...Match Reports...

Website Report for 21 April 2019

President 108 Captain 83
We started our 2019 Outdoor season on Saturday afternoon with our traditional opening match of our President’s team versus our Captain’s team. It was played on probably the best opening day, weather-wise, it has been played in for a few years and the President’s team won comfortably by 108 shots to 83. Of the six Triples played the President’s team won all but one of them. The President’s highest winning Triple was that of John Ellis, Chris Hills and Skipped by Peter Hills, the President himself. They comfortably beat the Triple of Jenny and Phillip Holzbauer and Skipped by Steve Arnold, the Captain himself. The Captain’s only winning Triple was that of Richard and Annette Hutchinson and Skip Graham Akers; they beat the President’s Triple of Tricia Brewster, Ian Tyler and Skip Ken Ryder by 23 shots to 8. Two of the President’s Triples squeezed home by just one shot.
Scorecards with President’s team first: -
J.Ellis, C.Hills & P.Hills beat J & P.Holzbauer & S.Arnold 30-8; N.Berry, R.Hazeu & K.Hammond beat D.Jackson, J.Akers & R.Harper 15-14; T.Brewster, I.Tyler & K.Ryder lost to R & A.Hutchinson & G.Akers 8-23; S.Hemmings, C.Findlay & R.Brewster beat E.Alden, D.Elms & J.Alden 16-11; L.Tyler, N.Mean & S.Chamberlain beat B.Gilbert, P.Berry & M.Gordon 22-14; J.Whittle, S.Ellis & C.Townley beat D.Kingsland, I.Green & J.Hales 14-13.

Datchworth 57 Baldock Town 79
The surprisingly good weather continued into Sunday when we played hosts to Baldock Town for our first Friendly match of the season. This too ended in defeat, by 79 shots to 57, despite the four Triples played being shared two apiece. On the last end before the tea-break Janet Akers, Dickie Jackson and Skip Steve Chamberlain picked up six shots, to go into tea 13-7 ahead. After tea they only managed two winning ends, but held on to win by 18 shots to 16. Maureen Blunt, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper were 10-15 down after twelve ends, but then proceeded to lose the remaining six ends to go down by 10 shots to 27. Phil Holzbauer, George Campbell and Skip Peter Hills went into tea 5-10 down and only managed three winning ends after tea to lose by 10 shots to 24. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Arnold went into tea 8 apiece and after tea they won all but two of the remaining ends, to win by 19 shots to 12.
Scorecards: -
J.Akers, D.Jackson & S.Chamberlain beat I.MacKinnon, S.Page & M.Parsons 18-16; M.Blunt, G.Akers & R.Harper lost to W.Budge, D.Turner & R.Dempster 10-27; P.Holzbauer, G.Campbell & P.Hills lost to K.Starkey, D.Davies & S.Budge 10-24; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & S.Arnold beat A.Cross, M.Reid & M.Ingram 19-12.

Website Report for 28 April 2019

Datchworth 47 Rosehill 67
On a somewhat chilly and windy Saturday afternoon we travelled to Hoddesdon to play Rosehill in a Mixed Friendly and returned home following a 47 shots to 67 loss. Our only winning Triple was that of Linda Tyler, Richard Brewster and Skip Richard Harper. They led 12-3 after nine ends; but five losing ends later they were all square at 12 shots apiece. They pulled themselves together and won the closing four ends to win by 21 shots to 12. Rachel Jones, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold lost twice as many ends than they won as they lost by 8 shots to 19. Despite only winning five ends Dickie Jackson, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Rob Hazeu restricted the scoring opportunities of their opponents and as a result only went down by 12 shots to 15. But Richard Hutchinson, Ian Tyler and Skip Julian Hales only won four ends as they crashed to a 6 shots to 21 defeat.
L.Tyler, R.Brewster & R.Harper beat D.Giles, B.Fitzgerald & J.Nash 21-12; R.Jones, G.Akers & S.Arnold lost to A.Edwards, G.Bassett & D.Ayres 8-19; D.Jackson, A.Hutchinson & R.Hazeu lost to C.Rogers, B.Edwards & K.Mizen 12-15; R.Hutchinson, I.Tyler & J.Hales lost to A.Blacker, J.Maslin & P.Tilley 6-21.

Datchworth 59 Buntingford 55
On Sunday afternoon Buntingford were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for our second Mixed Friendly of the weekend and one we edged home by 59 shots to 55. Graham Akers, Nicki Berry, John Alden and Skip Ian Williams were level at 7 shots apiece after seven ends; they then lost the next seven ends to go 7-18 down. But they got their act together and fought back, winning all but one of the closing seven ends to lose by the odd shot 18-19 at the end. Jenny Holzbauer, Susan Wray, Chris Hills and Skip Derek Henley went behind on the fourth end and remain behind until picking up 4 shots on the eighteenth end, to lead 16-15. They then dropped 2 shots on the next end, picked up 1 shot on the penultimate end, to draw level, only to lose the final end on a measure and lose by the odd shot as well, 17-18. Janet Akers, Phil Holzbauer, Edie Alden and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first four ends, to trail 0-10, won the next four to trail 8-10; then they won all but four of the remaining thirteen ends to come from behind to win by 24 shots to 18. We also had enough players to put out two more Mixed Rinks to play each other. In that Barbara Williams, Maureen Blunt, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Chamberlain were up against Brian Gilbert, Sue Kiernan, Neil Mean and Skip Peter Hills. Steve Chamberlain’s Rink went 4-2 up after four ends, but when they dropped a 7 on the eighth end they went 4-13 down. They won just four more ends after that to lose by 9 shots to 26.
G.Akers, N.Berry, J.Alden & I.Williams lost to S.Batchelor, M.Murphy, G.Gibbs & R.Murphy 18-19; J.Holzbauer, S.Wray, C.Hills & D.Henley lost to T.Cooper, G.Beale, R.Watkins & G.Warrender 17-18; J.Akers, P.Holzbauer, E.Alden & S.Arnold beat J.Watkins, P.Besser, B.Bushell & J.Collins 24-18.
B.Williams, M.Blunt, P.Berry & S.Chamberlain lost to B.Gilbert, S.Kiernan, N.Mean & P.Hills 9-26.

Website Report for 5 May 2019

Both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action on Wednesday night; our Div. 1 Blue team were at home to Sele Farm while our Div. 2 Gold team were away to Shire Park.
Datchworth Blue 22 Sele Farm 37
At our Turkey Farm home the Blue team lost both Triples and the match by 22 shots to 37. Brian Gilbert, Darren Gilbert and Skip Peter Hills led from the sixth end up to the fourteenth. They dropped four shots on the fifteenth end to go 13-15 down and eventually lost 15-18. The other Triple of Mike Mahoney, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley never got into their game and were 1-10 down after eight ends, eventually losing 7-19.
B.Gilbert, D.Gilbert & P.Hills lost to H.Wright, J.Lake & J.Parsley 15-18; M.Mahoney, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to P.Dougherty, J.Ottley & J.Jones 7-19.

Datchworth Gold 49 Shire Park 20
At Shire Park our Gold team won by 49 shots to 20 after winning both Triples. Dickie Jackson, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain had a fight on their hands as they won just two more ends than they lost to win their game by 16 shots to 13. It was a different story for Phil Berry, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold as they had most of the luck that was going and only lost four ends in their 33 shots to 7 win.
D.Jackson, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain beat R.Bramson, M.Reeve & A.Wells 16-13; P.Berry, R.Harper & S.Arnold beat P.Ashwell, T.Canton & G.Edwards 33-7.

Datchworth Green 46 Welwyn Woods 27
On a dank and miserable Friday night our Green team started their Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League season with a home game against Welwyn Woods and won by 46 shots to 27. Chris Hills, Neil Mean and Skip Jim Smith picked up seven shots on the third end to lead 7-1. They increased that lead to 25-4 with four ends to play. But they lost those four ends to eventually win by 25 shots to 11. Dawn Kingsland, Darren Gilbert and Skip Steve Hunter lost the first three ends to trail 0-8. They were still behind, 5-15, with seven ends to play. They won all but one of those ends, including picking up an eight on the fifteenth end and come from behind and win by 21 shots to 16.
C.Hills, N.Mean & J.Smith beat D.Charlwood, J.McKeown & I.Whitcombe 25-11; D.Kingsland, D.Gilbert & S.Hunter beat L.Dawson, D.Blakes & T.Holdcroft 21-16.

Datchworth 56 Shephalbury 80
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to near neighbours Shephalbury to play a Mixed Friendly and after dodging the showers we returned home after losing by 56 shots to 80. Jenny Holzbauer, Ian Tyler and Skip Chas Townley lost twice as many ends than they won and lost by the same margin 11-22. Linda Tyler, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Julian Hales lost twice as many ends than they won but lost by three times the shots 9-27. Sue Ellis, Neil Mean and Skip Derek Henley trailed by 4 shots to 16 after ten ends. But they got their act together over the remaining eight ends to win all but one of those ends and to come from way behind and win by 21 shots to 17. By contrast John Ellis, Rachel Jones and Skip Graham Akers had a right old tussle. They trailed 4-7 after nine ends, picked up 4 shots on the tenth end, to lead 8-7 then they dropped three shots on the eleventh to trail 8-10. They were pegged back to all square at 14 apiece on the penultimate only to win the final and the game by 15 shots to 14.
J.Holzbauer, I.Tyler & C.Townley lost to J.Johnson, M.Chapman & T.Roullier 11-22; L.Tyler, P.Holzbauer & J.Hales lost to L.Blackmore, I.Blagden & B.Blackmore 9-27; S.Ellis, N.Mean & D.Henley beat J.Desborough, M.Roullier & A.Brown 21-17; J.Ellis, R.Jones & G.Akers beat C.Desborough, T.May & M.Shelley 15-14.

Datchworth 73 Howard Garden 57
On Sunday afternoon we started our Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League season with a home match against Howard Garden and won by 73 shots to 53. Annette Hutchinson, John Alden and Skip Ian Williams shred the ends nine apiece and by restricting their opposition to eight singles they managed to edge their game by 15 shots to 10. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Arnold restricted their opposition to five winning ends as they ran our winners by 24 shots to 10. Barbara Williams, Bernie Drummond and Skip Peter Hills were kept from picking up several more shots than they did by some shot saving woods played by their opposition Skip George Liddle, which was one of the factors that led to their 11 shots to 15 defeat. Edie Alden, George Campbell and Skip Rob Hazeu led comfortably 13-4 after ten ends. But things changed after that ant they found themselves just 23-16 up with two ends to play. They dropped a three on the penultimate seventeenth end and were happy to accept dropping another three on the final end to hold on and win by the odd shot 23-22.
A.Hutchinson, J.Alden & I.Williams beat P.Wallis, T.O’Shaughnessy & R.Bloomfield 15-10; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & S.Arnold beat S.Jordan, D.Weemys & D.Brothers 24-10; B.Williams, B.Drummond & P.Hills lost to P.Rowe, C.Cooper & G.Liddle 11-15; E.Alden, G.Campbell & R.Hazeu beat B.Woods, G.Brothers & B.Lindsay 23-22.

Website Report for 12 May 2019

Datchworth 75 Aston 49
On Tuesday night we travelled the short distance to Aston to play them in the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls league and returned home with a 75 shots to 49 win. Chris Hills, Ian Williams and Skip Derek Henley led 6-2 after six ends then they lost the following four ends to trail 6-14. They never got back in the hunt, eventually losing by 15 shots to 18. Sue Kiernan, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold built up a healthy 14 shots to 1 lead after seven ends. They then shared the remaining eleven ends 6-5 and stretched their winning margin to 28-10. Janet Akers, Graham Akers and Skip Les Parsley won the first three ends, lost the next four ends to trail 3-7. They then only lost another two ends to come from behind and win by 16 shots to 10. Barbara Williams, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Peter Hills were behind for all but one of the first nine ends. They then won the next four ends to led 11-7. They then lost the next three ends to be pigged back to all square at 11 apiece with two ends to play. They won both of those ends to win by 16 shots to 11.
C.Hills, I.Williams & D.Henley lost to S.Mahoney, P.Wilkinson & D. Jackson 15-18; S.Kiernan, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold beat S.Biro, N.Wray & T.Phipps 28-10, J.Akers, G.Akers & L.Parsley beat L.O’Brian, M.Grindley & L.Grindley 16-10; B.Williams, S.Chamberlain & P.Hills beat G.Gleghorn, M.Gleghorn & P.Smith 16-11.

Wednesday afternoon’s match away to Stevenage Veterans was postponed because of the rain.

Datchworth Green 20 Welwyn Wanderers 34
On Thursday evening our Green team travelled to Welwyn to play their Wanderers team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and lost by 30 shots to 34. Rachel Jones, Robin Gray and Skip Les Parsley built up a lead of 17-5 after eleven ends before losing all but one of the remaining seven ends, but held on to win by 21 shots to 14. Sue Kiernan, Ken Ryder and Skip Darren Gilbert only won two of the first nine ends to trail by 3 shots to 12. They never recovered and eventually lost by 9 shots to 20.
R.Jones, R.Gray & L.Parsley beat G.Turner, B.Bennett 7 P.Bowyer 21-14; S.Kiernan, K.Ryder & D.Gilbert lost to R.Venting, A.Gills & J.Brown 9-20.

On Friday night our Blue team were away to B.S.P in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match and our Yellow team were at home to Parkside Greens in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match.

Datchworth Blue 23 B.S.P. 34
At W.G.G’s KGV greens our Blue team lost 23-34. Andrew Phillips, Darren Gilbert and Skip Peter Hills were level for the third at 9 apiece on the twelfth end, but they dropped a 6 on the next end and never recovered, eventually losing by 12 shots to 20. Robin Gray, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley lost the first three ends and remained behind until they won five ends in a row to draw level at 10 apiece on the fifteenth end. They lost the next two ends before winning the final end, but still lost by 11 shots to 14.
A.Phillips, D.Gilbert & P.Hills lost to P.Matthews, B.Reeves & G.Smith 12-20; R.Gray, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to D.Miller, B.Clark & J.Matthews 11-14.

Datchworth Yellow 23 Parkside Greens 41
At our Turkey Farm green our Yellow team lost by 23 shots to 41. Janet Akers, Phil Berry and Skip Rob Hazeu lost the first three ends and never got back in the hunt; going down by 10 shots to 21. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Chamberlain dropped a 7 on the sixth end, to trail 5-12 and they too never got back in the hunt, losing 13-20.
J.Akers, P.Berry & R.Hazeu lost to P.Jones, E.Anderson & A.Crowshaw 10-21; B.Williams, G.Akers & S.Chamberlain lost to B.Draycott, M.Gragg & C.Jones 13-20.

Datchworth Men 34 Garston Men 42
On Saturday morning our Men were at home to Garston’s Men in Bowls England’s Men’s Club 2 Fours competition. Mike Mahoney, Steve Chamberlain, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills picked up their third 4 of their game on the nineteenth end, to lead 22-13. At the same time Dickie Jackson, Ken Hammond, Jim Smith and Skip Les Parsley were 12-17 behind after losing just one more end than they won. But Peter Hills’ rink contrived to drop 6 shots on their penultimate end and 1 on their final end to win by just two shots, 22-20. Les Parsley’s rink dropped 5 more shots over their final two ends, to lose by 12-22. A 12 shot turn around; which resulted in an overall lead of 4 shots turn into a deficit of 8 shots, 34-42.
M.Mahoney, S.Chamberlain, D.Henley & P.Hills beat J.Hall, G.Edwards, P.Element & M.Cole 22-20; D.Jackson, K.Hammond, J.Smith & L.Parsley lost to S.Horwood, M.Yelland, D.Macro & J.Rumball 12-22.

Datchworth 69 Willian 62
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to Norton Common in Letchworth to play Willian in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and returned home with a 69 shot to 62 win. Bernie Drummond, Chris Hills and Skip Richard Harper were leading 7-3 after seven ends, but they dropped a 5 on the eighth end to trail 7-8. After that won six of the remaining ten ends in which they either picked up a shot or dropped a shot on each end and as a result they edged their game by one shot 13-12. Dawn Kingsland, Ian Williams and Skip Peter Hills dropped a 5 on the fourth end to trail 4-7. They remained behind until the won the final two ends to come from behind and win by 19 shots to 17. Janet Akers, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Arnold trailed from the first end till they picked up 4 shots on the seventh end to lead 9-5. It was a lead they never lost as they eventually won by 20 shots to 10. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Chamberlain dropped a 4 and then a 6 on the sixth and seventh ends respectively to trail 6-14. They never regained that lead but winning their closing four ends helped them reduce their losing deficit from 9-23 to 17-23. Which no doubt helped in the Club’s seven shot win.
B.Drummond, C.Hills & R.Harper beat P.Atkins, R.Gibbons & D.Maryan 13-12; D.Kingsland, I.Williams & P.Hills beat J.Avis, G.Dann & J.Skingsley 19-17; J.Akers, N.Mean & S.Arnold beat S.Salmon, A.Kitchener & K.Savill 20-10; B.Williams, G.Akers & S.Chamberlain lost to B.Middleton, P.Clayton & S.Raine 17-23.

Website Report for 19 May 2019

On Monday night our Gold team were away to Northaw & Cuffley in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 match and our Green team made the short trip to Knebworth to play their Yellow team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match.

Datchworth Gold 38 Northaw & Cuffley 42
At Northaw and Cuffley things did not go the Gold team’s way as they lost by 38 shots to 42. Phil Holzbauer, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain had a tight game with never more than two shots between the teams until they dropped two shots on the fifteenth end to go 11-14 down. They then picked up five shots on the next end and another shot on the penultimate end, to go into the final end 17-14 ahead. They dropped two shots on that end to win by the odd shot 17-16. It was a similar story for Graham Akers, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold up to the tenth end when the scores were all-square at 7 shots apiece. They then lost the next four ends to trail 7-13. The closing four ends were shared equally and they lost by 11 shots to 16.
P.Holzbauer, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat M.Manzi, D.Taylor & J.Baker 17-16; G.Akers, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold lost to R.Howell, R.Munt & V.Boyle 11-16.

Datchworth Green 36 Knebworth Yellow 30
At Knebworth our Green team won 36-30. Dawn Kingsland, Robin Gray and Skip Darren Gilbert were all-square for the second time, at 10 apiece, after the tenth end. They then won all but two of the remaining eight ends to win by 20 shots to 13. Maurice Gordon, Andrew Phillips and Skip Les Parsley had a tight game where the lead changed hands for the fifth time on the ninth end, when they led 11-10. They held onto that lead until they dropped two shots on the final end to lose by 16 shots to 17.
D.Kingsland, R.Gray & D.Gilbert beat G.Reed, S.Parker & J.Matthews 20-13; M.Gordon, A.Phillips & L.Parsley lost to R.Hand, D.Percival & R.Mahoney 16-17.

Datchworth 35 Shire Park 45
On Tuesday night our Men played Shire Park in the East Herts Bowls League’s Ranson Cup and came off second best after a 35 shot to 45 defeat. At our Turkey Farm green Brian Gilbert, Darren Gilbert, Ken Hammond and Skip Les Parsley had a tight game for the first eleven ends, when they led 14-12 after the lead changed hands four times. They then won just two more ends and lost by 19 shots to 24. At Shire Park’s Tewin green Dickie Jackson, Steven Hunter, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold dropped four on the first end and trailed until they picked up three shots on the fourteenth end to lead 14-13. They were still 16-15 ahead with four ends to play, but they lost all of those ends to lose by 16 shots to 21.
B.Gilbert, D.Gilbert, K.Hammond & L.Parsley lost to R.Bramson, T.Canton, G.Edwards & J.Hastings 19-21; D.Jackson, S.Hunter, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to B.Jakes, G.Daniels, A.Wells & M.Howe 16-21.

