Match report for Oxfordshire Mixed team v Bristol C & C BA atWitney Town BC on 4 Aug, 2026
Once again, the weather was kind, whilst Witney Town hosted our annual match against the Bristol City & County Bowling Association. Both exceded expectations to make it a joyful occasion.
On rink 1, after a slow start, a 6 on the 7 th end set the tone for a win for our team, comprised of Val Thomas (who had a superb performance), Geoff Smith, Elaine Robinson and John Hurren. despite losing 3 on the last end the final score was 21-13 in favour of Oxfordshire. The team of John Standen, Julia Lambert, host President Gary Panons and Caroline Bloomfield had a close encounter, but after winning 10 of the ends, the Bristol team narrowly won 16-15.
The Presidents rink, supported by Clive & Annie Bristow and John Stephens, won handsomely 19-10, largely because they won the last 6 ends. Alan Scholan (not for the first time!) awarded the bounty to his team-mates after the dinner. On rink 4, Ron Smith, Terry Thomas, Gary Smith and late substitute, Jack Lafford had a good start and led by 9 shots after 5 ends. 3 consecutive 3's in the second half contributed to a good 21-13 win.
On rink 5, the home team only won 7 ends, but kept the game close and were only 2 shots behind at the end. The game was tight throughout with no ends claiming a score over two. Our gritty team consisted of Skip Pauline C- Banks, with Nick Baldwin, Barbare Singh and Brian Meikle. Finally on rink 6, Sue Mayo, Chairman Terry Boswell, Brian Clarke and skip Richard Morris battled hard to secure a draw with 14 shots each. A 3 shot last end led to a draw for the Oxfordshire rink after a slow start.
Overall, the county won 100 - 78 shots and both teams were very pleased with the home clubs hospitality and particularly for the excellent dinner cooked by Brian Bloomfield and helpers.
After finally purchasing a supply of metalic badges, President Alan awarded Colts badges to Brian Meikle, Terry Thomas, Clive Bristow & "old timer" Jack Lafford.