wishes for all success from Management and members for the local players to win and go through to the finals.
Though the proximity of the M4 road did its usual best to drown out all verbal instruction, Shiplake had a great time away to BA Concorde. A barbecue in hot sunshine gave the local team a good start, though this did not lead to a team win. Fittingly, Captain Wendy Cross led the team home with the only winof 18 shots to 13, with Eric Davis, Angie Main and Francis Benham completing the rink. Shiplake 81 shots, BA Concorde 103.
Shiplake scores:-
Sonia Stretch, Paula Benham, Pat Main, David Bullock 15-17.
Val Beard, Ann Cox, Peter Cross, Peter Christmas 17-24.
Julia Perry, David Buckett, Helen Robinson, Bob Beard 14-23.
Margaret Bullock, Jackie Stafford, John Snook, Iain Robinson 17-26.
Eric Davis, Angie Main, Francis Benham, Wendy Cross 18-13.
15 August
An excellent result for Shiplake as they took all 12 points for their away match against Stuart's Henley in the Plomer Cup event. Four rinks won handsomely with Barry Lambourne leading the field with a 25 shot to 4 win. Angie Main and Iain Robinson contributed to a situation where the triple started with anything from a 1 shot to 3 shots up per end, over 17 of the 18 ends, celebrating the final end with a 5 shot win. Next in line of success came Graham Kennedy with a score of 29-9 and Ryan Buckett with 22-6 shot win. David Bullock had a tough time as he battled with an all-male trio, which as the Stuart triple did not as rules demand, include a woman, led to a default situation giving Shiplake 2 points for that triple as well as winning the other 4 rinks. David at end 12 lay 5 shots down, though he was fortunate that the jack remained in view. With massive concentration and no mean strength, Davids' last bowl clipped the jack smartly to land with his bowl into the ditch and a 1 shot win on that end. From that point onwards David lost no more shots and an 11 shot to 22 deficit became a decent 17-22 result. Shiplake 102 shots and 12 points. Stuart's 38 shots and nil points.
Shiplake scores:-
Margaret Bullock, Peter Christmas, Graham Kennedy 29-9.
Angie Main, Iain Robinson, Barry Lambourne 25- 4.
Helen Robinson, Pat Main, Ryan Buckett 22-6.
Phyl Mansfield, Peter Cross, David Bullock 17-22.
Darren St John, Wendy Cross, Barrie Evans 21-19.
Party night on a lovely evening at Shiplake as they introduced some 20 men from the Caversham "41 Club" to the centuries old game of bowls. The visitors were a complement of local professional men who had been members of the historic and countrywide all-professional "Order of the Round Table," and went on to become and extension in a senior aged group of that organisation. The evening started quietly as the newcovers began to understand how given the bias of a bowl behaves. An easy atmosphere grew as all began to enjoy both the game and the company of their instructors, and a friendly buzz of both comment and repartee gathered momentum across the green. A few of the 41 Club showed a natural talent for the sport. Later, aided by refreshment from the bar accompanied by huge portions of fish and chips, and the natural friendship offered by both sides, the evening was voted a great success, with plans afoot to repeat the event in 2006.
A new fixture for Shiplake as they entertained Florence Park from Oxford. Peter Sawdon-Smith, who has received all due coverage of his success this season, made a great impression with his score of 30 shots to 3. Peter's Worthing finalist compatriot, Eric Davis played his usual accurate game, and Ann Cox and Mike Lovejoy completed the most successful team. All rinks won with Len Mitton making 18-10, and Trevor Beaumont and Bill Blackmore 17-12. Shiplake 82 shots. Florence Park 37.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Ann Cox, Mike Lovejoy, Peter Sawdopn-Smith 30-3.
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Brian Evans, Trevor Beaumont 17-12.
Val Beaumont, Sylvia Blackmore, Bob Beard, Len Mitton 18-10.
Sonia Stretch, Jacqui Stafford, Wendy Cross, Bill Blackmore 17-12.
Across the River Thames for the annual hard fought for match against Wargrave. Les Redding, grand master of the bowling green made one end score of 6, and his rinks' success on most ends led to a score of 32 shots to 9. Backing up Les came Helen Robinson, Peter Cross and Bob Beard who were all on top form. A good win for Shiplake of 99 shots to Wargrave's 85.
Shiplake scores:-
Patricia Steel, David Buckett, Ray Wheeler, Barrie Evans 20-24.
Rosemary Taylor, John Snook, Phyl Mansfield, Barry Lambourne 17-19.
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, Pat Main, Wendy Cross 17-15.
Angie Main, Jacqui Stafford, David Steel, Iain Robinson 13-18.
Helen Robinson, Peter Cross, Bob Beard, Les Redding 32-9.
8 August
Shiplake played well in their MUL/Plomer Cup match away to Peppard. Graham Kennedy's team came top out of the 5 triples with a score of 28-11 winning 13 out of 18 ends, Margaret Bullock leading and Vice-Captain David Steel at two. Barry Lambourne, Helen Robinson and Len Mitton were only just behind the top scoring triple, with a significant score of 22-8 and 12 out of their 18 showing a plus on the scorecard. Shiplake 8 MUL/Plomer Cup points and 90 shots. Peppard 4 MUL/Plomer points and 82 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Helen Robinson, Len Mitton, Barry Lambourne 22-8.
Sonia Stretch, Mike Lovejoy, Peter Sawdon-Smith 14-28.
Brian Evans, Wendy Cross, Barrie Evans 18-12.
Val Beard, Les Redding, Iain Robinson, 8-23.
Margaret Bullock, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 28-11
A perfect late summer afternoon at the Memorial Grounds, Shiplake, and a light-hearted friendly match against Wallingford. Captain Wendy Cross worked hard to create a good rink and green atmosphere for another new Shiplake player Ann Cox, as Ann was introduced into the fascination and great satisfaction to be had as a member of a hardworking bowls team. Supported by Eric Davis and Peter Higgs, a very satisfactory result of 21-23 was achieved. Bill Blackmore, always a positive player, came through with flying colours as winning skip playing with Julia Perry, Rosemary Taylor and David Buckett, and making a score of 25-10. Shiplake 66 shots. Wallingford 99.
Shiplake scores:-
Julia Perry, Rosemary Taylor, David Buckett, Bill Blackmore 25-10.
Eric Davis, Ann Cox, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross 21-23.
Peter Watson, Jacqui Stafford, Brian Evans, Ray Wheeler 9-38.
Sonia Stretch, Maurice Hill, Les Redding, Margaret Bullock 11-28.
The Oxford and District Bowls League is reaching a close conclusion with 4 teams vying for promotion from Division 3. Shiplake did their chances no harm with a solid 5 points to 1 revenge win against Charlbury on the Shiplake green. The overall shots difference was Shiplake 95 and Charlbury 66.