Datchworth Yellow 29 Welwyn Wanderers 40
On Thursday night our Yellow team travelled to Welwyn and Districts Ottway green to play their Wanderers team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and lost by 29 shots to 40. George Campbell, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper won the end-count 11-7 and when they picked up four shots on the fourteenth end they lead 13-12. But two ends later they dropped a six and never recovered, losing by 16-shots to 20. Barbara Williams, Chas Townley and Skip Julian Hales led 4-0 after three ends but by the ninth end they were 5-11 down. They did win four of the remaining nine ends but still lost by 13 shots to 20.
G.Campbell, R.Hazeu & R.Harper lost to G.Turner, E.Goodhall & P.Bowyer 16-20; B.Williams, C.Townley & J.Hales lost to M.Jacobs, D.Woodman & D.Ellis 13-20.

Datchworth 8 points St Ippolytts 0 points
On Friday night our Men were in action again, this time away to St Ippolytts in the County’s Team Ten competition and beat them 8 points to 0 points after winning all four disciplines played. In the Singles Derek Henley took the lead on the third end and although he never lost it to eventually win it by 21 shots to 15, it was a tussle, as it took him twenty four ends to do it after sharing the ends equally. In the Pairs Bernie Drummond and Jim Smith picked up a five in the sixth end to lead 10-4. It was a lead they to never lost as they won by 27 shots to 11. In the Triples Brian Gilbert, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold won the first two ends then lost the next four to trail 3-8. They picked up three shots on the eleventh to lead 11-10, by the thirteenth end that lead had got to 16-10 and despite losing four of the remaining five ends they held on to win by 17 shots to 14. In the Fours Graham Akers, Ian Williams, Steven Hunter and Skip Peter Hills lost the end-count 9-12 but picked up two fives and two sixes along the way to win by 29 shots to 19.
D.Henley beat P.Belton 21-15; B.Drummond & J.Smith beat K.Vintner & T.Saunders 27-11; B.Gilbert, R.Harper & S.Arnold beat K.Stollery, K.Bounsall & C.Davidson 17-14; G.Akers, I.Williams, S.Hunter & P.Hills beat B.Impey, J.Farley, J.Clark & C.Childs 29-19.

Datchworth 62 Royston 65
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Royston for a Mixed Friendly and lost 62-65. Sue Kiernan, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper shared the ends equally but just edged their game by 18 shots to 16. It was the same story for Maureen Blunt, Julian Hales and Skip Les Parsley as they too share the ends equally and won by two shots with a score of 19-17. It was a different story for Carol Hammond, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Rob Hazeu. They only won six ends as they lost by 7 shots to 18. Richard Hutchinson, Maurice Gordon and Skip Derek Henley led 8-0 after five ends. It was all square at 9 apiece after twelve ends, but 10-14 with four ends to play. They won all those four ends tp come from behind to win by 18 shots to 14.
S.Kiernan, G.Akers & R.Harper beat D.Gibson, N.Gordale & D.Ward 18-16; M.Blunt, J.Hales & L.Parsley beat S.Gibson, M.Ward & D.Goodwin 19-17; C.Hammond, A.Hutchinson & R.Hazeu lost to T.Allen, T.Powell-Birley & G.Lewis 7-18; R.Hutchinson, M.Gordon & D.Henley beat K.Warren, N.Glazier & G.Powell-Birley 18-14.

Datchworth 62 Letchworth Garden City 64
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to Norton Common in Letchworth to play Letchworth Garden City in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League and lost a close match by 62 shots to 64. Annette Hutchinson, Janet Akers, George Campbell and Skip Steve Arnold led 5-0 after three ends but were caught at 6 apiece after eight ends. They regained the lead on the following end before stretching it to 15-10 after seventeen ends. They then only won one more end but held on to win by 16 shots to 14. Chris Hills, Graham Akers, Neil Mean and Skip Richard Harper lost the first four end to trail 0-5 and to the lead on the eleventh end, 9-8, lost it on the next end and never got it back, losing by 14 shots to 20 at the end. Brian Gilbert, Maureen Blunt, Julian Hales and Skip Les Parsley won the first three ends and held the led until they lost the final three ends to draw their game 13 shots apiece. They lost the extra end they had to play. Dickie Jackson, Gill Parsley, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Peter Hills led 8-1 after seven ends then 14-5 after thirteen ends. They then won just two more ends as the home rink fought back. But they did enough to hold on and win by 19 shots to 17.
A.Hutchinson, J.Akers, G.Campbell & S.Arnold beat M.Garlick, R.Williams, H.Castle & P.Billson 16-14; C.Hills, G.Akers, N.Mean & R.Harper lost to L.Bailey, M.Good, B.Hart & B.Bargery 14-20; B.Gilbert, M.Blunt, J.Hales & L.Parsley drew with J.Good, J.Burdick. T.Sinclair & A.Hodgson 13 apiece; D.Jackson, G.Parsley, S.Chamberlain & P.Hills beat M.Garlick, K.Williams, P.Bailey & I.Snowdon 19-17.

Website Report for 26 May 2019

Datchworth Green 46 Datchworth Yellow 17
It was an all Datchworth match on Monday night as our Green team hosted our Yellow team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match, and it was the Green team that came out on top with a comfortable 46 shots to 17 win. Sue Kiernan, Neil Mean and Skip Derek Henley restricted Dickie Jackson, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain to just three winning ends as they won by 18 shots to 8. It was a similar story for Rachel Jones, Ken Ryder and Skip Les Parsley as they restricted Janet Akers, Chas Townley and Skip Richard Harper to five winning ends in their 28 shots to 9 win.
S.Kiernan, N.Mean & D.Henley beat D.Jackson, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain 18-8; R.Jones, K.Ryder & L.Parsley beat J.Akers, C.Townley & R.Harper 28-9.

Datchworth 66 Co-Op Luton 60
On Tuesday afternoon we travelled to Luton to play Co-Op Luton in a Mixed Friendly and came away following a narrow 66 shots to 60 win. Linda Tyler, Phil Berry and Skip Chas Townley won the first four ends and held on to the lead until dropping three shots on the fifteen end to go 10-12 down. They regained the lead with a three of their own on the next end; but dropped another three on the penultimate end and one on the last end to lose by 13 shots to 16. Maureen Blunt, Dickie Jackson and Skip Ian Williams dropped four shots on the eleventh end to go 7-11 down and never regained the lead, going down by 12 shots to 17. Graham Akers, Ian Tyler and Skip Richard Harper dropped a 5 and a 7, along with six 1s, to concede 18 shots; but picked up a 6, four 2s and five 1s, to edge a close game by 19 shots to 18. Barbara Williams, Jim Russell and Skip Steve Chamberlain won the first six ends, to lead 10-0, and never lost it, eventually winning by 22 shots to 9.
L.Tyler, P.Berry & C.Townley lost to B.Messer, P.Daniels & J.Croft 13-16; M.Blunt, D.Jackson & I.Williams lost to M.Webb, R.Hough & M.Hubbock 12-17; G.Akers, I.Tyler & R.Harper beat B.Wood, B.Sharp & M.Brooks 19-18; B.Williams, J.Russell & S.Chamberlain beat M.Frost, A.Mattey & T.Brooks 22-9.

On Wednesday night we should have played Aston at home in the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match but it was postponed and has been re-arranged for late July.

Datchworth 75 Riverain 66
On Friday night we played Riverain in Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League’s Knock Out competition and with two Mixed Triples at home and two away we won by 75 shots to 66 overall. At our Turkey Farm green Rachel Jones, Richard Harper and Skip Derek Henley won just three of the first nine ends to trail 6-11. Three winning ends later they were 15-11 ahead, but dropped a 4 on the next end to be pegged back to all square. They then won the remaining five ends to almost double their score to win by 27 shots to 15. It was a tighter game for Sue Kiernan, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley as there were only two shots between the sides for 13 of the 18 ends and that was the difference at the end as they lost a close encounter by 13 shots to 15. At Riverain Janet Akers, Ian Williams and Skip Jim Smith won alternate ends up to the seventh end and led 11-8. They lost the next four ends to trail 11-17 then won the next four ends to draw level at 17 apiece. They lost the final two ends to lose by 17 shots to 20. Barbara Williams, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first four ends to trail 0-6. They remained behind until they picked up six shots on the sixteenth ends to lead 16-15. They were pegged back to all square at 1 apiece with one end to play. They picked up two shots on that end to win by 18 shots to 16.
R.Jones, R.Harper & D.Henley beat A.Tresise, C.Trussell & R.Else 27-15; S.Kiernan, N.Mean & L.Parsley lost to S.Phillips, D.Pearce & G.Brown 13-15; J.Akers, I.Williams & J.Smith lost to G.Chaplin, A.Weaver & B.Mills 17-20; B.Williams, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold beat T.Boon, D.Jefferies & J.Mills 18-16.

Both Friendly matches scheduled for the weekend at home, Potters Bar on Saturday and Harperbury on Sunday, had to be cancelled due to all of us also being involved in Bowls England competitions which adversely affected the number of bowlers we could field for these Friendly matches.

Datchworth 3 Potten End 2
One of the matches involved was our Men’s match on Sunday afternoon when they travelled to Potten End to play their counterparts in Bowls England’s Men’s Top Club and beat them by 3 disciplines to 2. In the 2 Wood Singles Mike Mahoney won six of the first eight ends played to lead by 11 shots to 2. He lost the ninth end but won the next five ends to take an unassailable 19 shots to 4 lead. So that was the first of the five disciplines to Datchworth. The second discipline to finish was the 4 Wood Singles where Derek Henley won seven of the first nine ends to lead by 15 shots to 5. He gradually added to his score until he eventually won by 21 shots to 11. That was 2-0 to Datchworth. The Triples was the next discipline to finish. Dropping a 4 on the seventh end did not help Julian Hales, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold as it put them 3-8 down. They never really recovered from that and eventually lost by 10 shots to 16. That is now 2-1 to Datchworth. Steve Chamberlain and Skip Jim Smith lost the first three ends and try as they might they never got back in their game, going down by 15 shots to 19 in the end. All square at 2 disciplines apiece. That left the Fours of Dickie Jackson, Ian Williams, Ken Hammond and Skip Les Parsley to conclude their game. They picked up 4 shots on the second end to lead 5-0. By the thirteenth end they led by 22 shots to 5. With one end to play they too had an unassailable lead, 27 shots to 12, so their opposition conceded the game. So it was a close 3-2 win for Datchworth. Our Men will have a home tie in the next Round against the winners of the tie between the Men of Buntingford and Baldock.
M.Mahoney beat E.Clark 19-4; D.Henley beat K.Martindale 21-11; S.Chamberlain & J.Smith lost to A.Page & J.Frogell 15-19; J.Hales, R.Harper & S.Arnold lost to A.Jones, N.Kirby & B.Cowland 10-16; D.Jackson, I.Williams, K.Hammond & L.Parsley beat R.Callahan, D.Howard, R.Rowe & S.Wilson 27-12.

Website Report for 2 June 2019

Datchworth Gold 41 Cheshunt 30
Our Gold team were at home to Cheshunt in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 match on Tuesday night and won by 41 shots to 30. Graham Akers, Ian Williams and Skip Richard Harper trailed 2-11 after nine ends. They then found their form to win all but three of the remaining nine ends and despite dropping a 5 on the penultimate end, they came from behind to win by 22 shots to 19. The other Triple of Dickie Jackson, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold won the first five ends to lead 10-0. It was a lead they never lost as they ran out winners by 19 shots to 11.
G.Akers, I.Williams & R.Harper beat G.O’Laughlan, T.Sanders & V.Knight 22-19; D.Jackson, J.Hales & S.Arnold beat P.Keable, I.Alexander & M.Smith 19-11.

Datchworth 62 North Herts 57
On Wednesday afternoon we travelled to Letchworth’s Norton Common to play North Herts in a Mixed Friendly and despite winning only one of the four Triples played we managed to win by 62 shots to 57. Dawn Kingsland, Richard Brewster and Skip Steve Chamberlain shared the ends equally and lost a tight game by the odd shot, 15-16. Richard Hutchinson, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold led 10-5 after nine ends. But things fell apart for them after that as they only won two more ends and were beaten by 19 shots to 13.Annette Hutchinson, Chas Townley and Skip Richard Harper were another Triple to share the ends equally as they lost out by 2 shots, 13-15. Dickie Jackson, Bernie Drummond and Skip Ian Williams only lost five ends as they eased home by 21 shots to 7.
D.Kingsland, R.Brewster & S.Chamberlain lost to G.Barrett, J.Wrigglesworth & B.Hutchings 15-16; R.Hutchinson, J.Hales & S.Arnold lost to S.Furlonger, T.Coe & J.Mustoe 13-19; A.Hutchinson, C.Townley & R.Harper lost to L.Staples, L.Clark & G.Osbourn 13-15; D.Jackson, B.Drummond & I.Williams beat B.Barrett, K.Stewart & M.Jeffries 21-7.

Datchworth Blue 45 Buntingford Bears 19
On Wednesday night it was our Blue team who were in action, at home, to Buntingford Bears in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match and they also won; 45 shots to 19. Brian Gilbert, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills won the first six ends to lead by 11 shots to 0. They then lost seven of the remaining twelve ends but still managed to stretch their winning margin to 24-8. Mike Mahoney, Steven Hunter and Skip Les Parsley won the first four ends to lead by 7 shots to 0. They then lost eight of the remaining fourteen ends but still managed to stretch their winning margin to 21 shots to 11.
B.Gilbert, D.Henley & P.Hills beat M.Foulger, M.Hatley & T.Keeling 24-8; M.Mahoney, S.Hunter & L.Parsley beat S.Keen, B.Bushell & D.Murphy 21-11.

Datchworth Yellow 27 Hertford 38
On Thursday night our Yellow team travelled to Hertford’s Peg’s Lane green for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and came away empty handed after losing by 27 shots to 38. Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Chamberlain fond themselves 7-20 down after eleven ends but pulled themselves together to win five of the remaining seven ends to cut down their losing margin to 18-22. Graham Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper won the first end then lost the next five to trail 2-9. The remaining twelve ends were shared equally and their losing margin was maintained at 9 shots to 16.
D.Jackson, P.Berry & S.Chamberlain lost to C.Sage, J.Sapsed & A.Costin 18-22; G.Akers, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to M.Rowe, J.Smith & M.Toynton 9-16.

Datchworth’s Men 60 Berkhamsted’s Men 79
On Friday night our Men travelled to Berkhamsted to play their Men in the County’s Team Ten competition and lost on shot difference, 60-79, after sharing the disciplines two apiece. Mike Mahoney had a real tussle in the Singles. He was 5-9 down after nine ends and fought back to lead 10-9 after thirteen ends. Then he found himself staring down the barrel of defeat at 10-19 down six losing ends later. He then fought back again winning seven ends on the trot to come from behind for the second time to win by 21 shots to 19. In the Pairs Bernie Drummond and Skip Derek Henley lost the first four ends, to go 0-6 down, and despite getting to within one shot twice over the next five ends they never got closer again; losing by 11 shots to 23. Despite losing just two more ends than they won Dickie Jackson, Steve Arnold and Skip Les Parsley, in the Triples, dropped nine shots over two ends late in their game which contributed to their 13-25 defeat. There was a close game in the Fours with Ian Williams, Steve Hunter, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Peter Hills winning the first three ends to lead 6-0. They lost the next three ends and it was all square at 6 apiece. They then won all but two of the following eleven ends and with one shot being scored each time they led 15-8. They lost the next three ends and their lead was cut to 15-12. At which point they called a halt as overall shot difference was too great.
M.Mahoney beat T.Howard 21-19; B.Drummond & D.Henley lost to S.Burrell & K.Clarke 11-23; D.Jackson, S.Arnold & L.Parsley lost to J.Bunting, T.Jenkins & D.Brown 13-25; I.Williams, S.Hunter, S.Chamberlain & P.Hills beat D.Gomm, T.Smart, B.Ralphs & P.Bunting 15-12.

Datchworth 65 Whitethorn 63
On Saturday afternoon Whitethorn were our visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and were narrowly beaten by 65 shots to 63. Brian Gilbert, Ken Ryder and Skip Neil Mean restricted their opposition to six winning ends as they won by 24 sots to 7. Sue and John Ellis and Skip Steve Arnold won four of the first five ends to lead by one shot, 6-5. They then lost four of the next six ends to trail by 10 shots to 20. They then won four of the remaining five ends but could only cut their losing margin down to 19-23. Carol Hammond, Derrick Elms and Skip Chas Townley only won five ends as they crashed to a 7 shots to 21 defeat. Edie Alden, Dickie Jackson and Skip Ken Hammond won five of the last six ends to come from 6-11 down to win by 15 shots to 12.
B.Gilbert, K.Ryder & N.Mean beat J.Roebuck, J.Shepherd & D.Marr 24-7; S.Ellis, J.Ellis & S.Arnold lost to R.Adams, V.Eames & T.Graham 19-23; C.Hammond, D.Elms & C.Townley lost to D.Haynes, C.Conlon & M.Farron 2-21; E.Alden, D.Jackson & K.Hammond beat L.Morley, A.Gulliver & C.Morley 15-12.

Datchworth 58 Howard Garden 62
On Sunday afternoon we were once again in Letchworth, this time to play Howard Garden in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they returned home following a narrow 58 shots to 62 defeat. Sue Kiernan, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first two ends and did not get close until they picked up three shots on the fourteenth end to lead by 12-11. It did not last long as they lost the closing four ends, dropping a single shot each time, to lose by 12 shots to 15. Rachel Jones, John Alden and Skip Derek Henley won just two of the first six ends to trail 3-9. They fought back and drew level for the second time at 15 shots apiece on the penultimate end. They dropped a shot on that end to lose by 15 shots to 16. Barbara Williams, Dickie Jackson and Skip Steve Chamberlain picked up six shots on the seventh end to lead 13-4. Although the remaining eleven ends were shared 6-5 in the home teams favour and they managed to hang on to their lead and win by 21 shots to 13. Despite losing just two more ends than they won Edie Alden, Bernie Drummond and Skip Ian Williams dropped nearly twice as many shots than they picked up in their 10-18 defeat.
S.Kiernan, N.Mean & S.Arnold lost to J.Roberson, B.Rainbow & G.Liddle 12-15; R.Jones, J.Alden & D.Henley lost to C.Light, B.Wood & R.Bloomfield 15-16; B.Williams, D.Jackson & S.Chamberlain beat P.Rowe, D.Weemys & C.Cooper 21-13; E.Alden, B.Drummond & I.Williams lost to B.Roberson, B.Linsay & D.Brothers 10-18.

Website Report for 9 June 2019

On Monday night both of our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 teams were in action; our Green team were at home to Parkside Greens and our Yellow team were away to Knebworth Yellow.

