UNDER 25 MATCH REPORTS

Reports on the matches latest first.

Junior Home Counties League

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 67 Shots, Berkshire Under 25’s 59 Shots - Match Result Surrey 8 Points Berkshire 2 Points.

Post mini heatwave, a warm and pleasant West Berkshire morning greeted all to Thatcham Bowls Club. Initial thoughts were a large crowd had gathered to attend, however on closer inspection it transpired that a rather large Car Boot Sale was going on next door to the club.

Second place Surrey versus table topping Berkshire. Berkshire had played two, won two gaining maximum points from there first two outings. Berkshire unbeaten in two years!!

Yes, this was the magnitude of the task for this young Surrey side. A side that has grown together and play together as one team.

Proof of this being that SIX players today received there Junior County Badge.

Will Vizer-Allen, Daniel Mullen, Ryan Bickley, George Clarke, Hugo Manuel and Kieran Pankhania congratulations to you all in receiving your badge.

Six new badged players a sprinkling of Senior players against a Berkshire squad inclusive of England Internationals. A tough day at the office some might think.

Think again, this talented bunch of players equipped themselves from the off.

None more so than on Rink 3 where Jamie Houle’s quartet raced into a 15-3 lead after 9 ends.

This was mirrored across the Green. After 10 ends Surrey were winning on all Rinks,  boasting a 27 shot lead.

Rink 2 superbly skipped by Graham Street, took a bit longer to get out of the starting block. 5-0 down after 5 ends, something clicked. Superb front end play by Andrew Orme and Kieran Pankhania, complemented by the excellence of Adam Boarer and that man Street, turned the game on it’s head. Counts of threes and fours in quick succession saw the Rink 18-6 up after 10.

Rink 1 up against the excellent Byles, were always in for a tough game. This Rink was key to the overall fabric of the game. A very credible 1 shot advantage after 10 ends, slowly dissipated with some excellent Berkshire play. Credit to George Hopper exceptional at lead, George Clarke, Hugo Manuel and Luke Griffin who all played superbly well. They eventually succumbed to a 9 shot reverse, but the manner of their play and attitude to the overall picture was outstanding and potentially match winning.

This was made more significant as Surrey’s lead was gradually dwindling as the game progressed. The lead of 27 after 10 was down to 17 after 15 as Berkshire countered.

Rink 3's lead was being cut back. At 18 ends the lead was down to 4. The 2 points not looking as secure as first thought. Fear not, Houle and Co rallied winning the next 6 shots on the last three ends gaining a very credible 10 shot victory.

Less concern for the manager was events on Rink 2 as I always felt the quartet were in control of the game after gaining the advantage and this was proven by the 7 shot winning margin.

Two winning Rinks and 8 shot advantage giving Surrey a superb 8 - 2 points victory.

Make no mistake, this was an outstanding performance by all. Thank you to everyone who played today. You were a credit to be around and I am so proud of each and everyone of you.

As the table stands currently we are now 2 points behind leaders Berkshire with both teams having one game left to play.

Before signing off, I would like to convey my thanks to all of the parents in attendance today.

Next up is Kent at Malden Manor on the 21st July.

Rink 1 - George Hopper, George Clarke, Hugo Manuel, Luke Griffin- 14-23

Rink 2 - Andrew Orme, Kieran Pankhania, Adam Boarer, Graham Street- 25-18

Rink 3 - Will Vizer-Allen, Daniel Mullen, Ryan Bickley, Jamie Houle- 28-18

Junior Home Counties League

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 63 shots Oxfordshire Under 25’s 52 shots - Match Result Surrey 8 points Oxfordshire 2 points.

On a sultry warm and humid morning, Malden Manor welcomed bowlers from Surrey and Oxfordshire for this Junior Home Counties Clash.

The warm welcome from all at Malden Manor BC, matched the conditions. A lovely well run club with lots of terrific people involved.

Club Captain Graham Dawber hard at work on the green, which once more looked superb.

It had been a difficult week for both managers in finding the perfect dozen. My thanks to Freddie Rosenberg-Steele for coming in at short notice to make his Home Counties debut. By the way he had a terrific game.

Pre Match nuptials gave the new manager the pleasure of handing out his first County Badge. This was awarded to George Hopper. Overcome with emotion a watery eyed George accepted his County Badge. Emotion?? or was it the fact that he was suffering with a terrible bout of hay fever!!!!

To the game itself, which was played on Rinks 1 to 3 going away from the clubhouse.

To say this game was close throughout would be an understatement.

Three shots down at 10 ends, 4 shots up after 15, the game twisted and turned all morning.