Shiplake scores:-
Francis Benham, David Steel, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans won 22-9. Bob Beard, Pat Main, Iain Robinson, Ryan Buckett won 24-15. John Chamberlain, Howard West, Trevor Beaumont, Barry Lambourne 26-17. Philip Mansfield, Peter Higgs, Bill Blackmore, Graham Kennedy lost 23-25.
At this stage of the season it becomes difficult to find new ways to describe the talent and resolve of Shiplake's Graham Kennedy as he is once again placed as top skip in the match against Henley on Thames. With Patricia Steel and Francis Benham lending support throughout a score of 34-9 shots was made. The game is not all about differentials however and slotting into place at No. 2 came Angie Main, Peter Cross and Howard West with a high contribution of 21 shots to 13 which included a 5 and a 4. Shiplake 10 Plomer points and 107 shots. Henley on Thames 2 Plomer Cup points and 77 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Patricia Steel, Francis Benham, Graham Kennedy 34-9.
Sonia Stretch, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 22-20.
Angie Main, Peter Cross, Howard West 21-13.
Mairwen West, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross 11-20.
Annette Chamberlain, Les Redding, John Chamberlain 19-15
1 August
Shiplake were at home for a MUL match versus Goring played against a backcloth of a damp and sullen sky. Weather notwithstanding the local team played a blistering match which ended in a 130-52 shot win and 10-2 MUL points. Skip Graham Kennedy a very positive player who seldom appears to have the word 'lose' in his vocabulary, rolled up best score of 34-4. Julia Perry and David Steel completed the triple. Nipping at Graham's heels came Wendy Cross, Margaret Bullock and Bob Beard with an equally impressive win of 38-9.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Pat Main, David Bullock 23- 9.
Helen Robinson, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans, 22-8.
Margaret Bullock, Bob Beard, Wendy Cross 38-9.
Julia Perry, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 34-4.
Angie Main, Ray Wheeler, Iain Robinson 13-22.
Shiplake players continue to make waves at County level with Sylvia Blackmore and Val Beaumont the winners of the Oxfordshire Women's Bowling Association Unbadged Pairs. The final round was played away on the neutral South Oxford Bowling Club green and there watched by the current President, her Officers (which included Shiplake's OWBA Junior Vice-President, Mairwen West) and other Shiplake supporters. A match of very good quality saw the local players conduct a well controlled and steady game as they worked towards their 18-15 shot win.
Secondly, playing in the semi-finals of the Oxfordshire Bowls Association County triples competition, Darren St John, Ryan Buckett and Barry Lambourne held their opposing team to a eighteenth end decider won by their opponents. Nevertheless a standard of play has been set for 2006 by this new trio.
Travelling away to Tilehurst, Shiplake proceeded to heave woods over a pitted and slippery surface, and were relieved to close the contest at 18 ends instead of the published 21 ends. Overcoming the playing conditons and managing to stay upright Bill Blackmore, Val Beard, Patricia Steel and Pat Main returned best card showing 23-7. Howard West scored 23-11 and Barrie Evans 24-13. Match score, Shiplake 120 shots, Tilehurst 86.
Shiplake scores:-
Julia Perry, Rosemary Taylor, Bob Beard, Peter Sawdon Smith 19-18.
Margaret Bullock, Peter Higgs, Ray Wheeler, David Steel 12-18.
Val Beard, Patricia Steel, Pat Main, Bill Blackmore 23-7.
Mairwen West, Pat Walker, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 19-19.
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, Phyl Mansfield, Howard West 23-11.
Sonia Stretch, David Buckett, Mike Lovejoy, Barrie Evans 24-13.
ODBL Shiplake team played away to Blackbird Leys where Les Redding, Howard West, Captain Trevor Beaumont and Barry Lambourne won 22-18. Bob Beard, Pat Main, Iain Robinson and Ryan Buckett won 22-13. Francis Benham, Peter Higgs, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans drew 18-18. John Chamberlain, David Steel, Bill Blackmore and Graham Kennedy 12-25. Match result Shiplake 3 1/2 points and 74 shots, Blackbird Leys 2 1/2 points and 74 shots.
A marginally better result for Shiplake in the second and final 2005 MUL match versus University of Reading. Weather conditions and green could not be faulted, teams thoughtfully selected, but to no significant avail. Barrie Evans' triple completed by Peter Christmas and Wendy Cross were the only winners with a score of 18-16. Barry Lambourne achieved a draw with the help of Mairwen West and David Steel. Shiplake 67 shots and 3 MUL points, University 89 shots and 9 MUL points.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Iain Robinson, Bill Blackmore 8-14.
Julia Perry, Bob Beard, Peter Sawdon-Smith 12-26.
Helen Robinson, Howard West, Graham Kennedy 17-21.
Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross, Barrie Evans 18-16.
Mairwen West, David Steel, Barrie Lambourne 12-12.
Peter Christmas assisted by Jacqui Stafford and David Buckett opened well at Twyford with a score of 4 on the first end, and playing with his usual care and diligence Peter then moved his team into the top result of 19-13. Trevor Beaumont and David Steel matched each other with 3 shot winning results. Shiplake 103 shots, Twyford 112 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Pat Main, Iain Robinson 21-19.
Eric Smith, Patricia Steel, Bob Beard 7-31.
Terry Auger, Peter Higgs, Wendy Cross 21-20.
Jacqui Stafford, David Buckett, Peter Christmas 19-13.
Val Beard, John Snook, David Steel 16-13.
Helen Robinson, Peter Watson, Trevor Beaumont 19-16.
Shiplake's Eastbourne Tour.
Along the Esplanade or on the greens the sun shone on Shiplake's mini bowling tour. Organisers John Snook and Peter Christmas arranged for Vice-Captain David Steel to escort the touring side to a fixture at Gildredge Park. There Graham Kennedy playing with Bob Beard, Sonia Stretch and Phyl Mansfield made the excellent score of 36-14. Match score 111-127.
Shiplake Tourists scores:-
Bob Beard, Sonia Stretch, Phyl Mansfield, Graham Kennedy 36-14.
Muriel Garfath, John Mansfield, Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross 19-21.
Val Beard, John Snook, John Chamberlain, Bill Duncan 12-28.
John Crowley, Brian Garfath, Sylvia Blackmore, David Steel 18-27.
Julia Perry, Patricia Steel, Peter Higgs, Alan Butler 13-22.
Annette Chamberlain, David Buckett, Peter Cross, Anne Butler 13-15.
The match at Saffron Park Captained by Wendy Cross achieved a win for the touring side.
President Julia Perry captained the final match to a slim win with a margin of 3 shots. David Steel had a whale of a time, a borrowed player helping the score along to 33-15 and peppered with three fours, a five and a six. Graham Kennedy again features with his score of 24-11 helped by Julia Perry and John Snook. Match score 117-114.