Datchworth Green 26 Parkside Greens 39
At our Turkey Farm green our Green team lost both Triples in their 26-39 loss. Dawn Kingsland, Robin Gray and Skip Derek Henley only won three of the first thirteen ends, to trail by 5 shots to 18. They fought back and won the remaining five ends to cut their shot deficit to 12-18. Rachel Jones, Maurice Gordon and Skip Darren Gilbert shared the first ten ends equally and led by the odd shot 12-11. But after that they only won two more ends and lost by 14 shots to 21.
D.Kingsland, R.Gray & D.Henley lost to S.Calladine, W.Fuller & A.Croshaw 12-18; R.Jones, M.Gordon & D.Gilbert lost to P.Jones, V.Draycott & E.Anderson 14-21.

Datchworth Yellow 18 Knebworth Yellow 40
At Knebworth our Yellow team did not fare any better as they too lost both Triples and lost by 18 shots to 40. Barbara Williams, Richard Harper and Skip Rob Hazeu were 6-5 up after seven ends, but five losing ends later they were 6-16 down and they never recovered after that; going down by 11 shots to 19. Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry and Skip Ian Williams lost twice as many ends than they won but conceded three times as many shots as they won in their 7 shots to 21 loss.
B.Williams, R.Harper & R.Hazeu lost to C.Macleod, D.Percival & G.Stevens 11-19; D.Jackson, P.Berry & I.Williams lost to R.Mahoney, R.Hughes & J.Matthews 7-21.

Datchworth 65 Shire Park 62
On Tuesday afternoon we made the short trip to Tewin to play Shire Park in a Mixed Friendly and edged the match 65-62 before returning home. Carol Hammond, Dickie Jackson and Skip Julian Hales shared the ends equally and the shots as they drew 14 shots apiece. Susan Wray, Ian Tyler and Skip Chas Townley took the lead on the seventh end and kept their noses in front all the way to winning by 16 shots to 9. Linda Tyler, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper lost the first three ends and despite picking up eight shots over the closing four end just lost out by 16 shots to 17. Dawn Kingsland, Maurice Gordon and Skip Steve Chamberlain were 12-4 up after six ends but six losing ends later they were 12-19 down. Despite winning all but two of the closing seven ends they lost by 19 shots to 22.
C.Hammond, D.Jackson & J.Hales drew with B.Griffiths, I. Hadley & M.Reeve 14 all; S.Wray, I.Tyler & C.Townley beat J.Churchill, J.Pinnell & T.Mears 16-9; L.Tyler, G.Akers & R.Harper lost to S.Warner, T.Crane & B.Sinfield 16-17; D.Kingsland, M.Gordon & S.Chamberlain lost to B.Gee, R.Gee & M.Howe 19-22.

Datchworth Blue 26 Ware Maltsters 42
It was a bad day at the office for our Blue team on Tuesday night as they lost 26-42 at home to Ware Maltsters in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match. Mike Mahoney, Les Parsley and Skip Peter Hills lost the first three ends then won the next four to draw level at 5 shots apiece. But they could only manage another four winning ends as they crashed to an 11 shots to 21 defeat. Brian Gilbert, Steven Hunter and Skip Ken Hammond won just one of the first six ends to trail by 2 shots to 10. They shared the remaining twelve ends equally and cut their losing deficit down to 15-19.
M.Mahoney, L.Parsley & P.Hills lost to M.Gray, T.Baker & N.Wareham 11-23; B.Gilbert, S.Hunter & K.Hammond lost to C.Britten, B.Stockwell & R.Grethe 15-19.

Datchworth Gold 42 Sawbridgeworth Blue 31
It was better news for our other East Herts Bowls League team on Wednesday night as our Gold team beat Sawbridgeworth’s Blue team 42-31 in a Div. 2 match at our Turkey Farm green. Ian Green, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Arnold had a topsy-turvy game; they led 6-0 after three ends, trailed 7-17 after ten ends, led 21-20 after 16 ends, but then lost the final two ends and lost by 21 shots to 24. Phil Holzbauer, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Chamberlain had a somewhat easier game as they restricted their opposition to six winning ends as they came home by 21 shots to 7.
I.Green, P.Berry & S.Arnold lost to J.Salmon, M.Pledger & R.Dearman 21-24; P.Holzbauer, R.Harper & S.Chamberlain beat D.Brampton, H.Browne & M.Cannon 21-7.

Datchworth Yellow 37 Welwyn Woods 27
On Thursday night our Yellow team were at home to Welwyn Woods in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and won by 37 shots to 27, to pick up their first points of the season after losing their previous four matches. Janet Akers, Dickie Jackson and Skip Steve Chamberlain were 7-3 up after seven ends, they were then caught at 7 apiece three losing ends later. The remaining eight ends were shared equally but they picked up enough shots to win by 16 shots to 14. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper shared the ends equally; but by picking up multiple shots on all but two of the ends they won and restricting their opposition to picking up multiple shots on only two of the ends they won they won by 21 shots to 13.
J.Akers, D.Jackson & S.Chamberlain beat C.Blakes, D.Blakes & T.Holdcroft 16-14; B.Williams, G.Akers & R.Harper beat J.Reynolds, P.Whitcombe & T.Webb 21-13.

Datchworth 79 Buntingford 94
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Buntingford to play a Mixed Friendly and returned home after an enjoyable afternoon’s bowling all round following a 79 shot to 94 loss. Dawn Kingsland, Jim Whittle, Neil Mean and Skip Richard Harper led 4-2 after five ends, trailed 4-9 after ten ends, then led again 11-9 after fourteen ends. But they lost five of the remaining seven ends to lose by 14 shots to 18. Brian Gilbert, Maureen Blunt, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold led 11-2 after seven ends and remained ahead for the rest of their game eventually winning by 21 shots to 15. Edie Alden, John Ellis, Rob Hazeu and Skip Ian Williams lost the first six ends and never got back in the hunt and eventually lost by 10 shots to 26. Barbara Williams, Sue Ellis, John Alden and Skip Ken Hammond led 17-13 with three ends to play but they lost all of them and their game 17-21. Carol Hammond, Janet Akers, Bernie Drummond and Skip Steve Chamberlain won five ends on the trot to go from 3-5 down after seven ends, to 13-5 up after twelve ends. They only won three more ends after that but held on to win by 17 shots to 14.
D.Kingsland, J.Whittle, N.Mean & R.Harper lost to S.Batchelor, J.Maycock, M.Marks & J.Collins 14-18; B.Gilbert, M.Blunt, G.Akers & S.Arnold beat J.Brown, B.Lowers, D.Ward & G.Amos 21-15; E.Alden, J.Ellis, R.Hazeu & I.Williams lost to J.Keeling, R.Brown, L.Purdy & E.Amos 10-26; B.Williams, S.Ellis, J.Alden & K.Hammond lost to K.Savage, D.Bantick, R.Bantick & T.Keeling 17-21; C.Hammond, J.Akers, B.Drummond & S.Chamberlain beat P.Besser, J.Ward, M.Cooper & M.Grimsdale 17-14.

Club 2 Wood Singles
On Sunday we held our 2 Wood Singles competition and Steve Arnold and Steve Chamberlain won through three Rounds of Knock Out competition to win through to the Final, which will be held during our Finals’ Weekend over the last weekend in August.

Website Report for 16 June 2019

Datchworth Green v Datchworth Yellow
The Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Jubilee Cup match between our two teams was postponed due to the bad weather.

Datchworth 77 Hitchin Town 55
On Tuesday afternoon we played hosts to Hitchin Town for a Mixed Friendly and won by 77 shots to 55. Despite picking up 5 shots on the fifth end, to lead 7-4, by the thirteenth end Dawn Kingsland, Bernie Drummond and Skip Richard Harper were 9-17 down. But they fought back and won the remaining five ends to come from behind and win by 23 shots to 17. Derrick Elms, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Chas Townley were 11-6 up after eleven ends but then only won two more ends to lose by 13 shots to 15. Linda Tyler, Richard Brewster and Skip Steve Arnold won all but four of the first twelve ends, to lead 14-7. They then only won two of the remaining six ends but held on to win by 20 shots to 12. Dickie Jackson, Ian Tyler and Ian Williams won just two more ends than they lost but picked up nearly twice as many shots than they dropped in their 21 shots to 11 win.
D.Kingsland, B.Drummond & R.Harper beat P.Newbury, K.Milan & M.Wells 23-17; D.Elms, S.Chamberlain & C.Townley lost to L.Morris, K.Loosemore & M.Wadsworth 13-15; L.Tyler, R.Brewster & S.Arnold beat T.Loosemore, G.Evans & G.Munge 20-12; D.Jackson, I.Tyler & I.Williams beat A.Southenwood, A.Newbury & B.Richards 21-11.

Datchworth Blue 33 Bengeo Blue 27
On Tuesday night our Blue team were at home to Bengeo Blues in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match and won by 33 shots to 27. Brian Gilbert, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills picked up a 6 on the seventh end to lead 10-4. It was a lead they never lost as the eventually ran out winners by 21 shots to 9. It was a different story for Maurice Gordon, Robin Gray and Skip Ken Hammond as they struggled from the off as they only won two of the first eight ends, dropping two 5s in the process, to trail by 2 shots to 14. They did manage to get back to just 12-15 down with one end to play, but dropped a 3 to lose by 12-18.
B.Gilbert, D.Henley & P.Hills beat D.Betty, D.Kemp & B.Mansfield 21-9; M.Gordon, R.Gray & K.Hammond lost to B.Cable, W.Karn & G.Woodman 12-18.

There were two matches on Wednesday night as our Gold team travelled to W.G.C’s Digswell Park to play W.G.C. Tigers in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 match and our Green team travelled to W.G.C’s KGV playing fields to play Parkside Greens in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match.

Datchworth Gold 35 W.G.C.Tigers 41
At Digswell Park our Gold team went down by 35 shots to 41. Graham Akers, Ian Williams and Skip Richard Harper were 6-17 down after eleven ends before they impressively fought back to win all but one of the remaining seven ends and by picking up 5 shots on the last end they came from behind to win by 21 shots to 19. Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Chamberlain were all square at 9 apiece after nine ends, but four losing ends later they were 9-16 down and never got back in touch as they lost by 14 shots to 22.
G.Akers, I.Williams & R.Harper beat J.Gibbs, G.Gladwell & D.Hegarty 21-19; D.Jackson, P.Berry & S.Chamberlain lost to T.Martin, R.West & S.Parkhouse 14-22.

Datchworth Green 25 Parkside Greens 39
At W.G.C’s KGV playing fields our Green team lost to Parkside Greens by 25 shots to 39. Colin Findlay, Darren Gilbert and Skip Jim Smith had a tight game all round with the ends shared equally and the shots as well as their game ended in a 15 apiece draw. Whereas Chris Hills, Andrew Phillips and Skip Derek Henley trailed from the second end, and despite getting to within a shot of their opponents twice they eventually lost by 10 shots to 24.
C.Findlay, D.Gilbert & J.Smith drew with P.Jones, B.Draycott & E.Anderson 15 all; C.Hills, A.Phillips & D.Henley lost to M.Lewis, A.Croshaw & C.Jones 10-24.

The third “double header” of the week saw both of our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League teams in action in the League’s John Brown Trophy; our Green team were home and away to Welwyn Wanderers, while our Yellow team were home and away to Sele Farm.

Datchworth Green 45 Welwyn Wanderers 26
Our Green team prevailed 45-26 over Welwyn Wanderers. At our Turkey Farm green Rachel Jones, Robin Gray and Skip Derek Henley had a close game. After eleven ends they were 9-10 down. After fifteen ends they were 9-15 down, but three winning ends later they won by 17 shots to 15. At Welwyn and District’s Ottway Walk green Chris Hills, Maurice Gordon and Skip Darren Gilbert had a more comfortable game as they lost just five ends during their 28 shots to 11 win.
R.Jones, R.Gray & D.Henley beat S.Grimmitt, E.Goodhall & P.Bowyer 17-15; C.Hills, M.Gordon & D.Gilbert beat G.Turner, B.Bennett & J.Brown 28-11.

Datchworth Yellow 44 Sele Farm 20
The Yellow team also prevailed but by 44 shots to 20 over Sele Farm. At our Turkey Farm green Barbara and Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain built up what appeared to be a comfortable lead of 15-5 with five ends to play. But four losing ends later that lead was cut to just 15-13; with just the final end to play. They won that and held on to win by 16 shots to 13. At Sele Farm’s Hartham green Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper lost the first two ends but then won all but three of the remaining sixteen ends to win by 28 shots to 7.
B.Williams, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat H.Ottley, J.Martin & D.Lee 16-13; D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & R.Harper beat M.Sell, B.Pegg & E.Dunne 28-7.

Datchworth’s Men 68 Rosedale’s Men 48
On Friday night the Men from Rosedale were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for the 2nd Round of the County’s Men’s Club Championship and were beaten on all three Rinks. Julian Hales, Rob Hazeu, Richard Harper and Skip Peter Hills trailed from the first end and were 12-17 down by the fifteenth end. They then picked up a four to cut their deficit down to just one shot. That deficit was increased to two on the next end. They then won the following three ends to lead by 21 shots to 18 with one end to play. They dropped two shots on that end to hold on to their lead and win by the odd shot 21-20. Dickie Jackson, Ian Williams, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley won nine ends on the trot to go from 2-3 down after three ends to 20-3 up after twelve. They then won alternate ends after that to win by 25 shots to 16. Steve Arnold, Bernie Drummond, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Ken Hammond took the lead on the fourth end and held onto it from there till the end as they too won; 22 shots to 12.
J.Hales, R.Hazeu, R.Harper & P.Hills beat A.Spicer, J.Gorry, I.Bishop & C.Dyer 21-20; D.Jackson, I.Williams, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat G.Smedley, B.Wiggins, D.Earl & R.Powell 25-16; S.Arnold, B.Drummond, S.Chamberlain & K.Hammond beat A.Kitchings, M.Pomfrett, B.Hayden & B.Barnett 22-12.
On Saturday not only did we have a Mixed Friendly away to Welwyn and District our green was one of four used by the County for their Men’s 2 Wood Singles competition and after five rounds of knock out Steve Budge from Baldock and Ross Murphy from Buntingford won their way through to the Final and it was Ross Murphy who won through to the County Finals after a close fought Final.

Datchworth 84 Welwyn and District 66
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Welwyn and District’s Ottway Green for a Mixed Friendly and won by 84 shots to 66. Dickie Jackson, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Richard Harper only managed to win five ends as they were overwhelmed by 32 shots to 9. Phil Berry, Richard Brewster and Skip Ian Williams led 9-3 after six ends and gradually increased their lead until they won by 21 shots to 14. Brian Gilbert, Ken Ryder and Skip Rob Hazeu were 3-4 down after five ends but 21-4 up after eight winning ends on the trot. They ended up winning by 22 shots to 11. Rachel Jones, Julian Hales and Skip Neil Mean only lost four ends as they overwhelmed their opponents by 32 shots to 9.
D.Jackson, S.Chamberlain & R.Harper lost to B.Singleton, L.Tye & M.Baldwin 9-32; P.Berry, R.Brewster & I.Williams beat G.Turner, G.Reynolds & R.Venting 21-14; B.Gilbert, K.Ryder & R.Hazeu beat D.Woodman, D.Charwood & C.Woodman 22-11; R.Jones, J.Hales & N.Mean beat C.Russell, E.Goodhall & R.Russell 32-9.

Datchworth 63 Three Horseshoes 61
We were on our travels again on Sunday afternoon, this time down Broadhall Way to play Three Horseshoes in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and we won again, this time by the narrow margin of 63 shots to 61. Annette Hutchinson, Dickie Jackson and Skip Neil Mean lost the first six ends, to trail 0-6. The remaining twelve ends were shared equally and their shot deficit was only increased by one as they lost by 7 shots to 14. Linda Tyler, Bernie Drummond and Skip Steve Arnold had a better second half than they did the first half; but they still lost. They were 5-13 down after nine ends but edged the second half by 9 shots to 8. But it was not enough to stop them from losing by 14 shots to 21. Chris Hills, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Chamberlain were leading quite comfortably, 19-10, with five ends to go but they lost them all and just held on to win by 19 shots to 18. Dawn Kingsland, Julian Hales and Skip Peter Hills led 7-0 after three ends, but their lead was cut to 10-8 after ten ends. They then proceeded to win the remaining eight ends to run out winners by 23 shots to 8.
A.Hutchinson, D.Jackson & N.Mean lost to D.Dunnell, A.Waugh & G.Waugh 7-14; L.Tyler, B.Drummond & S.Arnold lost to M.Cooper, S.Hill & P.Dale 14-21; C.Hills, R.Harper & S.Chamberlain beat S.Cole, C.Beaver & C.Cole 19-18; D.Kingsland, J.Hales & P.Hills beat P.Stacey, B.Pearson & B.Maynards 23-8.

Website Report for 23 June 2019

Datchworth Blue 40 W.G.C. Lions 29
On Monday night our Blue team played their first of two East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 matches away to W.G.C. Lions and won by 40 shots to 29 for a maximum 6 points. Andrew Phillips, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley won the first three ends and despite losing the four of the final six ends they held on to win by 17 shots to 14. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills won the first two ends and had built up a healthy 21-8 lead going into the final five ends. They only won one of those as they won by 23 shots to 15.
A.Phillips, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat T.Stickland, G.Avery & K.Ames 17-14; B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat G.Frost, A.Cox & J.Avery 23-15.

Datchworth Ladies 19 Much Hadham Ladies 20
On Tuesday afternoon our Ladies played hosts to Much Hadham’s Ladies in their first Ladies County League match of the season and Rachel Jones, Jenny Holzbauer, Sue Kiernan and Skip Chris Hills led 15-12 after the sixteenth end. Then over a topsy-turvy closing five ends they went 15-16 down, all square at 16 apiece, trailed 16-18, led 19-18 going into the final end, only to drop 2 shots on the final end to lose by 19 shots to 20.
R.Jones, J.Holzbauer, S.Kiernan & C.Hills lost to J.Thake, P.Ellis, M.Walters & L.Fripp 19-20.

Datchworth Gold 23 Stevenage Red 44
It was a bad day at the office on Tuesday night for our Gold team in their East Herts Bowls League’s Div. 2 match at home to Stevenage Red as they lost 23-44. Phil Holzbauer, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper lost the first four ends to trail 0-11. They fought back to lead 17-13 with five ends to play. But they lost all but the last one of those ends to lose by 18 shots to 23. It was a horrendous game for Dickie Jackson, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold as they could do nothing to stop themselves going 0-17 down with five ends to play. They eventually stopped the rot on the next end, but won only one more end as they were crushed by 21 shots to 5.
P.Holzbauer, R.Hazeu & R.Harper lost to J.Gardner, S.Howson & T.Stout 18-23; D.Jackson, I.Williams & S.Arnold lost to B.Gifford, C.Marin & J.Robinson 5-21.

Datchworth Green v B.S.P
This match on Tuesday night was postponed due to unavailability of players.