Rink 1 skipped superbly well by Eoghan Harding, got off to a shaky start. 4 shots dropped on the first end and 12-4 down after 8 it looked grim. Then there opponents got stuck on 12 for the next 7 ends and Surrey were back in the game. Just as all was boding well, they went into the last end 3 shots down. Fear not a terrific four shots on the last end turned the game on it’s head and the Rink won by 1 shot.

A terrific performance by all.

Rink 2 was loaded with quality experience and quality lesser experienced players.

Whatever it had it worked. Some excellent early front end play from George Hopper and Kieran Pankhania gave Surrey skip Souter little to do. However when needed he was up to the job displaying some dazzling drawing shots that sent bowls sprawling across the other rinks. This was true but also some terrific touch bowls were also played. Superbly backed by Jamie Tindall at 3, the result was never in doubt and a match winning 14 shot victory was achieved.

Once more another terrific performance by all.

Rink 3 were up against some quality Oxfordshire players. In truth Oxfordshire just edged this Rink throughout. However the four Surrey players were all superb. George Clarke and Adam Boarer both did well at the front end. 10 ends won by Surrey and 11 eleven ends won by the visitors proved to be the deciding factor. Most pleasing was how the Surrey lads galvanised as a unit and played and worked as a team. Their efforts were rewarded with a very credible 8 shots to nil score over the last three ends of play. The Rink eventually losing by only four shots. Well played all.

A very well deserved and hard fought eleven shot victory being the overall outcome.

The players were rewarded with an excellent post match buffet after the game. My thanks to Lynda Padgham and her excellent team for providing this, as well as, the pre match bacon rolls. All was most welcome.

Thanks also to our umpire Wendy Dunne who was always on call when needed.

Thanks to Surrey JVP Martyn Harbottle once more in attendance, your help with the flag is invaluable and also for presenting young George with his badge.

Thanks to all of the parents in attendance today, this created a lovely atmosphere and I know full well that you witnessed an excellent game with some exceptional young talent on display.

Two games in, one win and one narrow defeat keep us still in with a chance.

Table topping Berkshire await us away at Thatcham next week.

Rink 1 - Freddie Rosenberg-Steele, Daniel Mullen, Ryan Bickley, Eoghan Harding - 19-18.

Rink 2 - George Hopper, Kieran Pankhania, Jamie Tindall, Charlie Souter - 26-12

Rink 3 - George Clarke, Adam Boarer, Frankie Quigley, Jamie Houle - 18-22.

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s White Rose Regional Finals

The collective forces of the South East of England's elite Junior Bowlers descended onto Cranleigh Bowling Club.

Greenkeeper Barry Baker had his work cut out as continuous rain in the region had made the bottom end of the Green very wet. This constituted into a slightly delayed start to the proceedings before the all clear was given for start of play.

Surrey were represented by two rinks namely Surrey Sharks and Surrey Swifts.

Surrey Swifts consisting of Harry Cushen, Jamie Tindall, Jon Wilson & Charlie Souter were drawn in Round 1 against Hampshire Hawks. This was the proverbial David v Goliath contest. Hampshire whose eldest player was 13 put up a tremendous showing against there more illustrious opponents. At ten ends I mentioned to one of the Surrey quartet that they would not want to meet these lads in a couple of years. I was advised that all was too easy. This may have been the consent but at 10-9 and two shots down before Surrey skip Souter enforced a three shot turn round did not display to me an easy passage. This in fairness proved to be the turning point and a nine shot victory proved to be the outcome.

Surrey Sharks constituting of Jamie Houle, Luke Griffin, Aaron Harding & Eoghan Harding in Round 1 were up against a very strong Oxfordshire four. To their credit all played superbly well. Good team spirit and some outstanding bowls throughout resulted in a very credible 14-8 win.

In the Area Semi Final Surrey Sharks boosted by two scores of six raced into a 15-1 lead. Naively I thought this game was in racing terms home and hosed. I was wrong. To there credit Berkshire who from abject despair, dug deep. The Surrey lead was eroding fast. So fast that it needed a count of two on the final end to tie the game at 21 all and take the game to a sudden death one end shootout. Surrey held there nerve and got the score that took them to the Final.

Surrey Swifts were up against a very good Bucks Rink superbly skipped by Andrew Litchfield. Some dynamic firing shots from Surrey skip Souter kept them in the game early doors. As the game progressed, Surrey just had the edge and got over the line by four shots. All players contributing to a very fine win.

So my first year as manager I was in the giddy heights position of having both my teams in the Final.

Surrey Sharks, were up against a very good Hampshire team. A good start produced a two shot lead, however Hampshire countered with some terrific bowls and were soon leading by 9-2. Surrey never gave up, but the margin was too far and they never really got back on terms eventually losing by 18 shots to 9. Jamie Houle, Luke Griffin, Aaron Harding, Eoghan Harding, you were all terrific today and I was so very proud of all of you. You worked and played as one team.