Shiplake Tourists scores:-
Val Beard, Patricia Steel, Peter Higgs, Peter Christmas 18-27.
Sonia Stretch, John Crowley, John Chamberlain, Wendy Cross 17-18.
Sylvia Blackmore, Dave Buckett, Bob Beard, Phyl Mansfield 20-15.
Julia Perry, John Snook, Graham Kennedy 24-11.
Muriel Garfath, Brian Beere, Peter Cross, David Steel 33-15.
Brian Garfath, Bill Duncan, Alan Butler 11-28.
Press reports
April - July 2005
25 July
On Wednesday Shiplake's Captain of the day Peter Cross led out six rinks against Suttons. Peter’s rink, with Val Beard, Les Redding and skipped by Bill Blackmore led from the start. At 19 ends the rink skipped by Peter Sawdon-Smith led by 3 shots but a 6 and a 2 from the opposition reversed the situation. Rinks skipped by Barrie Evans and Graham Kennedy held their own for the first half of the game but the opposition managed to move ahead by the end of the game. Thus the only winning rink was captain Peter’s. Final score Shiplake 106 shots, Suttons 137.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, John Chamberlain, Barrie Evans 16-22
Sonia Stretch, Sonia Higgs, Mick lovejoy, Peter Sawdon-Smith 20-25
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Les Redding, Bill Blackmore 27-16
Annette Chamberlain, Dave Buckett, Ray Wheeler, Graham Kennedy 13-23
Francis Benham, Pat Walker, Peter Higgs, Iain Robinson 12-30
Bob Beard, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Len Mitton 18-21
A party of Shiplake bowlers were away on tour at the weekend, and the bowlers left at home had a quiet weekend as Shiplake’s Saturday fixture was postponed and the Sunday game was cancelled due to the weather.
18 July
With nothing of the showman about him, Peter Sawdon-Smith has for over twenty years at Shiplake shown himself to be a master of the bowling green. Playing in the MUL match at home against Pangbourne where his team of Helen Robinson and Mike Lovejoy won 14 of 18 ends, Peter started steady, and was then ready to cruise along in organised fashion towards a final score of 30 shots to 7. Barrie Evans team of Mairwen West and Len Mitton returned the only other outright winning score of 26-7. Both teams won on two rinks, drew on one, and lost on 2 leading to Shiplake's match score of 102 shots and 7 MUL points, and Pangbourne 77 shots and 5 points.
Shiplake scores:-
Bob Beard, Wendy Cross, Barry Lambourne 14-24.
Mairwen West, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 26-7.
Val Beard, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 16-22.
Helen Robinson, Mike Lovejoy, Peter Sawdon-Smith 30-7.
Margaret Bullock, Les Redding, Iain Robinson 16-16.
County success follow hotfoot for Shiplake with the announcement that their triple of Barry Lambourne, Ryan Buckett and Darren St John won their quarter final at Thame in the OBA competitions and go through to the semi-finals in due course. The trio played well from the outset, and thereafter, continued through to a confident and impressive score of 31 shots to 3, and a notable win for the Shiplake record book.
The Drawn Fours event at the Memorial Avenue green was played out over 3 sets of 6 ends involving all players, at the end of which two rinks had established themselves at finalists. Hot and maybe weary, Mairwen West, Terry Auger, Pat Main and Iain Robinson faced Julia Perry, Patricia Steel, Bob Beard and Peter Sawdon-Smith on the sweltering green. Iain's team started well in the play-off, whilst Peter's team could not find their earlier form. However, with Peter's unfaltering skill, he brought his team through to win, picking up 4 and 3 shots on the last two of six ends, to give an 8 shot to 6 final score. The silver 'Drawn Fours' cup given by Janette and Hon. Life Vice-President Iain Macarthur was then presented by Janette to the winners, with an official handover to be made at the Annual Dinner and Presentations.
Shiplake played away at Nettlebed for an MUL/Plomer Cup match where the 5 triple game found Barry Lambourne, Mairwen West and Francis Benham scoring a 6 shot end, and an agreeable win of 22 shots to 18. Otherwise team scores and end result were unremarkable at 95 shots to Nettlebed's 100, and 6 MUL and Plomer Cup points each.
Shiplake scores:-
Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard, Len Mitton 17-23.
Miarwen West, Francis Benham, Barry Lambourne 22-18.
Darren St John, Phyl Mansfield, Wendy Cross 16-25.
Val Beard, Bill Blackmore, Howard West 21-18.
Sylvia Blackmore, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 19-16.
11 July
It was a tough result for Shiplake when having scored 84 shots to Hurst's 99, the quite reasonable result masked a MUL points result of 4-8. Graham Kennedy stood out as skipping the highest winning rink with a score of 20 shots to 11 backed up by Sylvia Blackmore and David Steel. However, Wendy Cross, Bob Beard and Les Redding also won with their 15-13 card, but it was not enough to secure a majority result on this occasion.
Shiplake scores:-
Helen Robinson, Mike Lovejoy, Len Mitton 19-22.
Sylvia Blackmore, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 20-11.
Val Beard, Trevor Beaumont, Bill Blackmore 13-27.
Pat Steel, Maurice Hill, Iain Robinson 17-26.
Bob Beard, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 15-13.
Shiplake's management team continue to take pleasure in announcing the latest achievement of several of their players. A ladies pair, Sylvia Blackmore and Val Beaumont played at South Oxford in the semi- finals County competition for Unbadged players and came away the winners after a challenging three hours against the entry from Long Hanborough. Starting positively and scoring accordingly, the home pair then went through a period in the doldrums where their score stuck at 20 shots, for 6 ends. However, by dint of only conceding 1 shot or perhaps two on those ends, Sylvia and Val hung on and regained their resolve and ability to win. Their success now have qualifies them for a County trial and of course to take their place in the Finals where they play a pair from Oxford City and County club.
A very good crowd of Shiplake supporters sat in the evening sun watching Ryan Buckett go through to the quarter finals of the Oxfordshire Men's Singles, having beaten Paul Comley of Oxford City and County Club 21 shots to 16. With both players following each shot up or down the green, this hard effort allowed them to gather the vital information of the formation of the bowls "head", and where the next shot needed to end up in their valiant endeavour to win.
Shiplake triple Darren St John, Ryan Buckett and Barry Lambourne are through to the triples quarter finals which has been scheduled to be played on Tuesday at Thame. A positive result to be announced in a later report.
Margaret Bullock was well supported when she played in the morning session of the County singles players quarter finals held on the Henley green. It was there Margaret met Daphne Jacobs and an engrossing and exciting match took place over a very hot two and a half hours. Margaret won the contest with a comfortable win of 21 shots to 15. Her next opponent in the semi-finals was Cathy Hawes long known on the Junior and then the Senior England and International Bowling greens. Margaret started confidently and well, but Cathy's remarkable skill led to a gradual erosion of a possible win, ending in the honourable finish of 21 shots to Cathy and 10 to Margaret.