Datchworth Blue 34 Bishop’s Stortford Ospreys 27
On Wednesday night our Blue team played their second East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match, away to Bishop’s Stortford Ospreys and collected their second maximum 6 points of the week as they won by 34 shots to 27. Brian Gilbert, Robin Gray and Skip Derek Henley were level for the fifth time at 13 apiece on the fourteenth end. They then won the next two ends to lead 17-13, and despite losing the final two ends they held on to win by 17 shots to 15.Maurice Gordon, Mike Mahoney & Steve Hunter won the first five ends to lead 9-0, the remaining twelve ends were shared equally as they held on to win by 17 shots to 12.
B.Gilbert, R.Gray & D.Henley beat J.Doe, M.Farrow & D.Booth 17-15; M.Gordon, M.Mahoney & S.Hunter beat B.Williams, D.Hinge & R.Helm 17-12.

Datchworth 51 Standon and Puckeridge 38
Also on Wednesday night Standon and Puckeridge were our visitors to our Turkey Farm green for a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 51 shots to 38. The lead changed hands for the fourth time when Chris Hills, Richard Brewster and Skip Chas Townley dropped 4 shots on the fifteenth end, to go 13-14 down. They drew level on the next end but lost the final two end to lose by 14 shots to 17. Phil Holzbauer, Phil Berry and Skip Rob Hazeu took the lead on the fourth end and never lost it as they ended up winning by 17 shots to 11. Julian Hales and Skip Ian Williams only lost six ends as they ran out winners by 20 shots to 10.
C.Hills, R.Brewster & C.Townley lost to J.Harding, J.Woods & R.Blakes 14-17; P.Holzbauer, P.Berry & R.Hazeu beat B.Johnson, P.Mumford & F.Beard 17-11; J.Hales & I.Williams beat A.Mansfield & R.Granville 20-10.

Datchworth 62 Willian 69
On Thursday night we played Willian in the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League’s Knock Out competition and with two Triples at home and two away we lost by 62 shots to 69. At our Turkey Farm green Rachel Jones, Richard Harper and Skip Derek Henley had a tight game with ends shared equally and never more than two shots separating the teams for all but three ends as they went into the final three ends 12-13 down. They won those three ends, picking up one shot each time to win by 15 shots to 13. Barbara Williams, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Les Parsley had a bad start, losing the first five ends, to trail 0-9. They never recovered from that start and eventually succumbed 13-20. At Willian’s Norton Common green Chris Hills, Richard Brewster and Skip Steve Arnold dropped a four on the first end but by the sixth end they were 11-4 ahead. They remained ahead till the end to win by 22 shots to 14. Dawn Kingsland, Ian Williams and Skip Peter Hills struggled to find the green and dropped multiple shots on all but three of their losing eleven ends and lost by 12 shots to 22 as a consequence.
R.Jones, R.Harper & D.Henley beat L.Jones, R.Murden & M.Thrust 15-13; B.Williams, S.Chamberlain & L.Parsley lost to P.Atkins, A.Kitchener & D.Maryan 13-20; C.Hills, R.Brewster & S.Arnold beat J.Warboys, R.Gibbons & J.Skingsley 22-14; D.Kingsland, I.Williams & P.Hills lost to B.Middleton, B.Bushden & J.Atkinson 12-22.

Datchworth Green 41 Datchworth Yellow 30
It was an all Datchworth clash at the Turkey Farm on Friday night as our Green team took on our Yellow team in the Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Jubilee Cup and won by 41 shots to 30. Our Green team’s Dawn Kingsland, Maurice Gordon, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley, up against our Yellow team’s John Ellis, Chas Townley, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper, won twice as many ends that they lost but won nearly three times as many shots than they lost in their 26 shots to 9 win. Our Green team’s other Rink of Chris Hills, Colin Findlay, Ken Ryder and Skip Steven Hunter, up against our Yellow team’s Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain, trailed 3-10 after seven ends and never got back in the chase, eventually losing by 15 shots to 21.
D.Kingsland, M.Gordon, N.Mean & L.Parsley beat J.Ellis, C.Townley, R.Hazeu & R.Harper 26-9; C.Hills, C.Findlay, K.Ryder & S.Hunter lost to D.Jackson, P.Berry, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain 15-21.

Datchworth Yellow v B.S.P
This match on Friday night was postponed due to the Datchworth Green v Datchworth Yellow Jubilee Cup match.

Club Open 4s competition
On Saturday we ran our own Open 4s competition and the 4s of Steve Chamberlain, Jenny Holzbauer, Richard Harper and Steve Arnold along with that of Graham Akers, Julian Hales, Phil Holzbauer and Les Parsley won through to the Club Finals in late August.

Datchworth’s Men 1 point Baldock’s Men 4
On Sunday morning the Men from Baldock were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for Round 3 of the Bowls England’s Men’s Top Club competition and they won through to Round 4 after a 4 points to 1 win. Bernie Drummond went 2-8 down in the 2 Wood Singles and never got back in the game, going down by 6 shots to 17. It was a similar story for Derek Henley in the 4 Wood Singles. He lost three ends in a row to go from 4-5 down after six ends to 4-10 down after nine ends. He to never got back in the hunt, going down by 11 shots to 21. Steve Chamberlain and Skip Jim Smith were Datchworth’s only winners in the Pairs. They trailed 2-8 after sevens, got back to all-square at 10 apiece after twelve ends. Then they won the next seven ends to lead 21-10 and despite losing the remaining four ends the held on to win by 21 shots to 14. In the Triples Dickie Jackson, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills led 13-6 after nine ends but then only won two more ends to lose by 15 shots to 20. In the Fours, Brian Gilbert, Neil Mean, Steven Hunter and Skip Les Parsley went 0-8 down after just three ends then they shared the remaining eighteen equally but never managed to make up for those dropped eighth shots, as they lost by 11 shots to 19.
B.Drummond lost to B.Todd 6-17; D.Henley lost to P.Andrews 11-21; S.Chamberlain & J.Smith beat M.Hazelden & D.Hickin 21-14; D.Jackson, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to D.Davies, P.Haskins & J.Claydon 15-20; B.Gilbert, N.Mean, S.Hunter & L.Parsley lost to J.Moorley, M.Roberts, S.Budge & M.Parsons 11-19.

Datchworth 85 Letchworth Garden City 58
On Sunday afternoon Letchworth Garden City were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and with six of the men that played in the Baldock match, they were beaten by 85 shots to 58. Chris Hills, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Arnold restricted their opposition to just six winning ends as they ran out winners by 21 shots to 6. Sue Kiernan, Richard Harper and Skip Peter Hills shared the ends equally but thanks in part to picking up two fives early on they won by 23 shots to 17. Edie Alden, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Chamberlain went 3-13 down after seven ends and never quite got back in the hunt as they lost by 14 shots to 20. Rachel Jones, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henley built up a more than comfortable 25 shot to 4 lead after eleven ends and despite winning just two more ends they won by 27 shots to 15.
C.Hills, N.Mean & S.Arnold beat S.Sinclair, B.Hart & B.Bargery 21-6; S.Kiernan, R.Harper & P.Hills beat J.Rogan, T.Sinclair & G.Cataldo 23-17; E.Alden, R.Hazeu & S.Chamberlain lost to P.Haggar, P.Billson & A.Hodgson 14-20; R.Jones, D.Jackson & D.Henley beat D.Haggar, H.Castle & I.Snowdon 27-15.

Website Report for 30 June 2019

Datchworth Yellow 34 Welwyn Wanderers 48
On Monday night our Yellow team were at home to Welwyn Wanderers in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and lost by 34 shots to 48. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Rob Hazeu led 10-2 after eight ends before things fell apart. They only won two more ends, picking up 6 shots, but dropped 23, to lose by 16 shots to 25. It was a tighter game for Janet Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Ian Williams. They were level for the second time at 11 shots apiece after nine ends, 11-15 down after eleven ends; they then went 18-15 up with three ends to play. They lost those three ends, dropped 8 shots and lost by 18 shots to 23.
B.Williams, G.Akers & R.Hazeu lost to R.Tenoria, R.Venting & P.Bowyer 16-25; J.Akers, J.Hales & I.Williams lost to C.Russell, R.Russell & P.Russell 18-23.

There were three matches for our teams on Tuesday night; both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action, as was our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League’s Green team.

Datchworth Blue 42 Allenburys 29
Our Blue team travelled to Ware to play Allenburys in what historically is usually a tricky East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match for them, but nevertheless they came away with their third 6 pointer in a row after beating the home team by 42 shots to 29. Robin Gray, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley led 11-1 after five ends, but were caught and then overtaken at 13-14 after fourteen ends. They regained the lead on the next end and held on to it to win by 18 shots to 16. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills picked up 5 shots on the first end and never looked back; running out winners by 24 shots to 13. R.Gray, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat D.Bowie, F.McGinlay & D.Pyne 18-16; B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat A.Rowley, M.Judd & C.Bowie 24-13.

Datchworth Gold 32 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 27
Our Gold team travelled to Bishop’s Stortford to play their Swifts team in an East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 match and they too won, by 32 shots to 27. Richard Harper, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain restricted their opponents to just five winning ends as they won convincingly by 22 shots to 9. Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold did the reverse. They only won six ends but only lost by 10 shots to 18.
R.Harper, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat A.Sansom, D.Carenette & P.Symes 22-9; D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold lost to B.Hampton, R.Piggott & T.Moranda 10-18.

Datchworth Green 34 Welwyn Woods 24
Our Green team travelled to Welwyn and District’s Ottway Walk green and beat their Woods team by 34 shots to 24. Chris Hills, Maurice Gordon and Skip Jim Smith shared the ends equally but as they picked up multiple shots on four ends while restricting their opposition to just two ends where they picked up multiple shots they won by 16 shots to 11. Dawn Kingsland, Neil Mean and Skip Andrew Philips picked up 6 shots on the sixth end to lead by 10 shots to 7. It was a lead they held on to as they won by 18 shots to 13.
C.Hills, M.Gordon & J.Smith beat S.Tye, T.Webb & J.Webb 16-11; D.Kingsland, N.Mean & A, Phillips beat C.Blakes, T.Holdcroft & C.Read 18-13.

Datchworth Green 33 Welwyn Wanderers 32
On Wednesday night our Green team were playing their second Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match in two days and it was against another Welwyn and District team, this time their Wanderers team at our Turkey Farm green and the Green team edged the match 33-32. Chris Hills, Colin Findlay and Skip Darren Gilbert were 9-15 down with seven ends to play. They won the first six of those, including picking up a 7 on the fifteenth end, to lead 25-15 with one end to play. They lost that to win by 25 shots to 17. It was a different story for Sue Kiernan, Maurice Gordon and Skip Ken Ryder. They only lost two more ends than they won but conceded nearly twice as many shots that they won in their 8 shots to 15 loss.
C.Hills, C.Findlay & D.Gilbert beat G.Turner, D.Woodman & L.Page 25-17; S.Kiernan, M.Gordon & K.Ryder lost to E.Goodhall, D.Ellis & P.Russell 8-15.

Datchworth Blue 45 Rosedale Flames 24
On Thursday night our Blue team were on their travels again; this time to Cheshunt to play Rosedale Flames in another East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match and they continued their good run of results with yet another maximum 6 points after a 45 shots to 24 win. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Petr Hills were 14-4 ahead after winning six of the first nine ends. After winning six of the remaining nine ends they won by 26 shots to 10. Derek Henley, Ken Hammond and Skip Les Parsley were 13-6 ahead after winning seven of the first nine ends and after winning four of the remaining nine ends they won by 19 shots to 14.
B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat G.Smedley, J.Dyer & R.Powell 26-10; D.Henley, K.Hammond & L.Parsley beat A.Spicer, I.Bishop & C.Dyer 19-14.

Datchworth Yellow v Welwyn Woods
This match on Thursday night had to be conceded to Welwyn Woods because the Yellow team could not field a full team.

Datchworth Men 67 Letchworth Garden City Men 58
On Friday our Men took on their counterparts from Letchworth Garden City in the Letchworth and District Bowling Association’s Cairns Cup; with two Triples at home and two away. At our Turkey Farm green Bernie Drummond, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Arnold had a tight game. Although they only won six of the eighteen ends played they restricted their opposition to just two ends where they picked up more than one shot and as a result they only lost by 12 shots to 15. It was a similar story for Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper and Skip Ken Hammond as they too only won six ends. But after both teams picked up multiple shots on four ends apiece they lost by 14 shots to 19. At Letchworth Garden City’s Norton Common green Graham Akers, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley dominated their game after going 7-0 up after just three ends. So much so they led 29-5 with two ends to play, after picking up 7 shots on the sixteenth end. But they lost the final two ends to win by 29 shots to 11. Julian Hales, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Peter Hills went 5-0 up after three ends and were still ahead, 12-5, with five ends to play. But they lost those five ends and narrowly lost 12-13. After winning just one of the four Triples played our Men went through to the next Round by 67 shots to 58.
B.Drummond, N.Mean & S.Arnold lost to D.Haggar, A.Hodgson & I.Snowdon 12-15; D.Jackson, R.Harper & K.Hammond lost to B.Rogan, B.Bargery & G.Cataldo 14-19; G.Akers, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat K.Williams, B.Hart & P.Billson 29-11; J.Hales, S.Chamberlain & P.Hills lost to D.Butina, C.Ottaway & T.Sinclair 12-13.

Datchworth 24 Kimpton 24
On a very hot Saturday afternoon Kimpton were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for a Mixed Friendly and because of the conditions only ten ends were played and it ended all square at 24 shots apiece. Dawn Kingsland, Bernie Drummond and Skip Julian Hales lost just three ends in their 10 shots to 3 win. Edie Alden, Richard Brewster and Skip Chas Townley won four ends in their 8 shots to 10 loss. Sue Ellis, John Ellis and Skip John Alden also won four ends in their 6 shots to 11 loss.
D.Kingsland, B.Drummond & J.Hales beat S.Truscott, W.Phillips & A.Hill 10-3; E.Alden, R.Brewster & C.Townley lost to S.Croft, J.Truscott & A.Lennox 8-10; S.Ellis, J.Ellis & J.Alden lost to S.Richardson, J.Croft & J.Oliver 6-11.

Datchworth 85 Harpenden 83
On Sunday afternoon Harpenden were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and were narrowly edged out by 85 shots to 83. Carol Hammond, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold had a game of two distinct halves. The first half they lost 3-9 and the second half they won 13-3 for an overall 16 shots to 12 win. Sue Kiernan, Rob Hazeu and Richard Harper went 0-6 down after four ends and try as they might they never caught up; eventually losing by 9 shots to 22. Edie Alden, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henley lost the first end then lost just two more as they ran rampant to win by 34 shots to 4. Maureen Blunt, Ken Ryder and Skip Ken Hammond dropped an 8 on the eleventh end to trail 9-14.They did win the next end but lost the rest and crashed to an 11 shots to 23 defeat. George Campbell, Neil Mean and Skip John Alden shared the ends equally but not the score, as they lost by 15 shots to 22.
C.Hammond, J.Hales & S.Arnold beat J.White, B.Gilbert & D.Paddison 16-12; S.Kiernan, R.Hazeu & R.Harper lost to T.Smith, D.Moores & J.Millins 9-22; E.Alden, D.Jackson & D.Henley beat W.Swingler, S.Rider & B.Stratful 34-4; M.Blunt, K.Ryder & K.Hammond lost to T.Hansard, D.Roberts T.Tharby 11-23; G.Campbell, N.Mean & J.Alden lost to C.Linfield, J.Dill & B.Moores 15-22.

Website Report for 7 July 2019

Datchworth’s Men 49 Whit Hern’s Men 30
On Monday night our Men played their first Men’s County League match of the season at home to Whit Hern and beat them by 49 shots to 30. Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper, Steve Arnold and Skip Les Parsley could do no wrong for the first fourteen ends as they built up an impressive 28 shots to 1 lead. After that the visitors found their way back in and won all but two of the remaining seven ends; but the home side came home by 32 shots to 9. Brian Gilbert, Neil Mean, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills had a tougher game as they lost the end-count 9-12 and only held the lead for two ends as they lost by 17 shots to 21.
D.Jackson, R.Harper, S.Arnold & L.Parsley beat A.Pryke, P.Boltwood, M.Humenic & A.Nappier 32-9; B.Gilbert, N.Mean, D.Henley & P.Hills lost to K.Mardon, R.Newman, I.Wood & S.Kenway 17-21.

Datchworth Yellow 37 Knebworth Yellow 26
On Tuesday night local rivalries were once again engaged as Knebworth’s Yellow team were the visitors to the Turkey Farm to play our Yellow team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and were beaten by 37 shots to 26. Ian Green, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper had a slow start and went 1-9 down after five ends. But they fought back to 9 apiece six ends later. They continued their winning streak and won all but one of the remaining seven ends to run out winners by 22 shots to 10. Phil Holzbauer, Dickie Jackson and Skip Steve Chamberlain got off to a good start and led 6-0 after just three ends. But they were all-square at 9 apiece after ten ends. After that they only won three of the remaining eight ends and lost by the odd shot 15-16.
I.Green, G.Akers & R.Harper beat C.Macleod, R.Hughes & J.Matthews 22-10; P.Holzbauer, D.Jackson & S.Chamberlain lost to S.Parker, D.Percival & G.Stevens 15-16.

Datchworth 69 Stevenage Town 62
On Wednesday night we travelled to Stevenage’s KGV greens to play Stevenage Town in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and came away with a 69 shots to 62 win. Annette Hutchinson, Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper got off to a good start and were 6-0 up after four ends. It was a lead they did not lose as they went on to win by 19 shots to 11. Despite going 4-0 up after two ends Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Chamberlain went 4-7 down four losing ends later. It was a deficit that gradually got bigger as they went on to lose by 11 shots to 24. Dickie Jackson, Janet Akers and Skip Ian Williams lost the lead on the second ends and remained behind until the final end when they picked up their second 2 in consecutive ends to nick the win by 19 shots to 18. But when the score was adjusted as they were up against an all-male Triple they had won by 19 shots to 14. Barbara Williams, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold took the lead for the second time at 4-3 on the sixth end and extended their lead to 9-4 by the tenth end. They were 9-10 behind by the thirteenth, 20-10 ahead three winning ends later, before they lost the final two ends to win by 20 shots to 13.
A.Hutchinson, G.Akers & R.Harper beat D.Emery, E.Marr & M.Emery 19-11; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & S.Chamberlain lost to D.Whitlock, W.Taylor &J.Holmes 11-24; D.Jackson, J.Akers & I.Williams beat C.Marin, A.Shackell & T.Stout 19-14; B.Williams, J.Hales & S.Arnold beat P.Jeffery, R.Wolstencroft & L.Keen 20-13.

Datchworth Yellow 34 W.G.C. Knights 44
On Thursday night our Yellow team played W.G.C. Knights in the Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League John Brown Trophy and with on Triple at home and one away they lost by 34 shots to 44. At our Turkey Farm green Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper won the first end but lost the next seven to go 1-11 down. They never fully recovered from that but they did cut their losing deficit down to 14-21 by the end. At W.G.C’s Digswell Park green Barbara and Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain picked up an 8 on the eighth end, to lead 14-10, but dropped a 6 on the fifteenth end, to trail 15-23 and despite winning the closing three ends they still lost by 20 shots to 23.
D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & R.Harper lost to J.Gibbs, T.Seeby & R.Edwards 14-21; B.Williams, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain lost to G.Beaumont, L.Kilmister & J.Kilmister 20-23.

