A very mixed bag, both in terms of weather and results, for Purnell bowls club. 

Monday, 22nd July saw our first Open 4s competition since the pandemic, with fourteen teams taking part in what was a great days bowling played in good spirit but in rather inclement weather conditions. 

From the feedback received we hope this will continue as an annual feature in our outdoor calendar. 

The following day, our men had a good win in the Turnbull cup to progress to the next round . 

Three of our ladies Maureen Withey, Liz Durnford and Sylvia Ponting played an Open Triples competition at Yatton Bowls Club and came away victorious from a field of twenty two teams, well done girls. 

That same evening, the foul weather came back with a vengeance and both Men’s MSL games against Paulton and Frome Selwood had to be cancelled. 

Thursday 27th saw our ladies at home to Bath in the NSL but they lost on both rinks. 

In a reversal of fortunes, our ladies travelled to Bath in the quarter finals of the  Fear Cup and managed the narrowest of victories by one shot. 

Unfortunately they could not repeat their form on Saturday morning in the Southy Trophy at home to Keynsham and lost overall, they did well to get this far.

Saturday saw our ‘A’ team continue their good run of form with a 10-2 win at home to Watchet and our ‘B’ team also winning 10-2 at home to Bath ‘C’. 

Our ‘C’ team, who I refer to as our ‘nursery’ team as it contains numerous new bowlers still learning the game, came up against a very strong and much more experienced team in Norwest ‘B’. They lost 12-0 but will come back a stronger team next year. 

On Sunday 30th one of our young players, Cameron Bowen became Somerset County champion in the under 18’s singles competition with another Jack Vine of Norwest bowls club coming fourth. 

Both have come through Purnell youth coaching, proving it’s not just a game for the elderly. A huge well done to both.

On that note, can I remind readers of our indoor open morning on Sunday, 6th August from 10am. 

New bowlers can get a huge amount of experience and enhanced skill on the indoor rinks that will be invaluable for the outdoor game. Come and give it a try, it’s well worth it.

Purnell bowls club has a Facebook page for any information and contact, just search ‘Purnell Bowls Club’.

T Gardiner