The all-male Shiplake team have been establishing themselves very well in the Third Division of the ODBL. Their latest win was at Chadlington in North Oxfordshire with a comfortable 5 point to 1 result. Skip Graham Kennedy made the outstanding score of 27 shots to 7 away, well backed up by Peter Christmas, David Steel, and Iain Robinson. Other results:- Captain Trevor Beaumont 20-18. Barry Lambourne 21-14. Barrie Evans 13-17.
Shiplake were pleased to welcome a very friendly team from Hook, several of their original members starting out their bowling lives when employed by the Volvo Garage at Shepherd's Hill. In the easiest and best spirit of the game of bowls it was an occasion when the score was not of the most import. Iain and Helen Robinson, and Sonia Stretch led the results with a 28-11 score whilst winning 12 of 18 ends. Whilst there was no particular drama, the Hook President's triple did have to cope with a player feeling unwell on arrival. New Shiplake player Jacqui Stafford stood in for the Hook player, and perhaps that unusual format helped Peter Christmas, Francis Benham and Julia Perry into second best result with 23 shots to 9. Match result Shiplake 127 shots. Hook 82.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Peter Higgs, David Steel 20-13.
Julia Perry, Francis Benham, Peter Christmas 23-9.
Patricia Steel, Pat Main, Wendy Cross 15-18.
Sonia Stretch, Helen Robinson, Iain Robinson 28-11.
Margaret Bullock, Peter Cross, Bill Blackmore 24-13.
Eric Smith, Sylvia Blackmore, Peter Sawdon-Smith 17-18.
Shiplake's visit to Wokingham was an occasion when the highest winning rink of Captain Wendy Cross, Howard West, Angie Main and Val Beard who as a team may well have whistled out loud at their achieving an amazing result of 39-7. This score was made against a club well known for their high standard of play and a last minute rearrangement of the Shiplake teams when faced with late or no-show team members. Barrie Evans, Helen Robinson, Patricia Steel and Bob Beard made a highly commendable score of 27 shot to 5. Shiplake 114 shots. Wokingham 71.
Shiplake scores:-
Mairwen West, Sonia Stretch, Ray Wheeler, David Steel 14-16.
Val Beard, Angie Main, Howard West, Wendy Cross 39-7.
Peter Watson, Pat Walker, Pat Maion, Graham Kennedy 14-22.
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Phyl Mansfield, Les Redding 20-21.
Helen Robinson, Patricia Steel, Bob Beard, Barrie Evans 27-5.
4 July
Shiplake came away from their Plomer Cup match against Henley the losers. In fact scores over 4 of the 5 triples were never near a walkover. Whilst Pimms was no doubt a feature of elements of the Regatta floating nearby on the River Thames, it was a dry night on the green. Shiplake as visitors might have benefitted from a sip or two in order to bolster up the skill and energy to find extra shots on sufficient rinks. Result - 87 shots and 2 Plomer Cup points for Shiplake and 99 shots and 10 Plomer Cup points to Henley.
Shiplake scores:-
Sylvia Blackmore, Bob Beard, Peter Sawdon-Smith 22-18
Margaret Bullock, David Steel, Howard West 17-27
Francis Benham, Brian Evans, Wendy Cross 16-18
Val Beaumont, Bill Blackmore, Mike Lovejoy 13-19.Val Beard, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 19-20.
The match away against Maiden Erlegh proved that Shiplake whose home is at the Memorial Avenue Bowling Green, are more of- ten than not to be viewed as doughty opponents. Certainly such was the case on a warm but mostly overcast afternoon as three winning Shiplake rinks skipped by David Bullock, Mike Lovejoy, and Len Mitton all recorded 10 shot wins. New Shiplake member and player Jacqui Stafford assisted Helen Robinson, Bob Beard, and skip Iain Robinson into a 24 shot to 26 result. Overall the match was conceded by Shiplake to Maiden Erlegh by the narrow margin of 117 shots to 121.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beaumont, Pat Main, Ray Wheeler, Mike Lovejoy 23-13
Angie Main, Peter Cross, Les Redding, Peter Sawdon-Smith 8-27
Sonia Stretch, David Buckett, Trevor Beaumont, Len Mitton 24-14
Helen Robinson, Jacqui Stafford, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 24-26
Val Beard, Terry Auger, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 13-26
Patricia Steel, Maurice Hill, Howard West, David Bullock 25-15.
It was with quiet confidence that a rink of four Shiplake ladies Margaret Bullock, Mairwen West, Phyl Mansfield and Wendy Cross went to Thame to meet their opponents in the Oxfordshire quarter finals. Playing against one of three qualifying team from Banbury Central the morning went well for the home team against Brenda Havard's rink,showing their mettle with a 24 shot winning result to 13 to the Banbury side. An all too short rest, then back onto the Thame green for the rinks semi-finals and a bowl by bowl battle against another qualifying Banbury entry. A hard fought for contest where Shiplake were eventually beaten by four of the best Oxfordshire players, which included England player Caroline Campion, her mother Stella Amos, an England finalist, Mary Tee and Carol Galetly. From Shiplake management team, congratulations to Wendy Cross, Phyl Mansfield, Mairwen West and Margaret Bullock.
Nothing seems to stop Margaret Bullock from going onward and up in the Oxfordshire Bowling world, and who knows what new honours may yet be awarded to the local player. At this point in the season Margaret has qualified to play in the quarter finals of the singles which will be held on the Henley green commencing at 10 a.m. Monday 11 July. Shiplake Management team and all members wish Margaret success and hope that members will support her at Henley.
Shiplake's Barry Lambourne and Ryan Buckett played a "Middleton Cup" match on 25 June against Middlesex at Ladygate Bowling Club, Ruislip. Oxfordshire won 116 shots to 105, 18 points to 4, completing their fourth win in the group of five counties. Oxfordshire have thereby qualified for the quarter final match which will be played on the 23 July on a green to be announced. Well done Barry and Ryan and best wishes for the next round to you both from all at Shiplake.
Shiplake was pleased to welcome for a first fixture an estimable team from the Oxford based Rover Bowling Club. This proved to be a close encounter of the bowling kind for the result was 87 shots to the home team and 91 to the visitors. Shiplake were able to provide one outright winning rink which never looked back from end two. Julia Perry making a thankful return to bowls after long injury time together with Bill Blackmore, John Snook and Trevor Beaumont,started modestly at end two but thereafter never looked back to finish 20 shots to 15 away. All made a creditable return, with a close call from Wendy Cross with a 20-20 result and Barry Lambourne with a respectable 16-15 result.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Pat Walker, Peter Cross, David Steel 16-19
Paula Benham, Maurice Hill, Margaret Bullock, Wendy Cross 20-20
Patricia Steel, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Barry Lambourne 16-15
Sonia Stretch, Angie Main, Francis Benham, Barrie Evans 15-22
Julia Perry, John Snook, Bill Blackmore, Trevor Beaumont 20-15.