Datchworth’s Men 65 Sawbridgeworth’s Men 72
On Friday night our Men were knocked out of the County’s Men’s Club Championship at home to their counterparts from Sawbridgeworth by 72 shots to 65. Graham Akers, Rob Hazeu, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold were only 18-21 adrift with three ends to play when things went horribly wrong as they dropped an 8 to go 18-29 down. They did win the remaining two ends but the damage was done and they lost by 23 shots to 29. Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper, Ian Williams and Skip Derek Henley were up against it from the off. They were 2-10 down after six ends, then 3-18 down after ten ends and never got back in contention as they eventually went down by 12 shots to 29. Mike Mahoney, Bernie Drummond, Jim Smith and Skip Ken Hammond were Datchworth’s only winning Rink. Despite winning just 3 more ends than they lost, they picked up more than double the number of shots than they dropped, thanks to picking up multiple shots on all but two of those ends, as they ran out winners by 30 shots to 14.
G.Akers, R.Hazeu, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to P.Neale, R.Williams, K.Thompson & M.Williams 23-29; D.Jackson, R.Harper, I.Williams & D.Henley lost to R.Chalcraft, D.Grimmett, P.Clewes-Garner & D.Fox 12-29; M.Mahoney, B.Drummond, J.Smith & K.Hammond beat J.Major, J.Watkins, N.Berry & P.Stringer 30-14.

Datchworth 73 Riverain 47
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Hitchin to play Riverain in our second Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the week and came away with their second win of the week by 73 shot to 47 win. Brian Gilbert, Ian Williams and Skip Derek Henley dominated their match from the start and despite having to suffer shot deductions for playing an all-male Triple they still won by 28 shots to 3. The other three Triples were much closer affairs as they were all decided by just one shot. Sue Kiernan, Bernie Drummond and Skip Neil Mean lost the end-count 8-10 and their game 14-15. Barbara Williams, John Alden and Skip Steve Chamberlain shared the ends equally and edged home by 16 shots to 15. Edie Alden, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold also shared the ends equally and edged home by 15 shots to 14.
B.Gilbert, I.Williams & D.Henley beat G.Weaver, B.Wareham & P.Fisk 28-3; S.Kiernan, B.Drummond & N.Mean lost to D.Brown, C.Trussell & B.Mills 14-15; B.Williams, J.Alden & S.Chamberlain beat G.Fisk, R.Wareham & G.Chaplin 16-15; E.Alden, R.Harper & S.Arnold beat A.Tressise G.Brown & A.Weaver 15-14.

Datchworth 55 St Ippolytts 88
On Sunday afternoon St Ippolytts were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for another Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they beat us by 88 shots to 55. Janet Akers, Dickie Jackson and Skip Ian Williams got off to a terrible start going 0-22 down after just six ends. They never recovered from that and lost by 9 shots to 37. Barbara Williams, Ken Ryder and Skip Richard Harper led 6-3 after three ends, but five losing ends later they trailed 6-11. They did win six out of the remaining ten ends but lost by 14 shots to 18. Rachel Jones, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold went 1-9 down after five ends and never got back in the hunt; eventually losing by 15 shots to 21. Datchworth’s only winning Triple was that of Carol Hammond, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain. They took the lead 8-5 on the seventh end after picking up three shots. They never lost it and ran out winning by 17 shots to 12.
J.Akers, D.Jackson & I.Williams lost to K.Stollery, J.Godfrey & C.Davidson 9-37; B.Williams, K.Ryder & R.Harper lost to C.Farley, J.Dudley & J.Clark 14-18; R.Jones, G.Akers & S.Arnold lost to P.Belton, C.Richardson & C.Childs 15-21; C.Hammond, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain beat S.Hughes, T.Saunders & T.Godden 17-12.

Website Report for 14 July 2019

On Monday night both of our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 teams were in action; our Green team were at home to Knebworth Yellow while our Yellow team were away to Parkside Greens.

Datchworth Green 46 Knebworth Yellow 30
At our Turkey Farm green the Green team beat their near neighbour Yellow team by 46 shots to 30. Sue Kiernan, Andrew Phillips and Skip Darren Gilbert led 6-1 after four ends and they stretched that lead to 16-7 after picking up 5 shots on the eleventh end. They won four of the remaining seven ends to run out winners by 25 shots to 14. Chris Hills, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley also led 6-1, but after five ends. Then they picked up seven shots on the seventh end, to lead 13-3. They then won alternate ends until they finished winning by 21 shots to 16.
S.Kiernan, A.Phillips & D.Gilbert beat G.Reed, R.Hughes & J.Matthews 25-14; C.Hills, N.Mean & L.Parsley beat B.Parker, D.Percival & G.Stevens 21-16.

Datchworth Yellow 18 Parkside Greens 41
At Parkside Greens W.G.C. KGV greens our Yellow team did not have such a good result as they lost by 18 shots to 41 to their hosts. Barbara Williams, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain lost the first five ends to trail 0-8 and despite winning eight of the remaining eleven ends that lost by 11 shots to 19. Phil Holzbauer, Chas Townley and Skip Ian Williams were 3 apiece after four ends but lost the next seven ends to trail 3-17 and they never got back in the hunt, eventually losing by 7 shots to 22.
B.Williams, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain lost to B.Fuller, B.Draycott & E.Anderson 11-19; P.Holzbauer, C.Townley & I.Williams lost to S.Calladine, J.McCrossan & D.Robertson 7-22.

There was a home double-header for us on Tuesday with a Mixed Friendly against W.G.C. in the afternoon and an East Herts Bowls League Div.1 Blue Team match against Hertingfordbury in the evening.

Datchworth 54 W.G.C. 92
The W.G.C. match ended in a 54 shots to 92 loss to our visitors. Derek Elms and Jim Russell shared half the game each, along with Julian Hales and Skip Peter Hills only won six ends as they lost by 12 shots to 22. Jenny Holzbauer, Dickie Jackson and Skip Chas Townley only managed four winning ends as they crashed to a 6 shots to 33 loss. Sue Kiernan, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold dropped a five on the fifth end, to trail 4-7, and did their best to get back to all square at 18 apiece with two ends to go. Then they fell apart over the final two ends, dropping 10 shots to lose by 18 shots to 28. Our only winning Triple was that of Bernie Drummond, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Richard Harper. They had a close game for twelve ends when the score was 8 shots apiece. They then won the next five ends picking up two shots each time before they lost the final end and won by 18 shots to 9.
D.Elms/J.Russell, J.Hales & P.Hills lost to J.Wright, P.Martin & T.Royall 12-22; J.Holzbauer, D.Jackson & C.Townley lost to R.Wilsmore, C.Royall & T.Hughes 6-33;S.Kiernan, N.Mean & S.Arnold lost to J.Chennells, M.Foulser & J.Kilmister 18-28; B.Drummond, P.Holzbauer & R.Harper beat I.Cocksedge, L.Kilmister & B.Hughes 18-9.

Datchworth Blue 47 Hertingfordbury 22
In the evening match against Hertingfordbury, who have always been difficult nuts to crack for our Blue team over the years, they managed to extend their run of picking up maximum points to five, with an impressive 47 shots to 22 win. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills cruised to a 20 shot to 1 lead after thirteen ends then they took their feet of the gas and lost the closing five ends to win by 20 shots to 9. Andrew Phillips, Derek Henley and Skip Ken Hammond took their time to get into their stride as they went 3-7 down after seven ends. They then won seven of the remaining eleven ends to come from behind and win by 27 shots to 13.
B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat D.Edwards, K.Hartfield & J.Smith 20-9; A.Phillips, D.Henley & K.Hammond beat C.Straker, K.Edmonds & J.Dunne 27-13.

Datchworth Gold v Hertford Castle Knights
This match was postponed at the request of the Knights as they could not field a full team. It was re-arranged for next Tuesday, the 16th.

Datchworth Blue 31 Welwyn Bucks 34
On Thursday night our Blue team travelled to Welwyn and District’s Ottway Walk green to play their Bucks team in their second East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 match of the week and lost by 31 shots to 34, ending their run of consecutive maximum points win. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills lost the first three ends and remained behind until they won four ends in a row to lead 11-4 after twelve ends. The remaining six ends were shared equally as they held on to win by 17 shots to 11. Robin Gray, Derek Henley and Skip Ken Hammond also lost the first three ends to trail 0-6. They never got back in the hunt and dropping two 5s on the sixth and seventh ends did not help their cause as they lost by 14 shots to 23.
B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat E.Goodhall, C.Read & N.Muller 17-11; R.Gray, D.Henley & Ken Hammond lost to M.Baldwin, J.Summerfield & S.Kenworthy 14-23.

Datchworth v Bengeo
Saturday afternoon’s match at home to Bengeo was cancelled as they could not raise a team to play us.

Datchworth 75 Knebworth 49
On Sunday afternoon our near neighbours Knebworth were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were beaten by 75 shots to 49. Dawn Kingsland, Julian Hales and Skip Les Parsley led 7-5 after eight end, then they dropped a 5 on the next end and won only three more ends as they lost by 12 shots to 20. Brian Gilbert, Rachel Jones and Skip Jim Smith went 12-1 up after eight ends and despite only winning four of the remaining ten ends they won by 16 shots to 8. Edie Alden, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold only lost five ends as they romped home by 29 shots to 6. Maureen Blunt, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Chamberlain led 12-8 after twelve ends then lost the next three ends to go 12-15 down with three ends to play. They won those three ends and came from behind to win by 18 shots to 15.
D.Kingsland, J.Hales & L.Parsley lost to T.Metcalf, R.Fieldsend & P.Beadle 12-20; B.Gilbert, R.Jones & J.Smith beat G.Welham, R.Hughes & J.Matthews 16-8; E.Alden, R.Harper & S.Arnold beat G.Reed, D.Percival & C.Macleod 29-6; M.Blunt, N.Mean & S.Chamberlain beat P.Veale, D.Berry & D.Harris 18-15.

Website Report for 21 July 2019

Datchworth Yellow 33 Hertford 36
On Monday night Hertford were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match against our Yellow team and beat them by 36 shots to 33. Barbara Williams, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain dropped a 6 on the fifth end to trail 1-13 and looked to be heading for certain defeat. But they fought back and won all but four of the remaining thirteen ends, including picking up a 6 of their own on the fourteenth end, to lead 16-15, to come from behind and win by 20 shots to 16. The first nine ends were tight for Phil Holzbauer, Rob Hazeu and Skip Ian Williams and the score stood at 9 apiece. They then dropped 4 shots on the tenth end and only won three more ends as they lost by 13 shots to 20.
B.Williams, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain beat L.Tattersall, C.Sage & P.Worsley 20-16; P.Holzbauer, R.Hazeu & I.Williams lost to M.Toynton, A.Costin & R.Barrett 13-20.

Datchworth Blue v Hertford Castle Knights
This East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 home match against our Blue team that was postponed from the previous week was conceded by the Knights as they could not raise a team.

Datchworth 70 Harperbury 52
On Wednesday afternoon we travelled to play Harperbury in a Mixed Friendly and came away with a 70 shot to 52 win. Dickie Jackson, Chas Townley and Skip Steve Chamberlain picked up a 6 on the fifth end to lead 11-2 and never looked back, running out winners by 20 shots to 11. Sue Kiernan, Richard Harper and Skip Julian Hales only won two of the first nine ends to trail 2-9. Then it all changed after the break as they won all but two of the remaining nine ends to draw level at 15 shots apiece. Ian Green, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first five ends to trail 0-7. They then went 3-10 down after eleven ends before drawing level at 10 shots apiece two ends later before losing the next three ends and winning the closing two ends to lose by 12 shots to 13. Dawn Kingsland, Richard Brewster and Skip Derek Henley built up a healthy 13 shots to 1 lead after eight ends and despite only winning four of the remaining ten ends they won by 23 shots to 13.
D.Jackson, C.Townley & S.Chamberlain beat M.Long, E.Williams & M.Langley 20-11; S.Kiernan, R.Harper & J.Hales drew with J.Eaton, R.Martindill & K.Kauder 15 apiece; I.Green, I.Williams & S.Arnold lost to A.Nicklin, J.Townsend & S.Swain 12-13; D.Kingsland, R.Brewster & D.Henley beat T.Simpson, A.Long & R.Ransted 23-13.

Datchworth v Cheshunt
This Men’s County League away match was conceded by Cheshunt as they could not raise a team.

There was double-header action at the Turkey Farm for our bowlers on Friday night with our Ladies in action against Sawbridgeworth Ladies in the Ladies County League and our Green team up against our Yellow team in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match.

Datchworth Ladies 8 Sawbridgeworth Ladies 29
Our Ladies, Sue Kiernan, Jenny Holzbauer, Rachel Jones and Skip Chris Hills lost twice as many ends than they won and lost by over twice as many shots in their 8 shots to 29 loss.
S.Kiernan, J.Holzbauer, R.Jones & C.Hills lost to S.Edwards, N.Chalcraft, B.Levey & H.Carson 8-29.

Datchworth Green 33 Datchworth Yellow 21
In the other match our Green team beat our Yellow team by 33 shots to 21. The Green team’s Maurice Gordon, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley restricted the Yellow team’s Nicki Berry, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Chamberlain to five winning ends in their 20 shots to 5 win. It was a much closer affair between the Yellow team’s Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry and Skip Richard Harper, up against the Green team’s Robin Gray, Andrew Phillips and Steven Hunter, as they won the end-count 10-8 and came home winners by 16 shots to 13.
M.Gordon, N.Mean & L.Parsley beat N.Berry, G.Akers & S.Chamberlain 5-20; R.Gray, A.Phillips & S.Hunter lost to D.Jackson, P.Berry & R.Harper 13-16.

Datchworth 54 Hitchin Town 85
On Saturday afternoon Hitchin Town were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for a Mixed Friendly and went home following an 85 shot to 54 win. Edie Alden, Richard Hutchinson, Chas Townley and Skip Steve Chamberlain only lost the end-count 10-11 but dropping a 5 and two 3s late on helped in their 13 shots to 22 defeat. Dickie Jackson, Susan Wray, Ian Tyler and Skip Neil Mean won five ends on the trot to go from 8-9 down after ten ends to 16-9 up after fifteen ends. It was a lead they held onto to win by 23 shots to 16. Jenny Holzbauer, Jim Whittle, John Alden and Skip Richard Harper were 5 apiece after six ends but they then only won five more ends in their 10 shots to 29 defeat. Annette Hutchinson, Phil Holzbauer, Maurice Gordon and Skip Julian Hales only won one of the first six ends to trail 1-8. They never got back in the hunt and eventually lost by 8 shots to 18 in a relatively low scoring game.
E.Alden, R.Hutchinson, C.Townley & S.Chamberlain lost to T.Loosemore, J.Morris, A.Jennison & A.Cook 13-22; D.Jackson, S.Wray, I.Tyler & N.Mean beat L.Morris, G.Munge, B.Joshua & K.Spendelow 23-16; J.Holzbauer, J.Whittle, J.Alden & R.Harper lost to M.Prentice, M.Wells, K.Gray & R.Hayes 10-29; A.Hutchinson, P.Holzbauer, M.Gordon & J.Hales lost to G.Evans, K.Loosemore, K.Vintner & A.Hill 8-18.

Datchworth 87 Sele Farm 109
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to Hertford’s Hartham Common for a Mixed Friendly against Sele Farm and were beaten by 109 shots to 87. Sue Kiernan, Ian Tyler and Skip Ian Williams shared the ends equally and were narrowly beaten by 17 shots to 16. Edie Alden, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold had a nip and tuck first half and went into the tea-break just 8-9 adrift. But it all changed for them after the break as they only won two ends, the first and last after the break, to lose by 11 shots to 21. Linda Tyler, Neil Mean and Skip Derek Henley dropped two 5s on their way to an 11 shots to 23 loss. Brian Gilbert, Gill Parsley and Skip Richard Harper also went into the tea break 8-9 down and only won three ends after the break, including dropping a 5 on the last end, to lose by 12 shots to 20. Our only winning Triple was that of Dickie Jackson, Barbara Williams and Skip Les Parsley. Despite sharing the first twelve ends equally they trailed 7-12. They then found some irresistible form and won the remaining six ends, picking up 19 shots along the way, to run out winners by 26 shots to 12. Rachel Jones, John Alden and Skip Steve Chamberlain won 7 ends, lost 9 ends and tied 2 ends as they lost by 11 shots to 16.
S.Kiernan, I Tyler & I.Williams lost to M.Sell, H.Ottley & D.Lee 16-17; E.Alden, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold lost to D.Lacey, E.Lundy & J.Parsley 11-21; L.Tyler, N.Mean & D.Henley lost to R.Clift, J.A.Parsley & T.Clift 11-23; B.Gilbert, G.Parsley & R.Harper lost to B.Turner, J.Lake & J.Jones 12-20; D.Jackson, B.Williams & L.Parsley beat M.Bennion, J.Ottley & N.Lonergan 26-12; R.Jones, J.Alden & S.Chamberlain lost to S.Lacey, H.J.Ottley & P.Dougherty 11-16.

Website Report for 28 July 2019

Datchworth Green 57 Welwyn Wanderers 32
On Monday night our Green team played their first of two Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League’s KO competitions against Welwyn Wanderers in their Jubilee Cup, with one Rink at home and one away. At our Turkey Farm green Chris Hills, Colin Findlay, Andrew Phillips and Skip Les Parsley went 15-0 up after five ends and were never in trouble after that, winning by 35 shots to 9. At Welwyn and District’s Ottway Walk green Rachel Jones, Robin Gray, Darren Gilbert and Skip Derek Henley had a tougher time of it as they lost the first two ends and only held the lead for one end after picking up five shots on the third end. They trailed 14-21 with three ends to play and despite picking up two 4s over the final three ends they lost out by one shot 22-23. But they went through with an aggregate score of 57 shots to 32.
C.Hills, C. Findlay, A.Phillips & L.Parsley beat M.Jacobs, E. 35-9; R.Jones, R.Gray, D.Gilbert & D.Henley lost to R.Venting, B.Bennett, E.Goodhall & J.Brown 22-23.

Datchworth’s Men 30 Buntingford’s Men 60
On Tuesday night our Men travelled to Buntingford to take on their Men in the Men’s County League and came a cropper by 30 shots to 60. Dickie Jackson, Steve Chamberlain, Ken Hammond and Skip Peter Hills won the first two ends then dropped a 5 on the third end to trail 3-5. They never got back in the hunt and eventually lost by 14 shots to 28. Mike Mahoney, Steve Arnold, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley only lost the end-count 10-11 but dropping two 8s was their downfall as they lost by 16 shots to 32.
D.Jackson, S.Chamberlain, K.Hammond & P.Hills lost to R.Murphy, B.Davies, D.Murphy & T.Keeling 14-28; M.Mahoney, S.Arnold, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to P.Warren, V.Greenberg, S.Wake & C.Frostick 16-32.

On Wednesday night both of our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League teams were in action; our Green team played Knebworth Yellow in the League’s John Brown Trophy, their second KO competition of the week, and our Yellow team played B.S.P. in a re-arranged Div. 1 League match.

Datchworth Green 33 Knebworth Yellow 31
With one Triple at home and one away our Green team beat Knebworth Yellow by 33 shots to 31. At home Sue Kiernan, Neil Mean and Skip Derek Henley led 13-7 after twelve ends before dropping a 6 on the thirteenth to be pegged back to 13 apiece. They won the remaining five ends to win by 22 shots to 13. At Knebworth Maurice Gordon, Chris Hills and Skip Les Parsley only won one of the first four ends to trail 1-9 and never got back in the hunt as they lost by 11 shots to 18.
S.Kiernan, N.Mean & D.Henley beat C.Macleod, R.Hughes & J.Matthews 22-13; M.Gordon, C.Hills & L.Parsley lost to D.Percival, R.Mahoney & G.Stevens 11-18.