Surrey Swifts were up against Kent Hop Pickers in their Final. This game was of fine margins and neither team could gain the advantage. Surrey were always there or thereabouts and as the game progressed, cracks in the Kent armour were gradually appearing. The Kent skip was forced into numerous weighted bowls that were not finding the target and Surrey were dominant in the second half of the match.The game was concluded early with Surrey in an unassailable position at 18-9.

Leamington now beckons for the quartet on Sunday 1st September. This was a very strong group and if history dictates, this team must go to the National Finals with every chance of success. I wish them all well and look forward immensely for proceedings to continue at the home of the National Finals. Well played one and all.

Lastly but by no means least I would like to convey my thanks to all of the County Officials in attendance yesterday. Your support was much appreciated by all.

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 59 Combined Areas 79

The joined forces of the Combined Areas descended on Malden Manor for this Annual fixture.

The sun shone down brightly on the proceedings with the green and the surrounds at Malden Manor once more looking superb.

Head of Catering Lynda Padgham and her team welcomed all to the smell of bacon rolls, these were most welcome and many thanks to Lynda and her team of helpers for this.

Thanks also to JVP Martin Harbottle for attending and for his sterling work in raising the Junior flag once more. It was so nice also to see so many parents in attendance. Hopefully you all enjoyed the warm sunshine and the good bowling on display.

Special thanks must go to the Combined Areas for providing teams for this fixture. Historically strong teams have been sent to play against the Under 25’s and today was no exception.

Post match also it was nice to hear the constructive comments made by the Senior players on how well the Juniors had played.

On the green there were some very good performances.

On Rink 3 Daniel Mullens quartet raced into a six shot lead, however some terrific back end play by the Areas in the latter stages,eventually resulted in a three shot reverse.

Rink 5 skipped by Luke Griffin got there noses in front after three ends and never looked back after that. All played well and thoroughly deserved winning by eight shots.

Things proved slightly tougher on the other two Rinks.

Out on 6, Kieran Pankhania had a particularly good game, the Rink went down by fifteen however all of the Combined team admitted that the winning margin was flattering to them.

On Rink 2 Jamie Houles team never gave up and were rewarded with an impressive five shots on the last end.

In summary a very good test for our team against some very good opponents. Credit to you all on a very good performance.

Next week we are away at Egham BC with a 10.00 start.

Rink 2 v Area 2 - Will Vizer-Allen, Callum O’Brien, Luke Bazzani, Jamie Houle:- 15-25

Rink 3 v Area 3 -Oliver Stonehill, Hugo Manuel, Frankie Quigley, Daniel Mullen:- 15-18

Rink 5 v Area 1 - Freddie Rosenberg-Steel, George Clarke, Alex Gaunt, Luke Griffin:- 19-11

Rink 6 v Area 4 - George Hopper, Anthony Guinness, Kieran Pankhania, Adam Boarer:-10-25

Junior Home Counties League - Buckinghamshire Under 25’s 57 Shots Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 56 shots.

Match Result - Bucks 6pts Surrey 4pts

The beautiful setting of Waddesdon Bowls Club, home of Buckinghamshire Under 25’s greeted all from Surrey. Set in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor in land purchased by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild back in 1874, this made for a picture perfect setting for today's proceedings.

My thanks firstly to JVP Martin Harbottle in attendance, the mums and dads, and all the players for their prompt arrival and commitment to play - some whom, had very early starts in order to make the 146 mile round trip for this fixture.

Those who travelled to watch were treated to one of the most entertaining and closest of encounters imaginable.

So close was this game, that in effect it came down to the last bowl of the 63rd end of play, in order to determine the outcome.

This was not the day to focus on individual performances, albeit some were outstanding. For me this was all about the team performance.

Against an outstanding Buckinghamshire side, Surrey matched them all the way.

The quality of bowling on display was exceptional.

Every player on show today played their part and on a personal level my thanks go out to you all.

As a team we now need to move on from this performance and on this showing should fear no-one.

Well done to all of you.

Rink 1 - Graham Street, Luke Griffin, Aaron Harding, Eoghan Harding 23-18

Rink 2 - George Hopper, Adam Boarer, Jamie Houle, Jamie Tindall 14-22

Rink 3 - Will Vizer-Allen, Hugo Manuel, Frankie Quigley, Andrew Orme 19-17

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 65 shots Newdigate BC 61 shots.

Brilliant warm sunshine greeted all to the tranquil haven of Newdigate BC. Cricket and Bowls separated by the most magnificent example of English Oak tree.