27 June
Three of Shiplake's five triples away to Pangbourne did extremely well, top-scoring vice-captain David Steel taking his team to a 27 shots to 15 result, and capably winning 14 of the 18 ends along the way. Backed up by Val Beard and Maurice Hill the triple are in club terms, in a top spot in the contest for end and match results. David Bullock’s triple was only just put into second place with their 11 shot win, and Barrie Evans triple ran a close third with a 10 shot profit. Shiplake gained 95 shots and eight MUL points to Pangbourne’s 76 shots and four MUL points.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, David Steel 27-15
Sylvia Blackmore, Pat Main, Mike Lovejoy 11-17
Francis Benham, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 11-19
Helen Robinson, Howard West, David Bullock 21-10
Val Beaumont, Peter Higgs, Barrie Evans 25-15.
A friendly at home for Shiplake versus Prospect Park, played against a background of happy, but very loud noise from the village fete at the Memorial Avenue ground. No problem, for both sides were well matched, arriving at a final of 107 shots for Shiplake and 109 for the visitors. Bill Blackmore, certainly not deterred by public announcements, which included publicising the position of the usually peaceful bowls club, returned the best card with yet another masterly top spot in winning 14 ends of the 18 played. Helped by Angie Main and Maurice Hill, Bill’s score was 28-9. Eric Davis, Bob Beard and Wendy Cross were in second place with their 14 shot profit and score of 26-12.Scores:-
Shiplake scores:-
Jill Rumble, Dave Buckett, Peter Sawdon-Smith 12-21
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, Bill Blackmore 28-9
Rosemary Taylor, Terry Auger, Iain Robinson 9-26; Eric Davis, Bob Beard, Wendy Cross 26-12
Val Beard, Pat Main, Trevor Beaumont 18-19
Eric Smith, Helen Robinson, Peter Christmas 14-22.
Another home match for Shiplake when they entertained Watlington playing in the Plomer Cup series.Club stalwarts Helen Robinson, Pat Main, Phyl Mansfield and Barrie Evans showed how practice can make perfect when they returned a card showing 31 shots to 11 away.Les Redding earned second place on the days’ honours list, the rink consisting of Darren St John leading, Paula Benham at two and Howard West in support at three. Les achieved the excellent result of 15 ends won, and another high of 30 shots to 15. Not to be left out, Barry Lambourne, Mairwen West, John Snook and Wendy Cross made an almost equally admirable 29 shots to 16. A fine result for Shiplake with 131 shots and nine points, Watlington 85 shots and three points.
Shiplake scores:-
Mairwen West, John Snook, Wendy Cross, Barry Lambourne 29-16
Helen Robinson, Pat Main, Phyl Mansfield, Barrie Evans 31-11
Darren St. John, Paula Benham, Howard West, Les Redding 30-15
Vera Harris, Peter Cross, Francis Benham, Graham Kennedy 21-21
Val Beard, Sonia Stretch, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 20-22.
20 June
Shiplake played at home against an ever-skilful side from the strong Suttons club, and congratulated themselves in ending the evening with a winning score of 108 shots to 91. Three of the five home rinks kept neck and neck scores throughout the match. A fourth, Barrie Evans with the back-up of Eric Davis, RosemaryTaylor and Pat Main romped home, winning 15 out of the 21 ends, and scoring 23 shots to 9 for the visitors.
Shiplake scores:-
Margaret Bullock, Peter Higgs, Brian Evans, Phyl Mansfield 21-15
Bob Beard, David Buckett, Peter Christmas, Wendy Cross 19-23
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, Len Mitton, Mike Lovejoy 23-22
Peter Watson, Jill Rumble, Ray Wheeler, David Bullock 22-22
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 23-9.
Shiplake then travelled away to play on a very hot day of almost 90 degrees the first of their two fixtures with Goring. Skip Peter Sawdon-Smith's rink which included Helen Robinson, Len Mitton and Mike Lovejoy played in a very consistent winning fashion, also scoring on 15 of the 21 ends played, to end 27-12. Shiplake 68 shots and 9 MUL points. Goring 49 shots and 3 MUL points.
Shiplake scores:-
Wendy Cross, Bob Beard, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 25-17
Helen Robinson, Len Mitton, Mike Lovejoy, Peter Sawdon-Smith 27-12
Val Beard, Patricia Steel, Les Redding, Iain Robinson 16- 20.
Margaret Bullock, Mairwen West, Wendy Cross and Phyllis Mansfield are through to the quarter finals of the Rinks in the Oxfordshire County competitions.
Francis Benham who moved back into the district and in particular, back into Shiplake Village Bowls Club, demonstrated his value when he skipped his triple away to Twyford to a 31 shots to 10 finish. Vera Harris and Maurice Hill were at lead and number two respectively contributing to end scores of a 6, 5 and a 4. Shiplake 141 shots, Twyford 102.
Shiplake scores:-
Vera Harris, Maurice Hill, Francis Benham 32-10
Eric Davis, Helen Robinson, Bob Beard 16- 20
Val Beard, Terry Auger, Wendy Cross 29-18
Paula Benham, Peter Cross, Howard West 25-21
Rosemary Taylor, Peter Higgs, Iain Robinson 12-20
Sylvia Blackmore, David Buckett, Bill Blackmore 24- 13.
13 June
Shiplake went cruising across to the River Thames island to play the Bohemians on a sunny and fairly warm evening. Howard West at this stage of the season, may have now eased himself into his usual winning ways as an experienced skip. Howard's 13 shot win and score of 23 shots to 10 away was best of the match, Margaret Bullock, new player Patricia Walker, and Patrick Main completing the rink. Les Mitton and team did well in second place for a score of 25 shots to 16 away. G Emmett assisted Shiplake as guest player. A one shot win for Shiplake with 110 shots, and Island Bohemians 109.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beaumont, Eric Smith, David Buckett, Bill Blackmore 17- 20
Angie Main, Trevor Beaumont, David Steel, Philip Mansfield 11-21
Patricia Steel, Maurice Hill, Peter Higgs, Len Mitton 25-16
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Ray Wheeler, Wendy Cross 22-20
Sonia Stretch, G Emmett, Peter Cross, David Bullock 12-2
Margaret Bullock, Patricia Walker, Patrick Main, Howard West 23-10.