Datchworth Yellow 28 B.S.P. 52
At B.S.P’s W.G.C’s KGV greens our Yellow team lost by 28 shots to 52. Graham Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper lost the end-count 8-10 and went into the last two ends 15-13 to the good, but they lost those two ends and by dropping 3 shots on the final end they lost by 15 shots to 17. Dickie Jackson, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain had a disastrous start, dropping 22 shots over the first eight ends, while only picking up four shots. They never recovered from that, only winning another three ends as they crashed to a 13 shots to 35 defeat.
G.Akers, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to K.Hennessy, B.Reeves & G.Smith 15-17; D.Jackson, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain lost to M.Nottage, B.Clarke & D.Miller 13-35.

There was another double-header for our bowlers on Thursday night with our East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 Gold team away to Rye Park and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 Green team away to Hertford.

Datchworth Gold 36 Rye Park 28
At Rye Park our Gold team won by 36 shots to 28. Phil Berry, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper led 14-2 after eight ends before they lost six ends in a row to have their lead reduced to 14-10. But they got their act together and won all but one of the closing four ends to win by 20 shots to 12. Dickie Jackson, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain fell behind from the start and fought back to take the lead 10-8 after ten ends. They fell 10-11 behind three ends later before they lead 16-12 going into the final end. They dropped a 4 on that end to draw 16 shots apiece.
P.Berry, R.Hazeu & R.Harper beat M.Read, D.Stevenson & J.Stevenson 20-12; D.Jackson, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain drew with T.Lacey, B.Metzner & R.Rogers 16 all.

Datchworth Green 36 Hertford 40
At Hertford our Green team lost by 36 shots to 40. Rachel Jones, Robin Gray and Skip Jim Smith won the first five ends to lead 15-0 then their wheels fell dramatically off their waggon as they only won a further two more ends to lose by 19 shots to 24. Despite winning twice as many ends than they lost Chris Hills, Andrew Phillips and Skip Darren Gilbert only just scraped home by 17 shots to 16 after picking up 2 shots on the final end.
R.Jones, R.Gray & J.Smith lost to M.Toynton, J.Smith & P.Worsley 19=24; C.Hills, A.Phillips & D.Gilbert beat A.Barrett, M.Rowe & R.Barrett 17-16.

Datchworth’s Men 77 Hitchin Town’s Men 49
On Friday night our Men played their counterparts from Hitchin Town in Letchworth and District Bowling Association’s Cairns Cup and with two Triples at home and two away they went through by 77 shots to 49. At our Turkey Farm green Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper and Skip Ken Hammond only lost six ends as they won by 26 shots to 8. It was a much tighter affair for Bernie Drummond, Neil Mean and Skip Steve Arnold as they shared the ends equally and once they regained the lead on the tenth end they held onto it to edge home by one shot 16-15. At Hitchin Town’s Bancroft green Brian Gilbert, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley won six ends in a row to go from 3-6 down after four ends to 14-6 up after ten ends. The closing eight ends were shared equally as they held on to win by 18 shots to 12. Julian Hales, Ian Williams and Skip Peter Hills won the end-count 10-8 and thanks to picking up four shots on the final end they won by 17 shots to 14.
D.Jackson, R.Harper & K.Hammond beat K.Vintner, K.Spendelow & R.Hayes 26-8; B.Drummond, N.Mean & S.Arnold beat A.Newbury, M.Wadsworth & A.Hill 16-15; B.Gilbert, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat L.Stokes, K.Gray & B.Joshua 18-12; J.Hales, I.Williams & P.Hills beat G.Munge, M.Williams & A.Cook 17-14.

Datchworth v Willian
Saturday’s Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match at home to Willian was postponed in the morning due to the forecast of prolonged rain for the duration of the match and it never transpired.

Datchworth 58 Kimpton 45
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to Kimpton for a Mixed Friendly and won by 58 shots to 45. Susan Wray, Bernie Drummond and Skip Steve Arnold lost the end-count 8-10 but dropped nearly twice as many shots than they won in their 11 shots to 20 loss. Richard and Annette Hutchinson and Skip Richard Harper won the first eight ends, to lead 14-0 and never looked back, running out winners by 25 shots to 10. Dawn Kingsland, Neil Mean and Skip Julian Hales led 5-0 after two ends and never lost it, eventually winning by 22 shots to 15.
S.Wray, B.Drummond & S.Arnold lost to J.Truscott, A.Lennox & J.Oliver 11-20; R.Hutchinson, A.Hutchinson & R.Harper beat S.Truscott, A.Fitzjohn & B.Porter 25-10; D.Kingsland, N.Mean & J.Hales beat J.Robinson, M.Porter & H.Boshier 22-15

Website Report for 4 August 2019

On Monday night both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action; our Div. 1 Blue team were away to Whit Hern while our Div. 2 Gold team were at home to Sawbridgeworth Red.

Datchworth Blue 38 Whit Hern 29
At Whit Hern our Blue team won by 38 shots to 29. Robin Gray, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley were level for the fourth time at 14 shots apiece after the penultimate end, but they lost the final end to lose by 14 shots to 15. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills built up a comfortable 24 shots to 9 lead going into the final end only to drop 5 shots to win by 24 shots to 14.
R.Gray, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to A.Bruton, M.Nash & S.Kenway 14-15; B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat A.Georgiou, A.Napier & K.Norman 24-15.

Datchworth Gold 28 Sawbridgeworth Red 41
At home our Gold team lost by 28 shots to 41. Phil Berry, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain tied the first end then lost the next two to go 0-5 down. They then won seven of the next ten ends to lead 15-8. They then only won one more end but held on to win by 17 shots to 13. Julian Hales, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold lost twice as many ends than they won and dropped over twice as many shots than they won in their 11 shots to 28 loss.
P.Berry, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat R.Marshall, J.Godden & D.Grimmett 17-13; J.Hales, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold lost to J.Birch, M.Clark & M.Harris 11-28.

Datchworth v Hitchin Town
This match on Tuesday afternoon was called off because of the forecasted bad weather.

Datchworth’s Men 36 Northaw & Cuffley’s Men 35
On Tuesday night our Men travelled to Northaw and Cuffley for a Men’s County League match and edged a tight win by 36 shots to 35. Mike Mahoney, Richard Harper, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley were looking good at 11-4 up after ten ends, but things went wrong after that as the found themselves 11-15 down six losing ends later. They fought back to lead 17-15 with two ends to play but lost both of those to lose by the odd shot 17-18. Steve Arnold, Rob Hazeu, Ken Hammond and Skip Peter Hills lost the first two ends then won the next six to lead 10-4. Their lead was cut to 15-12 eight ends later before winning alternate ends, including the last end to win by two shots, 19-17, which was enough to win the match by one shot 36-35.
M.Mahoney, R.Harper, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to D.Pett, J.Clarke, J.Diggins & M.Ryan 17-18; S.Arnold, R.Hazeu, K.Hammond & P.Hills beat D.Hurford, L.Curtis, B.Holding & D.Fryett 19-17.

Datchworth 64 North Herts 58
On Wednesday afternoon North Herts were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 64 shots to 58. Richard Hutchinson, Ian Tyler and Skip Julian Hales led 6-2 after six ends but were caught at 7 apiece three ends later. They dropped 5 shots two ends later, to trail 7-14, and never got back in the hunt, losing by 15 shots to 20. Derek Elms (and Jim Russell, who shared the game between them), Annette Hutchinson and Skip Derek Henley picked up 5 shots on the eighth end, to lead 13-2 and never looked back, winning by 20 shots to 7. Sue Kiernan, Dawn Kingsland and Richard Harper shared the ends equally and edged home by 16 shots to 14.Linda Tyler, Charles Eggington and Skip Steve Chamberlain did well to come from 1-7 down after seven ends to 13-10 up with three ends to play. But they lost all of them and lost by 13 shots to 17.
R.Hutchinson, I.Tyler & J.Hales lost to G.Barrett, M.Summerville & A.Denniss 15-20; D.Elms / J.Russell, A.Hutchinson & D.Henley beat L.Leader, B.Barrett & R.Edmett 20-7; S.Kiernan, D.Kingsland & R.Harper beat G.Greaves, J.Tebbutt & B.Hutchings 16-14; L.Tyler, C.Eggington & S.Chamberlain lost to T.Denniss, J.Wrigglesworth & P.Riseborough 13-17.

Datchworth Green 31 Hertford 30
On Friday night our Green team played Hertford at home in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and edged a tight match by 36 shots to 35. Chris Hills, Andrew Phillips and Skip Steven Hunter lost the first four ends, then shared the remaining ends equally and lost by 12 shots 17. Maurice Gordon, Robin Gray and Skip Derek Henley won the first four ends and were never caught despite only winning another five ends, to share the ends equally, they held on to win by 19 shots to 13.
C.Hills, A.Phillips & S.Hunter lost to T.Rowe, A.Costin & R.Barrett 12-17; M.Gordon, R.Gray & D.Henley beat M.Rowe, J.Smith & A.Hudson 19-13.

Datchworth 63 Three Horseshoes 63
On Saturday afternoon Three Horseshoes were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match which ended in a 63 shots apiece draw. Linda Tyler, Richard Harper and Skip Peter Hills had a bad day at the office and lost by 10 shots to 18. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Arnold went into the break 9-12 down. After the break they only lost one end and came from behind to win by 20 shots to 13. Sue Ellis, Rob Hazeu and Skip Derek Henley won the first three ends and never got caught; winning by 19 shots to 12. Rachel Jones, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley also had a bad day at the office, losing by 14 shots to 20. But they did pick up 4 shots on their final end and along with the 4 shots the Rink Skipped by Steve Arnold picked up on their final end helped towards the Club securing a draw rather that a defeat.
L.Tyler, R.Harper & P.Hills lost to M.Cooper, C.Beaver & B.Maynard 10-18; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & S.Arnold beat A.Lane, G.Waugh & A.Waugh 20-13; S.Ellis, R.Hazeu & D.Henley beat A.Lane, M.Dunne & P.Dale 19-12; R.Jones, N.Mean & L.Parsley lost to S.Cole, D.Briars & C.Cole 14-20.

Datchworth v Hoddesdon and Rye Park
We unfortunately had to cancel this away match on Sunday afternoon as we did not have enough players to fulfil the fixture.

Website Report for 11 August 2019

On Monday night there were two more matches for our bowlers; our East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 Gold team were at home to Parkside, while our Ladies County League team travelled to Northaw and Cuffley.

Datchworth Gold 44 Parkside 30
At our Turkey Farm green our Gold team won by 44 shots to 30. Graham Akers, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold had built up a comfortable 20 shots to 8 lead with five ends to go. But things fell apart after that as they lost all of those ends dropping 13 shots in the process to lose by 20 shots to 21. Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Chamberlain led 6-0 after just two ends and never lost it, running out winners by 24 shots to 9.
G.Akers, R.Harper & S.Arnold lost to S.Calladine, M.Looney & A.Croshaw 20-21; D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & S.Chamberlain beat J.Johnson, D.Robertson & B.Draycott 24-9.

Datchworth Ladies 13 Northaw and Cuffley Ladies 23
At Northaw and Cuffley Sue Kiernan, Linda Tyler, Rachel Jones and Skip Chris Hills went 0-6 down after two ends and never recovered, losing by 13 shots to 23.
S.Kiernan, L.Tyler, R.Jones & C.Hills lost to J.Munt, P.Boyle, J.Ford & C.Ryan 13-23.

Datchworth Men v Ware Men
On Wednesday night this match in the Men’s County League was conceded to our Men by Ware as they could not field a team.

Datchworth Yellow 32 B.S.P. 35
On Thursday night our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League’s Yellow team were at home to B.S.P. and were narrowly beaten by 32 shots to 35. Janet and Graham Akers and Skip Richard Harper only won one of the first seven ends and trailed by 2 shots to 16. They did fight back to win seven of the remaining eleven ends, but it was not enough to stop them from losing by 11 shots to 24. Ian Green, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain restricted their opposition to five winning ends as they won by 21 shots to 11.
J.Akers, G.Akers & R.Harper lost to G.Medcalf, B.Clark & D.Miller 11-24; I.Green, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat G.O’Leary, B.Reeves & G.Smith 21-11.

Datchworth’s Men 91 Stevenage Town’s Men 58
On Friday night our Men played Stevenage Town in the Semi-Final of Letchworth and District Bowling Association’s Cairns Cup and with two Triples at home and two away they went through to the Final by 91 shots to 58. At their Turkey Farm green Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper and Skip Ken Hammond were 5 apiece after just two ends. They then went 18-11 up with five ends to play and were caught at 20 shots apiece with one end to play. They dropped 3 on that end to lose by 20 shots to 23. Graham Akers, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold led 17-0 after five ends. The remaining ends were shared 7-6 in favour of the visitors, but it was not enough to stop the home Triple winning by 28 shots to 11. They now play Baldock in the Final next Friday, the 16th August.
D.Jackson, R.Harper & K.Hammond lost to J.Holmes, J.Winters & W.Martin 20-23; G.Akers, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold beat L.Keen, A.Deluce & G.Morris 28-11; B.Gilbert, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat T.Stout, S.Howson & P.Wilkinson 22-11; J.Hales, I.Williams & P.Hills beat B.Taylor, A.Shackell & S.Mortimer 21-13.

Datchworth 68 St Ippolytts 89
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to St Ippolytts to play our first of two Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League matches and we lost by 68 shots to 89. Chris Hills, Bernie Drummond, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold won the first two ends and held the lead until the tenth end. They then dropped a 3 on the next end and remained behind until they lost by 16 shots to 19. Edie Alden, Maureen Blunt, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain won twice as many ends than they lost as they won by 29 shots to 12. Rachel Jones, Ian Tyler, John Alden and Skip Derek Henley led 6-4 after five ends, but after eight ends they trailed 6-10 and never got back in the hunt, losing by 14 shots to 25. Barbara Williams, Linda Tyler, Richard Harper and Skip Peter Hills only won seven ends as they lost by 9 shots to 33.
C.Hills, B.Drummond, J.Hales & S.Arnold lost to M.Saunders, C.Gardner, J.Dudley & J.Clark 16-19; E.Alden, M.Blunt, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat K.Douglas, T.Saunders, K.Bounsall & T.Godden 29-12; R.Jones, I.Tyler, J.Alden & D.Henley lost to P.Belton, C.Farley, C.Richardson & C.Childs 14-25; B.Williams, L.Tyler, R.Harper & P.Hills lost to K.Stollery, J.Farley, J.Godfrey & C.Davidson 9-33.

Datchworth 101 Holwell 46
Our second Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League was at home to Holwell on Sunday afternoon; which we won by 101 shots to 46. Barbara Williams, Dickie Jackson and Skip Peter Hills only lost six ends as they came home by 26 shots to 9. Carol Hammond, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold also only lost six ends as they came home by 31 shots to 12. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Derek Henley also only lost six ends as they came home 28-7. Janet Akers, Neil Mean and Skip Richard Harper dropped five shots on the first ends and remained behind until they won five ends in a row to go from 7-12 down after nine ends to 15-12 up after fourteen. They were all square for the second time after that at 16 apiece with one end to play. They dropped 2 shots on that end to lose by 16 shots to 18.
B.Williams, D.Jackson & P.Hills beat K.Harris, V.Turner & P.Gilbert 26-9; C.Hammond, I.Williams & S.Arnold beat K.Wilson, J.Brodie & D.Griffiths 31-12; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & D.Henley beat M.Wilson, S.Bailey & P.Turner 28-7; J.Akers, N.Mean & R.Harper lost to M.Griffiths, A.Wilson & J.O’Dell 16-18.

Website Report for 18 August 2019

Monday night saw yet another double-header for our bowlers at our Turkey Farm green as our East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 Gold team took on Much Hadham Eagles and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 Green team took on B.S.P.

Datchworth Gold 34 Much Hadham Eagles 30
Our Gold team won by 34 shots to 30. Phil Berry, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain led 9-1 after five ends and were still 18-11 up with three ends to play. They lost those three ends but held on to win by 18 shots to 16. There was never more than three shots separating Graham Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper from their opposition as the lead changed hands five times before they held on to win by 16 shots to 14.
P.Berry, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat B.Ellis, K.Howlett & F.Pavey 18-16; G.Akers, J.Hales & R.Harper beat J.Thompson, P.Wheeler & G.Penny 16-14.

Datchworth Green 27 B.S.P. 28
Our Green team were narrowly beaten by 28 shots to 27. Dawn Kingsland, Andrew Phillips and Skip Les Parsley lost the first four ends, won the next four, lost the next five and trailed by 10 shots to 11. They then lost three of the remaining five ends to lose by 13 shots to 16. Rachel Jones, Colin Findlay and Skip Darren Gilbert were behind for the first ten ends then won five of the remaining eight ends to come from behind and win by 14 shots to 12.
D.Kingsland, A.Phillips & L.Parsley lost to P.James, B.Clark & D.Miller 13-16; R.Jones, C.Findlay & D.Gilbert beat G.O’Leary, B.Reeves & G.Smith 14-12.

Datchworth 48 Riverain 87
On Tuesday night Riverain were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they beat us by 87 shots to 48. Graham Akers, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Chamberlain trailed 1-5 after four ends and never got back in the hunt, losing by 15 shots to 24. A similar fate befell Janet Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold as they lost the first two ends and stayed behind till the end; losing by 13 shots to 22. Dawn Kingsland, Bernie Drummond and Skip Derek Henley led 5-1 after four ends, then they lost the next seven ends and they too remained behind till the end; losing by 13 shots to 16. Carol Hammond, Richard Harper and Skip Peter Hills only won six ends as they lost by 7 shots to 25.
G.Akers, C.Hills & S.Chamberlain lost to J.Copeland, J.Welch & G.Chaplin 15-24; J.Akers, J.Hales & S.Arnold lost to C.Hensler, C.Trussell & S.Bradbury 13-22; D.Kingsland, B.Drummond & D.Henley lost to R.Cocks, D.Pearce & B.Mills 13-16; C.Hammond, R.Harper & P.Hills lost to S.Phillips, P.Fisk & J.Mills 7-25.

Wednesday night saw another double-header for our bowlers at our Turkey Farm green as our East Herts Bowls League Div. 1 Blue team took on Hertford Castle’s Castles team and our Div. 2 Gold team took on Ware Cavers.

Datchworth Blue 39 Castles 22
Our Blue team won by 39 shots to 22. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills lost the first five ends to trail 0-7. They never got back in the hunt after that and lost by 11 shots to 17. By contrast Derek Henley, Ken Hammond and Skip Les Parsley only lost four ends as they cruised to a 28 shots to 5 win.
B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills lost to J.Arber, J.Streeton & A.Brandford 11-17; D.Henley, K.Hammond & L.Parsley beat A.Gibbs, B.Sullivan & M.Howlett 28-5.