Greenkeeper Hanson was skilfully guiding the “iron” at pace up and down the selected rinks on a green that looked and played immaculately well.

In the kitchen Sue Manuel, Alison Hopper and Elaine Orme were diligently at work providing the pre match bacon, sausage rolls and beverages, my thanks to you all.

The occasion was made special by the kind gesture of County President Peter Marshall in bringing a Rink of Senior Officials to play against a Rink of Under 25’s. This took centre stage. The Senior quartet of Messrs Harbottle (JVP), Tucker (Past President, Previous Under 25 Team Manager and present Match Secretary), President Peter Marshall & Joe Cable (SVP), proved to strong for the Under 25 selectees of Hopper, Manuel, Bickley & Orme. Some fine bowling ensuring a  comfortable 16 shots to 9 win.

Orme at skip, was often left with way too much to do however Bickley at 3 played well. For the President, JVP Harbottle played particularly well at lead, with John Tucker at 2 exceptional, with his new found “push” delivery technique.

Newdigate had done their homework, and their selections made this game a very good work out for the County’s future stars.

Frankie Quigley skipping on Rink 2 was always in for a tough game Two outdoor season debutants, could not make the most of excellent leading once more from Will Vizer-Allen. The Newdigate 4 led superbly by Tony Smith proving too strong.

Luke Griffin returned to the fray, skipping on Rink 3. Ably assisted by Alex Gaunt at three,  they comfortably won by 16 shots.

Things were tighter on Rink 5, where Houle was outstanding at skip. However, they almost allowed a loaded Newdigate Rink a reprieve, eventually winning by one shot.

Daniel Mullens rink out on 6 did well to come back from a 7 shot deficit by securing a 2 shot win. Good performances by all on this rink.

In conclusion a tight 4 shot and three rinks to one win against a very good Newdigate side proved to be the outcome. My thanks to Newdigate Bowls Club for being exceptional hosts and I look forward to the prospect of a re-match for season 2020.

Presidents Rink 4 - George Hopper, Hugo Manuel, Ryan Bickley, Andrew Orme 9-16

Newdigate Rinks

Rink 2 - Will Vizer-Allen, Anthony Guiness, Kieran Fair-Ellis, Frankie Quigley 9-24

Rink 3- Freddie Rosenberg-Steele, Angela Boarer, Alex Gaunt, Luke Griffin 24-8

Rink 5 - Callum O'Brien, Thomas Goucher, Luke Bazanni, Jamie Houle 15-14

Rink 6 - George Clarke, Andrew Boarer, Kieran Pankhania, Daniel Mullen 17-15

Surrey County Bowling Association Under 25’s 82 -  Malden Manor BC 42

The sun shone, some might say albeit to briefly on the start of the Under 25 Outdoor season.The Green and the surrounds at Malden Manor looked superb.

New Head of Catering Lynda Padgham and her team welcomed all to the smell of bacon rolls, these were most welcome and many thanks to Lynda and her team of helpers for this.

Thanks also to all the parents, who braved the elements, at times it really was quite cold. However they were treated to some excellent bowls.

Rink 2 superbly skipped by Eoghan Harding got off to a flyer, they were sixteen shots fto the good before generously allowing there hosts a point. All four players were outstanding and totally deserved to win the rink by 14 Shots.

Rink 3 gained the biggest winning margin, winning by 15 shots. Will Vizer-Allen looking very solid at lead.

Rink 5 also gained a comfortable 10 shot win, however at 13 ends they were level at 10 shots each, but ten shots in 5 ends secured the win.

Out on Rink 6 Aaron Harding stepped in as skip and played very well, things were not quite so easy here as the 15-14 score- line would suggest.

My thanks also to Angela Boarer and Norman Mann for stepping in at short notice.

Junior Vice President Martyn Harbottle attending his first Under 25 game stated how impressed he was at the level of performance on show here today.

A 40 point winning margin and clean sweep of all Four Rinks, helped to take away some of the first game nerves for new manager Manuel.

In conclusion, there were many positives to be taken from this game as we strive into the long season ahead.

Next stop ‘leafy’ Newdigate and there excellent green.

Well done to all today, from a very proud manager.

Rink 2 - George Hopper, Hugo Manuel, Ryan Bickley, Eoghan Harding:- 25-11

Rink 3 - Will Vizsr-Allen, Thomas Goucher, Luke Bazanni, Daniel Mullen:- 22-7

Rink 5 - Freddie Rosenberg-Steel, Norman Mann, Jamie Houle, Adam Boarer:- 20-10

Rink 6 - Callum O’Brien, Angela Boarer, Frankie Quigley, Aaron Harding:- 15-14