Val Beaumont and Sylvia Blackmore have won through to the semi-finals of the County of Oxfordshire Women's Bowling Association Unbadged Pairs. Margaret Bullock has reached the semi-finals of the Oxfordshire entry into the National Over 55's Singles.
Shiplake's annual celebration of the Millenium was well supported as a popular triples event. New bowlers Jacqui Stafford and Ann Cox, together with new member Terry Auger, showed their enthusiasm and an encouraging standard of skill throughout a four round challenge to provide finalist triples from the afternoon. It was Howard West who again shone and led his team of Maurice Hill and Val Beard to victory. Captain Wendy Cross, playing with Brian Evans and Angie Main were runners up. The official presentation will be made to the winners at the Annual Dinner in November 2005.
Shiplake ended their week with a full 6 rink turnout to play away for their match against 3 Mile Cross. The rink headed by Captain by Wendy Cross provided the afternoons' excitement when her rink made all 8 shots on end 8, nearly doubling their score in the process. Wendy, Peter Watson, Patricia Steel and Les Redding now qualify for registration as "Hot Shot" players. At the conclusion of play, the whole match proved to have been closely contended with Shiplake winning well at the half-way mark, but thereafter allowing 3 Mile Cross to pull away to score 118 shots and Shiplake 113 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Margaret Bullock, Paula Benham, Bill Blackmore, Len Mitton 12-17
Sylvia Blackmore, John Snook, Ray Wheeler, David Steel 18-14
Peter Watson, Patricia Steel, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 25-24
Eric Davis, Maurice Hill, Bob Beard, Phyl Mansfield 21-17
Val Beard, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Howard West 14-27
Mairwen West, Angie Main, Francis Benham, David Bullock 23-19.
6 June 2005
Shiplake were well satisfied with a week in which they won all their events.
First came an away match to Palmer Park, a new entrant into the MUL . Whilst Barry Lambourne returned the best result of 18 shots to 11 away, the other 4 triples scored steadily to contribute to Shiplake's 7 - 5 point League win, and 83 shots to 77.
Shiplake scores:-
Mairwen West, Wendy Cross, Barry Lambourne 18-11.
Helen Robinson, Bill Blackmore, Iain Robinson 14-17.
Val Beard, Peter Cross, Barrie Evans 15-12.
Margaret Bullock, Howard West, David Steel 20-20.
Les Redding, Phyl Mansfield, David Bullock 16-17.
Next came a joint MUL/Plomer Cup fixture played to a high competitive standard at home against Nettlebed. Peter Sawdon-Smith well backed up by Val Beaumont and Bob Beard, were stars of the afternoon scoring a five on end one, then going on to win 11 ends out of 18, and capping all-comers with a final score of 24 shots to 12. Shiplake 8 MUL points and 96 shots.
Nettlebed 4 points and 78 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beaumont, Bob Beard, Peter Sawdon-Smith 24-12.
Sylvia Blackmore, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 20-12.
Val Beard, Bill Blackmore, Barrie Evans 20-20.
Francis Benham, Phyl Mansfield, Iain Robinson 13-15.
Margaret Bullock, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 19-19.
County and National events.
Congratulations to the following:-
Margaret Bullock, who has been selected to play for Oxfordshire in the competition, the "John's Trophy" and is reserve player in the "Walker Cup" Double Rink. Captain Wendy Cross and Junior Vice-President of Oxfordshire, Mairwen West who are
through to the quarter finals of the Over 55 National Pairs.
Barry Lambourne and Ryan Buckett who have been selected to play for Oxfordshire in the "Middleton Cup."
Wendy Cross took a ladies team away to Carterton for the first round of the "Top Club" competition and brought her team home as winners.
Singles - Margaret Bullock 21-6.
Pairs - Sylvia Blackmore and Val Beard 21-15.
Triples - Sonia Stretch, Mairwen West, Phyl Mansfield 17-12.
Fours - Angie Main, Annette Chamberlain, Janette Macarthur, Wendy Cross 14-21.
Six of the "Top Club" women players then immediately travelled to join the
rest of the Shiplake team at Wallingford where they helped to achieve a win
of 99 shots to 80 away. After the very long morning of play it was amazing
that there was still enough energy for Wendy Cross, playing with Sonia
Stretch and Pat Main to achieve a win of 17 shots to 9. However Les
Redding's triple stole first place with a score of 22 against their
opponents' end result of 5 well supported by Margaret Bullock and David
Buckett.
Shiplake scores:-
Rosemary Taylor, Peter Higgs, Bill Blackmore 20-19.
Sonia Stretch,Pat Main, Wendy Cross 17-9.
Mairwen West, Trevor Beaumont, David Steel 18-15.
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, Graham Kennedy 14-17.
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Les Redding 22-5.
Jill Rumble, Ray Wheeler, Phyl Mansfield 8-15.
31 May 2005
Shiplake entertained Three Mile Cross at Memorial Avenue on a more summer-like evening. 4 Shiplake rinks won with 2 lost and an overall score in favour of Shiplake by 112 shots to 98. The highest winning rink was that skipped by Barrie Evans, well supported by expert lead Margaret Bullock, Dave Buckett and Chairman Pat Main.
Shiplake scores:-
Vera Harris, Pat Steel, Ray Wheeler, Len Mitton 14 – 20
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, Brian Evans, Wendy Cross (Captain) 20 – 16
Margaret Bullock, David Buckett, Pat Main, Barrie Evans 23 – 12
Sonia Stretch, Jill Rumble, Val Beaumont, Barry Lambourne 22 – 12
Angie Main, Peter Higgs, David Steel, Bill Blackmore 14 - 24
Bob Beard, Rosemary Taylor, Phyl Mansfield, Mick Lovejoy 19 – 14
Shiplake men’s team achieved 2 victories out of 2 matches in the Oxford & District Bowls League at Rovers’ green in Cowley with a score of 5 – 1 (3 points for 3 winning rinks and 2 points for a winning aggregate score of 76 shots to 60). The leading rink was that skipped by Barrie Evans with a margin of 12 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
John Chamberlain, Peter Higgs, David Bullock, Barry Lambourne (Captain) 13 - 24
Francis Benham, David Buckett, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 21 – 9
Peter Christmas, Maurice Hill, Iain Robinson, Ryan Buckett 22 – 15
Darren St John, David Steel, Bill Blackmore, Graham Kennedy 20 – 12
Shiplake’s visitors from Great Hollands proved to be too strong for the home team in 5 triples out of 6. The successful home trio, comprising the two most experienced players in the Club, Eric Davis and Peter Sawdon-Smith with Annette Chamberlain won by 23 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Annette Chamberlain, Peter Sawdon-Smith 34 – 11
Rosemary Taylor, Francis Benham, Wendy Cross (Captain) 5 – 33
Jill Rumble, Maurice Hill, Bill Blackmore 15 – 25
Angie Main, Paula Benham, Iain Robinson 12 – 27
Sonia Stretch, Helen Robinson, Pat Main 15 – 20
Vera Harris, Peter Cross, Les Redding 9 – 17
The Ladies of Shiplake Village B.C. fought their annual battle against their gentlemen counterparts for the Margaret Evans Memorial Trophy. However as usual they had to give second best to the male strength in depth, but a pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all. The rink skipped by Graham Kennedy and containing John Snook, David Bucket and Darren St John was particularly remorseless against the rink skipped by Val Beaumont. All members were delighted to welcome new member Geoff Emmett and Janette MacArthur to their first games of the season and sent their best wishes to ex-President Iain MacArthur during his convalescence.