Datchworth Gold 30 Ware Cavers 33
Our Gold team lost 30-33 to Ware Cavers. Ian Green, Julian Hales and Skip Rob Hazeu lost the lead on the third end and remained behind from there on till they lost by 15 shots to 19. Dickie Jackson, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first three ends to trail 0-5. They drew level at 7 apiece on the ninth end and took the lead on the tenth end 10-17. They then remained in front and won by 15-14 after dropping three shots over the closing two ends.
I.Green, J.Hales & R.Hazeu lost to S.Rees, D.Edden & D.Grose 15-19; D.Jackson, G.Akers & S.Arnold beat P.Webb, D.Bacon & J.Metcaclfe 15-14.

Datchworth Yellow 19 Hertford 44
On Thursday night our Yellow team travelled to Hertford to take them on in a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Div. 1 match and were beaten by 44 shots to 19. Ian Green, Phil Berry and Skip Julian Hales only lost the end-count 8-10 but they dropped nearly three times as many shots than they won in their 8 shots to 22 defeat. Nicki Berry, Rob Hazeu and Skip Richard Harper also lost the end-count 8-10 and they too also dropped 22 shots, but they picked up 11 shots as they lost by 11 shots to 22.
I.Green, P.Berry & J.Hales lost to B.Giddings, M.Toynton & R.Barrett 8-22; N.Berry, R.Hazeu & R.Harper lost to K.Cartwright, A.Costin & P.Worseley 11-22.

Datchworth’s Men 53 Baldock’s Men 83
On Friday night our Men played their counterparts from Baldock in the Final of the Letchworth and District Bowling Association’s Cairns Cup and with two Triples at home and two away they lost by 53 shots to 83. At our Turkey Farm green nothing went right for Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper and Skip Ken Hammond as they only won five ends as they were thumped 7-30. Graham Akers, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold won the first two ends and held the lead, apart from two ends, all the way till they were pegged back to all square at 12 shots apiece with two ends to play. They dropped three shots on the penultimate end and only picked up one shot on the last to lose by 13 shots to 15. At Baldock Brian Gilbert, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley led 5-2 after four ends, trailed 8-11 after twelve ends, but then won the remaining six ends to win by 20 shots to 11. Despite losing the end-count 7-11 they dropped more than twice as many shots than they won as they lost by 13 shots to 27.
D.Jackson, R.Harper & K.Hammond lost to I.MacKinnon, M.Hazelden & J.Claydon 7-30; G.Akers, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to D.Hoare, K.Lamacraft & M.Parsons 13-15; B.Gilbert, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat P.Page, R.Dempster & B.Todd 20-11; J.Hales, I.Williams & P.Hills lost to D.Turner, D.Davies & M.Ingram 13-27.

Datchworth 80 Ware 114
On Saturday afternoon Ware were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and returned home after a 114 to 80 win. Sue Kiernan, Janet Akers, Ian Tyler and Skip John Alden only won six ends as they were crushed by 34 shots to 9. Carol Hammond, Bill Thorne, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Chamberlain led 6-1 after four ends and apart from being pegged back to all square twice they remained in front till they won by 26 shots to 13. Dawn Kingsland, Phil Holzbauer, Rachel Jones and Skip Chas Townley led 8-5 after seven ends, but six losing ends later they trailed 8-14. They remained behind till the end, losing by 13 shots to 20. The tea-break did Edie Alden, Linda Tyler, Richard Brewster and Skip Derek Henley no good. They picked up just 5 shots while they dropped 18 and they lost 13-26 as a consequence. Annette Hutchinson, Sue Ellis, Neil Mean and Skip Richard Harper were all-square for the fourth time at 14 all after fifteen ends. They then only won two of the remaining six ends to lose by 19 shots to 21.
S.Kiernan, J.Akers, I.Tyler & J.Alden lost to S.Sullivan, P.Webb, V.Ballinger & A.Franklin 9-34; C.Hammond, B.Thorne, G.Akers & S.Chamberlain beat S.Merrion, A.Thomas, B.Hammond & T.Baker 26-13; D.Kingsland, P.Holzbauer, R.Jones & C.Townley lost to J.Kranklin, J.Warman, S.Best & P.Sullivan 13-20; E.Alden, L.Tyler, R.Brewster & D.Henley lost to J.Best, M.Baker, J.Ballinger & R.Cracknell 13-26; A.Hutchinson, S.Ellis, N.Mean & R.Harper lost to M.Dudley, J.Thomas, C.Warman & D.Stockwell 19-21.

Memorial Day
On Sunday afternoon we held our Memorial Day match with twelve Triples playing four rounds of Round-Robin competition. After that the Triple of Linda Tyler, Neil Mean and Les Parsley ran out winners with a total of 219 points. The Triple of Chris Hills, Ian Bartlett and Rob Hazeu came in Second with 184 points, closely followed by the Triple of Bill Thorne, Steve Arnold and Peter Hills with 183 points. All the money raised will go to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in memory of Les Elms, who sadly is no longer with us.

Website Report for 25 August 2019

It was yet another double-header of East Herts Bowls League action for our teams on Monday night with our Div. 1 Blue team travelled to Ware to take on their Wolves team and our Div. 2 Gold team travelled to Hoddesdon to take of Rosehill Badgers.

Datchworth Blue 16 Ware Wolves 48
Our Blue team came away from their penultimate league match of the season following a 16 shots to 48 defeat. Derek Henley, Ken Hammond and Skip Les Parsley only managed three winning ends in their 5 shots to 28 defeat. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills did not fare much better as they only won four ends in their 11 shots to 20 defeat.
D.Henley, K.Hammond & L.Parsley lost to N.Walker, F.Inge & A.Franklin 5-28; B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills lost to R.Carter, S.Pyne & V.Goodey 11-20.

Datchworth Gold 22 Rosehill Badgers 53
For their final East Herts Bowls League Div. 2 match of the season against Rosehill Badgers, who sit at the top of the division, our Gold team they came unstuck by 22 shots to 53. Phil Holzbauer, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper dropped 6 shots on the first end and never got back in the hunt, losing by 12 shots to 28, despite only losing the end-count 8-10. It was a similar story for Dickie Jackson, Phil Berry and Skip Rob Hazeu. They dropped a 5 then a 4 on the first two ends, shared the end-count 9 apiece but lost by 10 shots to 25.
P.Holzbauer, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to T.Gudge, T.Day & R.Porter 12-28; D.Jackson, P.Berry & R.Hazeu lost to S.Gransby, K.Mizen & R.Pateman 10-25.

Datchworth 69 Whitethorn 61
On Tuesday afternoon we travelled to Letchworth Garden City to play Whitethorn in a Mixed Friendly and came away following a 69 shot to 61 win. Linda Tyler, Richard Brewster and Skip John Alden were level for the fourth time at 11 apiece after fourteen ends then they lost the remaining four ends to lose by 11 shots to 17. Ian Green, Edie Alden and Skip Derek Henley trailed from the off and were 7-10 down after nine ends but they won all but three of the remaining nine ends to come from behind and win by 20 shots to 13. Janet Akers, Graham Akers and Skip Chas Townley were 8-13 down after fourteen ends before they got back to all square at 13 apiece two ends later but they lost the final two ends, including dropping a 6 on the last end, to lose by 13 shots to 20. Susan Wray, Ian Tyler and Skip Steve Arnold had all the luck going as they built up a 13-1 lead after six ends. Their lead was cut to 18-11 with four ends to go then they found their rhythm again, winning those four ends, to win by 25 shots to 11.
L.Tyler, R.Brewster & J.Alden lost to N.Clayson, M.Farron & D.Marr 11-17; I.Green, E.Alden & D.Henley beat D.Haynes, D.Ward & A.McLellan 20-13; J.Akers, G.Akers & C.Townley lost to J.Shepherd, C.Conlon & T.Fuller 13-20; S.Wray, I.Tyler & S.Arnold beat L.Morley, A.Gulliver & A.Fabris 25-11.

Datchworth Green 39 W.G.C. Knights 38
On Wednesday night our Green team played W.G.C’s Knights team in the Semi-Final of the Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League’s John Brown Trophy and with one Triple at home and one away they edged through to the Final by virtue of winning the extra end. At our Turkey Farm green Chris Hills, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley picked up 6 shots on the first end and 5 on the fourth end to lead 14-1. It was a lead they never lost, but their advantage was reduced to 20 shots to 17 by the end of the game. At W.G.C’s Digswell Park green Colin Findlay, Andrew Phillips and Skip Darren Gilbert got off to a good start, leading 8-0 after four ends. They were eventually caught and overtaken and found themselves 11-15 down with four ends to play. The ends were shared two apiece and they ended up losing by 18 shots to 21. They played the extra end, as it was the Knight’s home game, and won it and when the score from our home leg was known they had snuck through to the Final by the one shot they won on the extra end. Revenge could be on the cards as the same two teams meet in the Semi-Final of the Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League’s Jubilee Cup later in the season.
C.Hills, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat J.Gibbs, T.Strickland & R.Edwards 20-17; C.Findlay, A.Phillips & D.Gilbert lost to S.Beaumont, T.Seeby & K.Avenell 19-21.

Datchworth 54 Stevenage Town 70
It was a bad day at the office for our bowlers on Friday night when Stevenage Town were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they returned home after a 70 shot to 54 win. The only luck Janet Akers, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold had was bad luck as they only managed five winning ends in their 7 shots to 25 defeat. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Chamberlain lost the lead on the second end and were chasing their tails after that as they lost by 11 shots to 16. Datchworth’s only winning Triple was that of Rachel Jones, Bernie Drummond and Skip Les Parsley. They went behind on the third end and were 7-16 down with give ends to play when things changed dramatically as they won them all. Picking up 17 shots in total, including a 5 and a 6, to come from behind and win by 24 shots 16. The closest game involved Dawn Kingsland, Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley. They lost the first three ends and remained behind all the way to the end and despite picking up four shots over the final two ends they lost 12-13.
J.Akers, R.Hazeu & S.Arnold lost to D.Brundit, L.Keen & J.Robinson 7-25; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & S.Chamberlain lost to R.McRae, E.Dyer & T.Stout 11-16; R.Jones, B.Drummond & L.Parsley beat D.Emery, M.Emery & S.Howson 24-16; D.Kingsland, G.Akers & D.Henley lost to M.McRae, S.Winters & J.Winters 12-13.

Finals’ Weekend
This weekend was our Finals’ weekend and unlike last year’s wet weekend this weekend was bordering on the too hot side of things. It started on Saturday morning with the Open Fours and Handicap Singles Finals. It was a close run thing in the Open Fours Final with the Four of Graham Akers, Phil Holzbauer, Julian Hales and Skip Les Parsley taking the early lead and apart from four ends they held onto it until the Four of Janet Akers (Substituting for her sister-in-law Jenny Holzbauer), Richard Harper, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold caught them at 15 apiece on the eighteenth end and overtook them on the nineteenth. They won the penultimate end also and went into the final end 17-15 ahead, but they dropped 3 shots on it to lose by the odd shot 17-18. The next Final up was the Handicap Singles Final between Peter Hills and Tony Morris. As both had the same Handicap score they started level at 0 apiece. It was a tight game early on with the scores level for the fifth time at 12 all after eighteen ends. Peter Hills then took over and after winning five of the next seven ends came out on top by 21 shots to 15. The Ladies’ Pairs was the next Final between the teams of Susan Wray and Barbara Williams and Annette Hutchinson and Chris Hills. Susan Wray and Barbara Williams took the lead on the sixth end and were 21-17 ahead with three ends to play. They lost the first two to go into the final end all square at 21 shots apiece. This was to be the second Final of the day to be decided on the final end and it was the team of Annette Hutchinson and Chris Hills that came out victorious by 22 shots to 21.
The afternoon session started with the 2 Wood singles Final between Steve Chamberlain and Steve Arnold, who had teamed u n the Fours’ Final in the morning. After taking the lead on the fifth end Steve Chamberlain held onto it till the end, winning by 14 shots to 9. The next Final was the Arnold Memorial Trophy between Julian Hales and Ken Ryder. Ken Ryder led 6-4 after five ends, but seven losing ends later he was 6-12 down. He got back to all square at 13 apiece after 18 ends; he took the lead on the next end and held onto it till he came out on top by 21 shots to 16. In the Mixed Pairs Final Gill and Les Parsley were up against Chris and Peter Hills. The Hills took the lead on the second and remained in front till the end, winning by 24 shots to 10.
The Sunday morning session started with the Yardstick between Ian Williams, Steven Hunter and Derek Henley. Steven took an early lead, followed by Derek and Ian. After seventeen ends it was all square 34 shots apiece between Steven and Derek, Ian was on 15 shots. Derek then picked up two 3s, to lead on 40 shots; while Steven only managed two 2s, to be on 38 shots. After the penultimate end Steven was on 39, Derek was on 42 and Ian was on 18. So it was yet another final end decider and with all three players picking up 2 shots in finished with Derek on 44 shots beating Steven on 41 shots and Ian on 20 shots. There was a tight game in the Mixed Triples Final between Barbara Williams, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Chamberlain and Sue Hemmings, Gill Parsley and Skip Graham Akers where there scores were level for the fourth time at 15 apiece on the penultimate end. So this was yet another Final to be decided on the final end and the honours went to the Triple of Barbara Williams, Phil Berry and Skip Steve Chamberlain who won the end and the Final by 16 shots to 15. After a rest period for both Steven Hunter and Graham Akers they faced each other in the 4-3-2-1 Final, the last one of the morning session. Steven took the lead on the fifth end and remained there till the end, winning by 91 points to 39 after 15 ends.
The first Final of the afternoon session was the Men’s Singles Final between Steve Arnold and Les Parsley, who had faced each other as opposing Skips in the Open Four’s Final on Saturday morning. Steve won the first five ends to lead 11-0. It was a lead he never lost as he ran out the winner by 21 shots to 12. The next Final up was the Ladies’ Singles Final between Chris Hills and Barbara Williams, who had faced each other as opposing Skips in the Ladies’ Pairs Final also on Saturday morning. This was yet another Final decided on the last end. At one point Chris was holding the one shot she needed to win the Barbara moved the Jack and she was possibly holding 3 shots, but it was difficult to tell as the head was spread out. With her final wood Chris went through the head, leaving Barbara to play her final wood. She did what was needed to get the 4 shots required to win by 21 shots to 20. The last Final to finish was the Mens’ Pairs involving Ken Ryder and Derek Henley, both playing in their second Final of the weekend, up against Steven Hunter and Peter Hills, both playing in their third Final of the weekend, Steven’s third of the day. Steven and Peter picked up a 7 on the tenth end, to lead 16-9, and you thought that’s all over now. But no, as they dropped a 6 two ends later and were pegged back to all square at 16 apiece. The scores were all square for the second time after that, at 18 apices, four ends later. Then Steven and Peter won all but one of the remaining five ends to win by 27 shots to 20.

Website Report for 1 September 2019

There were two matches played on Tuesday; a Mixed Friendly away to Welwyn Garden City and a re-arranged Green team Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League match away to B.S.P. at W.G.C’s KGV Playing Fields.

Datchworth 53 W.G.C. 78
At W.G.C’s Digswell Park green we lost by 53 shots to 78. Ian Green, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Steve Chamberlain only won five ends as they lost by 8 shots to 22. Richard Hutchinson, Dickie Jackson and Skip Richard Harper won six ends as they Lost by 10 shots to 26. Bill Thorne, Edie Alden and Skip Chas Townley lost the end-count 8-10 and lost by two shots 16-18. Our only winning Triple was that of Susan Wray, Ian Williams and Skip John Alden. They took the lead on the tenth end and held onto it till the end, winning by 19 shots to 12.
I.Green, A.Hutchinson & S.Chamberlain lost to R.Wilsmore, P.Martin & T.Hughes 8-22; R.Hutchinson, D.Jackson & R.Harper lost to A.Dickens, J.Chennells & B.Hughes 10-26; B.Thorne, E.Alden & C.Townley lost to T.Martin, S.Hill & T.Royall 16-18; S.Wray, I.Williams & J.Alden beat P.Burton, D.Bedford & C.Royall 19-12.

Datchworth Green 26 B.S.P. 32
For their final WHBL Div. 1 match of their season our Green team travelled to W.G.C’s KGV Playing Fields to play B.S.P. and lost by 26 shots to 32. Colin Findlay, Rachel Jones and Skip Derek Henley dropped a 5 on the tenth end to trail 6-10, but they fought back, winning five of the remaining eight ends to draw 15 shots apiece. Sue Kiernan, Robin Gray and Skip Les Parsley won the first end then lost the following six to trail 1-11. They then won seven of the remaining eleven ends but lost by 11 shots to 17.
C.Findlay, R.Jones & D.Henley drew with G.O’Leary, B.Reeves & G.Smith 15 apiece; S.Kiernan, R.Gray & L.Parsley lost to P.James, B.Clark & D.Miller 11-17.

Datchworth 100 Aston 35
On Wednesday night Aston were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a re-arranged Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were convincingly beaten by 100 shots to 35. S.Wray, Richard Harper and Skip Derek Henley had a tight game and narrowly won by 18 shots to 16. Brian Gilbert, Chris Hills and Skip Les Parsley led from the off and gradually increased their winning margin to 21 shots to 11. Sue Kiernan, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold only lost five ends as they cruised to a 27 shots to 8 win. Barbara Williams, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills did even better as they only lost two ends and won by 34 shots to 3.
S.Wray, R.Harper & D.Henley beat M.Gleghorn D.Ward & T.Phipps 18-16; B.Gilbert, C.Hills & L.Parsley beat M.Chambers, R.Woolstenholm & D.Smith 21-11; S.Kiernan, I.Williams & S.Arnold beat M.Grindley, G.Gleghorn & L.Grindley 27-8; B.Williams, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat S.Mahoney, L.Grindley & P.Smith 34-3.

Barnet Blind & Partially Sighted Bowls Club
Our annual match against the Blind on Friday was cancelled as they could not raise a team.

Datchworth Blue 39 Welwyn Stags 28
Our Blue team played their final league match of the season in Div. 1 of the East Herts Bowls League at home on Friday night against the Division Champions Elect Welwyn Stags, who were undefeated, until they played our Blue team, as they beat them by 39 shots to 28. Robin Gray, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley picked up 4 shots on the third end to lead 5-2 and another 4 on the fifteenth end to increase their lead to 20-8; they eventually won by 22 shots to 10. Brian Gilbert, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills dropped 4 shots on the first end. They were all square at 7 apiece after the sixth end, all square again at 14 apiece after the thirteenth end and again at 17 apiece after the penultimate end. But they dropped a shot on the final end to lose by 17 shots to 18. But the damage had been done and the Champions elect had been beaten for the first time this season. Despite this win and comfortable wins against both W.G.C. Lions and Allenburys earlier in he season our Blue team finished in fourth place, behind both teams, who finished Runners Up and Third respectively.
R.Gray, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat M.Poole, J.Festa & B.Smith 22-10; B.Gilbert, M.Mahoney & P.Hills lost to J.Brown, C.Sherriff & P.Russell 17-18.