23 May 2005
A packed week for Shiplake began with them hosting a friendly match against a team provided by one of their local sponsors, AIT Business Software. Tim Shaw, accompanied by 20 of AIT’s keen, young, but occasional players were integrated with experienced club members into A and B sides. Anything between 12, 13 or even 14 ends later, all sat down to a good supper provided by the AIT Chef, blithe in spirit over the result of A side 69, B side 54.
Shiplake demonstrated their winning ways when they went away to play Peppard in a combined Manchester Unity League/Plomer Cup match.Graham Kennedy, contributing well again to the final result, scored 27 shots to five, ably backed up by Val Beard and Bill Blackmore. At end five Ryan Buckett, a few weeks into his first full season with Shiplake, made the qualifying ‘hot shot’ score of all nine shots available, in amongst a total of 35 shots to 18 away. Helen Robinson and Howard West completed Ryan’s triple. Shiplake finished with 121 shots and maximum 12 MUL and 12 Plomer Cup points whilst Peppard had 71 shots and nil points for both events.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Bill Blackmore, Graham Kennedy 27-5.
Helen Robinson, Howard West, Ryan Buckett 35-18
Bob Beard, David Steel, Wendy Cross 22-18
Sylvia Blackmore, B G Evans, David Bullock 18-12
Val Beaumont, Len Mitton, Barry Lambourne 19-18.
By the time Shiplake's Oxford and District Bowls League all male team met Chadlington at home, they had played two fixtures for the ODBL Cup. After which, matters became serious as the local team hosted their first match, the visitors arriving three men short out of a side of 16. This shortfall immediately led to Chadlington being penalised by 25 per cent on all shots made.
Whilst this situation would seem to have given advantage to Shiplake, the fact is that the benefit is to the opposition. Two opposition players delivered three woods each, the third delivering two woods. The four Shiplake players comprising the rink against them each have only two woods.
However joint league captain Barry Lambourne’s side dealt resoundingly with this extra challenge, the local club winning all four rinks. First, Ryan Buckett took his rink of Bob Beard, Maurice Hill and lain Robinson to the top 31—9 result, which included one end score of six. Secondly, Graham Kennedy, who does not allow himself or any team he may be allocated to be beaten, also scored an early six shots on one end.
Thereafter he nursed his team-mates along to a score of 27 shots to 15 away. A great start to Shiplake’s second season in this league, as they start their climb up to the top of Division 3. Shiplake finished with 91 shots and all six league points to Chadlington’s 54 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Francis Benham, David Buckett, Len Mitton, Barrie Evans 18-16
Les Redding, Ray Wheeler, Bill Blackmore, Graham Kennedy 27-15
Darren St James, Peter Higgs, David Steel, Barry Lambourne 15-14
Bob Beard, Maurice Hill, lain Robinson, Ryan Buckett 31-9.
It was a brave and maybe innocent Shiplake who set off to pit their might at a new fixture against Thame.
In the light of the result, Shiplake may be viewed as being seen off by a pride of lions without the beasts venturing too far from their dens.
Certainly the local team was taken by surprise as Thame fielded all male bowlers on two rinks. Exception lay with the sole winning achievement by skip Peter Sawdon Smith. Peter, together with Eric Davis, Sonia Stretch and Peter Cross made 25 shots to 23 away. The match score finished Shiplake 78 shots, Thame 135 shots.
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Sonia Stretch, Peter Cross, Peter Sawdon Smith 25-23
Annette Chamberlain, Patricia Steel, Howard West, Graham Kennedy 9-30
Val Beard, David Buckett, Sylvia Blackmore, David Steel 12-29
Helen Robinson, Angie Main, Bob Beard, Peter Christmas 18-24
Val Beaumont, Peter Higgs, Pat Main, Mike Lovejoy 14-29.
The match away to South Oxford found Shiplake regaining their usual form and returning home with a good win. Howard West scored steadily throughout, and made the best result of 28—5 away, backed up by Angie Main, Maurice Hill and Peter Cross.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Maurice Hill, Peter Cross, Howard West 28-5
Mairwen West, Pat Main, Peter Christmas, David Steel 20-12
Helen Robinson, David Buckett, Les Redding, Weedy Cross 21-17
Sonia Stretch, Peter Higgs, Phil Mansfield, Phyl Mansfield 20-13
Francis Benham, Patricia Steel, Len Milton, Brian Evans 20-28.
9 May 2005
Shiplake, fielding the indominatable and almost unbeatable veteran sportsman Eric Davis at Lead in his rink of four, met another "E Davis", Eileen, when the club went away to Woodley. Whilst Eric and Eileen performed well for their respective sides, the Woodley opposition outbowled Eric's rink for a 9-33 result. Overall however, Shiplake almost achieved a win with a 93-94 result and well-matched scores on the other four rinks.
Shiplake scores:-
Sonia Stretch, Angie Main, Peter Higgs, David Bullock 26-14
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Pat Main, Peter Sawdon-Smith 9-33
Phyl Mansfield, David Buckett, Wendy Cross, Graham Kennedy 17-15
Margaret Bullock, Patricia Steel, Francis Benham, Barrie Evans 21-17
Vera Harris, Maurice Hill, Bill Blackmore, Barry Lambourne 20-15
In the third of the 2005 Manchester Unity League series, Shiplake met Harwell who had been noticeably strengthened by the absorbtion of members from a recently closed nearly club. The result was 96 shots to 84 against, and a reasonable League score of 6 all. Skip of the match Barrie Evans, playing with Helen Robinson and the consistently positive Bill Blackmore led the 5 home triples scores with a 29-13 win.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beaumont, Peter Cross, David Bullock 17-18
Les Redding, Wendy Cross, Graham Kennedy 15-20
Margaret Bullock, Francis Benham, Barry Lambourne 13-19
Helen Robinson, Bill Blackmore, Barrie Evans 29-13
Sonia Stretch, Phyl Mansfield, Mike Lovejoy 22-14
Shiplake's innovative and experienced Fixture Secretary Helen Robinson, arranged the introduction into the 2005 Fixture List of an away match against Abingdon. This proved highly popular and was welcomed as pitting the versatility of the home club against a club perceived to have had gained historic superiority in Oxfordshire County circles. It was therefore a contented Captain Wendy Cross, supported by Angie Main, David Buckett and Francies Benham, who achieved the best rink result, and returned home highly satisfied with a maiden club result of 102 shots for Shiplake and 106 to her opponents.