Datchworth 76 Cheshunt 77
We played our last match before we go on tour to Ilfracombe tomorrow at home to Cheshunt and narrowly lost by 76 shots to 77. Dave Ward, Sue Ellis and Skip Steve Chamberlain raced to a 7-1 lead after seven ends then shared the remaining ends 5-6, but thanks to picking up multiple shots on each of those ends, including a 6 on the last end they won by 25 shots to 12. Barbara Williams, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Chas Townley went 2-11 down after seven ends but fought back to 19-20 at the end. Brian Gilbert, John Ellis and Skip Ian Williams picked up 9 shots between the ninth and twelfth ends to lead 15-9 but then won only one more end to lose by 16 shots to 21. Ian Bartlett, Ian Green and Skip Maurice Gordon led 14-7 after nine ends but then only won one more end, the last, to lose by 16 shots to 24.
D.Ward, S.Ellis & S.Chamberlain beat A.Spencer, B.Munro & E.Theobalds 25-12; B.Williams, P.Holzbauer & C.Townley lost to P.Theobalds, B.Alexander & I.Alexander 19-20; B.Gilbert, J.Ellis & I.Williams lost to V.Ellis-Spencer, C.O’Brien & R.Padgham 16-21; I.Bartlett, I.Green & M.Gordon lost to C.Gee, J.Jackson & A.Padgham 16-24.

Website Report for 8 September 2019

We left for our Bowls Tour to Ilfracombe on Sunday morning. We played four matches and returned on Friday. A shot total of 79 was a common theme for all our matches, which ranged from 4 to 5 Mixed Rinks. On Monday afternoon we lost by 79 shots to 83 to Barnstaple, despite winning 4 Rinks and only losing 1. Our highest winning Rink was that of Janet Akers, Phil Holzbauer, Ian Tyler and Skip Peter Hill, who won by 21 shots to 14. On Tuesday afternoon we beat Combe Martin by 79 shots to 72, where we won 2 Rinks, drew 1 and lost 1, after having to reduce the number of Rinks to be played to 4. Our highest winning Rink was that of Jenny Holzbauer, Sandra Greenhall, Ian Tyler and Skip Richard Harper, who won by 25 shots to 14. On Wednesday afternoon we were back to full strength but we lost by 79 shots to 94 to Byeways, after winning 2 Rinks and losing 3. Our highest winning Rink was that of Dickie Jackson, Gloria Medcalf, Ian Tyler and Skip Steve Arnold, who won by 23 shots to 20. Our final match on Thursday afternoon was against Braunton where we won by 97 shots to 79, after winning 4 Rinks and losing just the 1. Our highest winning Rink was that of Maureen Blunt, Sue Kiernan, Ian Tyler and Skip Derek Henley, who won by 23 shots to 13. So it looks like Ian Tyler was the good luck charm to have on your Rink as he was on all the highest up Rinks and therefore he was never on a losing Rink. All in all it was a good tour where the weather was good to us, the hotel and food were good and what is more important at the clubs we played we were welcomed as friends, the matches were played in the spirits commensurate with playing touring matches between clubs and we left the same way.

Datchworth Green 46 W.G.C. Knights 30
On Tuesday night our Green team came up against W.G.C. Knights for the second time in Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Cup Semi Final, this time in their Jubilee Cup, which the Green team currently hold. For the second time they came out on top; winning by 46 shots to 30 after having played one Rink at home and one away. At our Turkey Farm green Rachel Jones, Gill Parsley, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley dropped a 6 on the second end, but after the eighth end they were 10-6 ahead. It was a lead they gradually increased until they won by 23 shots to 14. At W.G.C’s Digswell Park green Dawn Kingsland, Maurice Gordon, Robin Gray and Darren Gilbert were 13-0 up after six ends and remained in front till they won by 23 shots to 16.
R.Jones, G.Parsley, N.Mean & L.Parsley beat G.Beaumont, T.Royall, T.Strickland & D.Hegarty 23-14; D.Kingsland, M.Gordon, R.Gray & D.Gilbert beat J.Gibbs, C.Royall, T.Seeby & K.Avenell 23-16.

Datchworth 84 Holwell 53
It was back to Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League action for us on Saturday afternoon as we travelled to take on Holwell and beat them by 84 shots to 53. Sue Kiernan, John Alden and Skip Peter Hills picked up a 6 on the fifth end to lead by 10 shots to 2. They were still 8 shots ahead at 17-9 after the thirteenth end. But that lead was stretched to 25-10 at the end. Rachel Jones, Neil Mean and Skip Les Parsley had a tight game and by winning the closing two ends they drew level at 17 shots apiece. But they lost the extra end that had to be played. Annette Hutchinson, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold won the first four ends after the tea break to lead 17-10 and despite losing the closing four ends they held on to win by 17 shots to 16. Edie Alden, Ian Green and Skip Derek Henley only won two more ends than they lost but won by 25 shots to 10.
S.Kiernan, J.Alden & P.Hills beat C.Cropley, J.Brodie & P.Gilbert 25-10; R.Jones, N.Mean & L.Parsley drew with M.Wilson, K.Harris & C.Males 17 apiece; A.Hutchinson, G.Akers & S.Arnold beat M.Griffiths, A.Wilson & J.O’Dell 17-16; E.Alden, I.Green & D.Henley beat P.Brodie, P.Gainsford & D.Griffiths 25-10.

Spoon Drive
Because our annual match against the Barnet Blind and Partially Sighted Bowls Club at the end of August had to be cancelled we held an in-house Spoon Drive on Sunday afternoon involving 16 of our members with all the monies raised being split between the Barnet club and the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Website Report for 15 September 2019

Datchworth 66 Knebworth 64
On Monday afternoon we travelled to short distance to near neighbours Knebworth to play our penultimate Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the season and managed to sneak past them by 66 shots to 64. Rachel Jones, Ken Ryder and Skip Peter Hills built up what looked like a commanding 14 shots to 5 lead after eight ends. But it did not turn out that way as they only managed two more winning ends and eventually lost by 16 shots to 22. Sue Kiernan, Ian Tyler and Skip Steve Arnold trailed 6-8 after ten ends before they won all but one of the remaining eight ends to win by 19 shots to 10. Susan Wray, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henley only managed 5 winning ends in their 9 shots to 23 defeat. Maurice Gordon, Chris Hills and Skip Les Parsley only won two more ends than they lost but they picked up more than twice as many shots than they dropped, in their 22 shots to 9 win.
R.Jones, K.Ryder & P.Hills lost to R.Hand, M.Spriggs & J.Matthews 16-22; S.Kiernan, I.Tyler & S.Arnold beat J.Stevens, J.Lyme & D.Harris 19-10; S.Wray, D.Jackson & D.Henley lost to D.Woolf, P.Edwards & P.Beadle 9-23; M.Gordon, C.Hills & L.Parsley beat T.Metcalf, G.Reed & D.Percival 22-9.

Datchworth 50 Co-Op Luton 82
On Tuesday afternoon Co-Op Luton were the visitors to the Tukey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and beat us by 82 shots to 50. Derek Elms and Jim Russell shared the game along with Dave Ward and Skip Graham Akers could only manage four winning ends as they were crushed by 28 shots to 8. Bill Thorne and Skip Peter Hills, playing as a Pair, did not fare much better as they only won seven ends out of 21 in their 11 shots to 20 loss. Dawn Kingsland, Edie Alden and Skip Ian Tyler shared the ends equally and nearly shared their game equally too, but lost it by one shot 17-18. Linda Tyler, John Alden and Skip Steve Chamberlain led 14-11 with four ends to go but lost them all and their game by 14 shots to 16.
D.Elms/J.Russell, D.Ward & G.Akers lost to P.Daniels, B.Morris & A.Matty 8-28; B.Thorne & P.Hills lost to M.Frost & J.Croft 11-20; D.Kingsland, E.Alden & I.Tyler lost to B.Brooks, B.Sharp & B.Webb 17-18; L.Tyler, J.Alden & S.Chamberlain lost to R.Hough, R.Messer & M.Brooks 14-16.

Datchworth 74 Northaw & Cuffley 74
On Wednesday afternoon we travelled to Northaw and Cuffley for a Mixed Friendly and came away with a Friendly 74 shots apiece draw after playing our “Triples” against their Rinks as we were short of players. Richard Hutchinson, Richard Brewster and Skip Ian Williams lost the first two ends and remained behind for the duration, losing by 17 shots to 26. Sue Kiernan, Maurice Gordon and Skip Steve Arnold were 14-18 behind with five ends to play. They won all of them to win by 25 shots to 18. Charles Eggington, Edie Alden and Skip Chas Townley won three more ends than they lost and won by three shots 17-14. Annette Hutchinson, John Alden and Skip Derek Henley lost one more end than they won and lost by one shot 15-16.
R.Hutchinson, R.Brewster & I.Williams lost to J.Chandler, C.Cody, J.Baker & D.Hurford 17-26; S.Kiernan, M.Gordon & S.Arnold beat A.Warren, P.Ryde, M.Porter & R.Blunden 25-18; C.Eggington, E.Alden & C.Townley beat M.Chandler, C.Batter, V.Boyle & B.Holding 17-14; A.Hutchinson, J.Alden & D.Henley lost to A.Bolitho, D.Gardner, V.Abrahams & L.Curtis 15-16.

We had a busy day of bowling on Saturday with our Green team playing in two Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Finals; one in the morning and one in the afternoon, together with our Mixed Friendly at Hertford in the afternoon.

Datchworth 88 Hertford 114
Linda Tyler, Ian Bartlett, Graham Akers and Skip Chas Townley went 4-1 up after three ends but then won just one of the next seven ends to trail 5-16. They never got back into it and lost by 16 shots to 24. Dawn Kingsland, Phil Berry and Skip Ken Hammond, back on his old stamping ground, only managed to win three of the last ten ends and lost by 24 sots to 15. Nicki Berry, Carol Hammond, back on her old stamping ground also, and Skip Ian Williams only lost six ends as they won by 18 shots to 9. Barbara Williams, Richard Hutchinson and Skip Richard Brewster only lost two more ends than they won but lost by 10 shots 12-22. Janet Akers, Ian Tyler and Skip Steve Arnold also only lost two more ends that they won and lost by 10 shots, this time 10-20. Our only other winning rink was that of Bill Thorne, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Rob Hazeu. They won the first six ends to lead 10-0 and remained ahead until they won by 17 shots to 15.
L.Tyler, I.Bartlett, G.Akers & C.Townley lost to L.Glover, R.Pedder, M.Toynton & G.Medcalf 16-24; D.Kingsland, P.Berry & K.Hammond lost to B.Millington, R.Hartfield & M.Rowe 15-24; N.Berry, C.Hammond & I.Williams beat C.Crowhurst, J.Tattersall & K.Cartwright 18-9; B.Williams, R.Hutchinson & R.Brewster lost to J.Addy, A.Barrett & K.Hartfield 12-22; J.Akers, I.Tyler & S.Arnold lost to L.Tattersall, J.Sapsed & R.Barrett 10-20; B.Thorne, A.Hutchinson & R.Hazeu beat T.Sage, A.Smith & A.Costin 17-15.

Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Finals
In the morning session our Green team played Parkside Greens in the John Brown Trophy Final and beat them by 37 shots to 33. Robin Gray, Steven Hunter and Skip Darren Gilbert led 13-9 after eight ends then lost the next four ends to trail 13-16. They then won four of the next five ends to go into the final end 19-17 ahead. But they dropped 3 on that end to lose by 19 shots to 20. Rachel Jones, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley had a tight game from the off. They were level for the fifth time at 10 shots apiece after fourteen ends. They were 11 shots to 12 down with two ends to play. After picking up or dropping no more than 3 shots up to that point, they picked up a 7 on the penultimate end to go into the final end 18-12 up. They dropped a shot on that end to win by 18-13. It was enough to win the Final by 37 shots to 33.
In the afternoon session they played Hertford Castle’s Harlequins team in the Jubilee Cup Final; with Darren Gilbert, Rachel Jones, Derek Henley and Les Parsley all playing in their second Final of the day. Maurice Gordon, Chris Hills and Neil Mean joined Skip Darren Gilbert. They could not find a thing and as a consequence they were crushed by 36 shots to 5. Ken Ryder joined Rachel Jones, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley and did better. They picked up a 4 and two 5s on their way to leading 23-14 with two ends to play. But as the other Rink had finished they stopped their game as they could not make up the difference of the other Rinks loss and the Final was won by Harlequins by 50 shots to 28.

Datchworth 68 Allenburys 64
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to Ware to play Allenburys in a Mixed Friendly and returned home after winning by 68 shots to 64. Dawn Kingsland, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Peter Hills dropped a 5 on the second end before winning the next five ends to lead by 10 shots to 5. They were then 16-8 up after fifteen ends before picking up a 6 on the sixteenth end before finishing up winning by 23 shots to 9. Richard Hutchinson, Dave Ward and Skip Derek Henley should not have stopped for tea. They went into that break 12-4 up but came out of it and never won an end, losing 12-26. There was never more than two shots separating Sue Kiernan, Charles Eggington and Skip Graham Akers from their opposition all the way through their game and it ended the same way as they edged home by 16 shots to 15. Janet Akers, Chris Hills and Skip Steve Arnold shared the ends equally as the came home by 17 shots to 14.

Website Report for 22 September 2019

Datchworth 84 Shephalbury 61
The last week of our season started with a home Mixed Friendly match against Shephalbury on Monday afternoon, which finished in an 84 shot to 61 win for us. Dawn Kingsland, Phil Berry and Skip John Alden restricted their opponents to six winning ends as they won by 21 shots to 8. Bill Thorne, Edie Alden and Skip Rob Hazeu lost the first three ends and dropped a 5 on the sixth end to trail by 1-14. They recovered somewhat by winning eight out of the remaining twelve ends, but the damage was done and they lost by 13 shots to 23.Janet Akers, Charles Eggington and Skip Peter Hills led 20-6 after ten ends then only won two more ends, but held on to win by 22 shots to 16. Dickie Jackson, Annette Hutchinson and Skip Graham Akers were 10-13 down after ten ends before they won all but one of the remaining eight ends to come from behind and win comfortably by 28 shots to 14.
D.Kingsland, P.Berry & J.Alden beat J.Desborough, S.Coy & M.Shelley 21-8; B.Thorne, E.Alden & R.Hazeu lost to T.May, I.Blagden & J.Delivett 13-23; J.Akers, C.Eggington & P.Hills beat M.Stokes-Geddes, M.Joyce & A.Brown 22-16; D.Jackson, A.Hutchinson & G.Akers beat C.Desborough, H.Gaunt & M.Coy 28-14.

Datchworth 130 Sele Farm 86
We had our second Mixed Friendly at home in two days on Tuesday afternoon when Sele Farm were the visitors; that too ended in a home win, by 130 shots to 86; after we beat them on all six Triples played, which is hard to remember when we last did it to them, despite them doing it to us before. Ian Bartlett, Chris Hills and Skip Derek Henley won the first two ends and were never caught; winning by 18 shots to 13. Rachel Jones, Ken Ryder and Skip Steve Arnold were level for the third time at 14 apiece after fourteen ends. They lost the next end but picked up a 3 and a 5 on the next two ends to go into the final end 22-15 up. They dropped a 2 on that end to win by 22 shots to 17. Dickie Jackson, Ian Tyler and Skip Steve Chamberlain won the first two ends and held the lead for all but three of the 18 ends played and only led 15-14 with four ends to play. They won all of those ends, picking up eight shots, to win by 23 shots to 14. Edie Alden, Ian Williams and Skip Les Parsley won the first three ends and led for all but one end as they won by 21 shots to 16. Linda Tyler, Richard Brewster and Skip Peter Hills won the end-count 10-8 and won their game by the same difference 21-19. To complete a 6-0 Rink win Sue Kiernan, John Alden and Skip Chas Townley restricted their opposition to six winning ends as they came comfortably home by 25 shots to 7.
I.Bartlett, C.Hills & D.Henley beat B.Karn, J.Lake & P.Dougherty 18-13; R.Jones, K.Ryder & S.Arnold beat R.Clift, M.Sell & J.Parsley 22-17; D.Jackson, I.Tyler & S.Chamberlain beat J.Sell, D.Lee & J.Jones 23-14; E.Alden, I.Williams & L.Parsley beat B.Pegg, S.Kelley & T.Clift 21-16; L.Tyler, R.Brewster & P.Hills beat M.Lake, E.Lundy & J.Dunne 21-19; S.Kiernan, J.Alden & C.Townley beat J.Martine, J.Ottley & E.Dunne 25-7.

Datchworth 73 Willian 66
On Thursday afternoon we played our final Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the season at home to Willian and beat them by 73 shots to 66. Rachel Jones, Graham Akers and Skip Peter Hills lost the first four ends, to trail 0-5, but they fought back to win by 16 shots to 11. Carol Hammond, Ian Tyler and Skip Rob Hazeu lost four ends in a row, from the fourth to the seventh, to trail by 4-12. They never fully recovered from that and lost by 13 shots to 26. Annette Hutchinson, Chris Hills and Skip Derek Henley went one end worse, as they lost five ends in a row, from the third to the seventh end and trailed 3-8. They too fought back and succeeded in coming from behind to win by 22 shots to 15. Dawn Kingsland, Dickie Jackson and Skip Steve Arnold trailed 10-13 after eleven ends before they won the next six ends to go into the final end 22-13 ahead. They dropped a shot on that end to win by 22-14.
R.Jones, G.Akers & P.Hills beat L.Jones, K.Savill & M.Thrush 16-11; C.Hammond, I.Tyler & R.Hazeu lost to G.Dann, P.Clayton & J.Atkinson 13-26; A.Hutchinson, C.Hills & D.Henley beat J.Avis, R.Douglas & J.Skingsley 22-15; D.Kingsland, D.Jackson & S.Arnold beat B.Middleton, R.Gibbons & R.Murden 22-14.

Datchworth 61 Luton West End 59
We played our last match of the season on a pleasant Saturday afternoon away at Luton West End and apart from the noise of aircraft coming in to land at nearby Luton Airport, almost directly over the green, it was an enjoyable match which, despite only winning one of the four Triples played, we won by 61 shots to 59. Janet Akers, Rob Hazeu and Skip Ian Williams were involved in a high scoring game were multiple shots were scored on all but 3 of the 18 ends and they went into the final end level at 21 shots apiece. They dropped the last of those single shots to lose by 21 shots to 22. By contrast in the game involving Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold one shot was scored on all but 3 of the 18 ends played. Two of them were on the first two ends as they found themselves 0-6 down. They never go back in the hunt after that as they struggled with the pace of the green and lost by 8 shots to 15. Our only winning Triple was that of Rachel Jones, Ian Tyler and Skip Peter Hills. They found the pace of the green to their liking as they won twice as many ends than they lost to win by 21 shots to 9. Linda Tyler, Chris Hills and Skip Chas Townley also struggled with the pace of the green as they only won 3 of the first 15 ends and found themselves 4-13 adrift. They did manage to find it eventually, so much so that they won the closing 3 ends, picking up 7 shots in the process, to cut their losing deficit down to 11-13. Which as they were the last Triple to finish enabled us, thanks to them picking up those 7 shots, to win the match by 2 shots overall.
J.Akers, R.Hazeu & I.Williams lost to M.Ainsworth, J.Spendley & V.Brodie 21-22; B.Williams, G.Akers & S.Arnold lost to I.Keightley, L.Wolstenholme & R.Spendley 8-15; R.Jones, I.Tyler & P.Hills beat M.Ainsworth, J.Jones & B.Woodbridge 21-9; L.Tyler, C.Hills & C.Townley lost to P.Maina, T.Tamerson & R.Dodd 11-13.

 

 

 

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