Shiplake scores:-
Angie Main, Daivd Buckett, Francis Benham, Wendy Cross 24-14
Patricia Steel, Paula Benham, Peter Cross, Iain Robinson 23-28
Val Beard, Maurice Hill, Pat Main, Len Mitton 8-30
Eric Davis, Rosemary Taylor, Bob Beard, David Steel 22-17
Helen Robinson, Gordon Gill, Peter Higgs, Phyl Mansfield 25-17
2 May 2005
Heavy rain earlier in the day put Shiplake’s game on Wednesday in doubt, but the skies cleared and Shiplake’s first game of the Manchester Unity League went ahead under a blue sky. Their opponents were newcomers to the league, Palmer Park. Captain Wendy Cross built an early lead, and after 10 ends led 16 – 3. But, as so often in bowls, a complete turnaround occurred in the second half of the game and at the end the final score was 17-18. Shiplake won on three rinks, including an impressive 32 – 5 for the triple of David Bullock, Val Beaumont and Howard West, and with an overall shots win Shiplake gained 8 MUL points, to Palmer Park’s 4.
Shiplake scores:-
Margaret Bullock, Len Mitton, Barry Lambourne 9 - 19
Val Beaumont, Howard West, David Bullock 32 – 5
Helen Robinson, Bill Blackmore, Iain Robinson 16 – 12
Mairwen West, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 17 – 14
Val Beard, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 17 – 18
On Saturday Shiplake were away to Great Hollands for a game of six triples. This was new vice-captain David Steel’s first game in charge. It was a hard fought game with several Shiplake players excelling themselves in unaccustomed positions. The rinks led by Howard West and Iain Robinson turned round tea time deficits to win but other rinks fared less well and the final score was 90 to 117
Shiplake scores:-
Eric Davis, Helen Robinson, Peter Sawdon-Smith 12 – 18
Pat Steel, David Buckett, Francis Benham 14 – 31
Rosemary Taylor, Val Beard, David Steel 12 – 17
Maurice Hill, Sylvia Blackmore, Iain Robinson 18 – 15
Paula Benham, Pat Main, Bob Beard 13 – 20
Angie Main, Peter Higgs, Howard West 21 - 16
Sunday was billed as ‘The Clash of the Titans’, with Shiplake, 2004 runners up in the Manchester Unity League, at home to the University of Reading, 2004 winners. The University opened up an early lead on two rinks but on the other 3 rinks the game was finely balanced at the half-way point. However by the end the visitors were winners on 4 of the 5 rinks with a win for Barry Lambourne, supported by Phyllis Mansfield and David Bullock, providing the only MUL points for Shiplake . The final score was Shiplake 63, University of Reading 104, and the University gained 10 MUL points.
Shiplake scores:-
Bob Beard, Wendy Cross, Phil Mansfield 3 - 30
Val Beard, Les Redding, Iain Robinson 7 - 23
Margaret Bullock, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 16 - 20
Phyllis Mansfield, David Bullock, Barry Lambourne 23 - 13
Helen Robinson, Peter Cross, Barrie Evans 9 - 18
25 April 2005
Shiplake commenced their new season with Captain Wendy Cross hosting a 5 rink team against Maiden Erlegh. The club's winter indoor bowlers adjusted well to the challenging early season heavier outdoor situation, with the adjustment to outdoor weight and length proving the usual challenge. Whatever the conditions or the quality of the opposition, a rink or more will still come through as proving the better at play on any particular occasion. The final of this first Match of the 2005 programme, established Iain Robinson as leading the team scores with best result of 22 for the home club, against 14 for the visitors, ably assisted by Sonia Stretch at lead, and Paula Benham at two. Bob Beard playing effectively at three, demonstrated that a winter’s practice indoors albeit on the faster carpets, can and does pay off. These 'front end' players, together with accredited Oxfordshire County instructor Iain Robinson as Skip made a strong and successful team. Shiplake 91. Maiden Erlegh 112.
Shiplake scores:-
Sonia Stretch, Paula Benham, Bob Beard, Iain Robinson 22 - 14
Val Beard, Peter Higgs, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 20 - 29
Jill Rumble, David Buckett, Francis Benham, Barrie Evans 17 - 18
Annette Chamberlain, Angie Main, Phyl Mansfield, David Steel 15 - 29
Vera Harris, Pat Steel, Pat Main, Len Mitton 17 - 22
Next day came a simple journey for Shiplake to play away at Caversham on a mostly grey and murky afternoon. There is always an extra element of competitiveness between certain Shiplake and Caversham players, as brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and nephews spar against each other in a particularly gladiatorial game of bowls. (Players from each side will know who is whom!) It can be said that Skips Phyllis and Philip Mansfield were pleased with the cards they handed in, which contributed to a 124 to 80 shot win for the travelling team. However, accolade for the top scores must go to the current Senior Vice-President of Oxfordshire Bowls Association, and proud member of Shiplake, David Bullock, who was well supported by Mairwen West, David Buckett, and Peter Higgs, the team returning an excellent early season score of 35 shots to 16. . Graham Kennedy's four had an excellent win of 28 shots to 15 for the opposition.
Shiplake scores:-
Sonia Stretch, Maurice Hill, Wendy Cross, Phyl Mansfield 16 - 13
Margaret Bullock, Peter Cross, Howard West, Phil Mansfield 22 - 17
Patricia Steel, Rosemary Taylor, Bill Blackmore, Barry Lambourne 23 - 19.
Mairwen West, David Buckett, Peter Higgs, David Bullock 35 - 16
Jill Rumble, John Snook, David Steel, Graham Kennedy 28 - 15
20 March 2005
Shiplake's Captain Wendy Cross took Shiplake away to Oxford City and County Indoor Club, with perhaps the old adage in mind,that "it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive." Fortunately as the skills of the local village club have improved over the past 20 years so has the 150% score differential been trimmed down to a more manageable 50%, one team achieving a win. Whatever the score all team members came away from Oxford knowing they had had a good quality and cheerful afternoon against the highly skilled Oxford indoor players.
Shiplake scores:-
Val Beard, Phil Mansfield, Les Redding, Wendy Cross 14-25
Mairwen West, Phyl Mansfield, Len Mitton, Graham Kennedy 12-30
Angie Main, Dave Buckett, Peter Cross, Barrie Evans 12-30
Peter Christmas, Helen Robinson, Bob Beard, Howard West 18--16
Julia Perry, Peter Higgs, Pat Main, Iain Robinson 9-29