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CLUB NEWS
PLAYING NEWS, update 23 JULY 2024
Harpenden men make it to the last four in Hertfordshire County Club Championship!
After beating traditionally strong opposition - Potters Bar and Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden took on Welwyn & District in the Divisional Final of the Men's County Club Championship hosted at St Albans Townsend. This is a three rink format with the cumulative score across all three rinks determining the winning team.
Harpenden's rink of Roy Polley, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn were first to finish, posting a 23-9 win and putting Harpenden in a strong position. With the other two rinks closely contested, the combination of Nick Muir's rink picking up a three and Neil Herrington's rink picking up a five on their penultimate ends secured the win for Harpenden. The overall semi-finals and final take place at Royston on 3 August.
We will play the winners of the West division (almost certainly Garston) in the semi-final and the winners then play either the North or East winners.
Harpenden men make it to the last four in Hertfordshire County Club Championship!
After beating traditionally strong opposition - Potters Bar and Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden took on Welwyn & District in the Divisional Final of the Men's County Club Championship hosted at St Albans Townsend. This is a three rink format with the cumulative score across all three rinks determining the winning team.
Harpenden's rink of Roy Polley, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn were first to finish, posting a 23-9 win and putting Harpenden in a strong position. With the other two rinks closely contested, the combination of Nick Muir's rink picking up a three and Neil Herrington's rink picking up a five on their penultimate ends secured the win for Harpenden. The overall semi-finals and final take place at Royston on 3 August.
We will play the winners of the West division (almost certainly Garston) in the semi-final and the winners then play either the North or East winners.
Harpenden had an enjoyable mixed friendly triples against Baldock 23 July pm. We drew on 1 rink and lost on the other 2. The overall score was Harpenden 43 - Baldock 54.
PLAYING NEWS, update 14 JULY 2024
An excellent week for both Harpenden ladies and men who achieve impressive results!
It’s been a good week for Harpenden ladies. Firstly, they secured a good result against North Mymms in a District League match. Both rinks played well with one winning 22-14 and the other narrowly losing 19-20. Due to the high overall total of both our two teams it meant Harpenden won by 20 -10 points. Made up of 10 points for a winning rink and 10 points for an overall winning score.
Secondly, the County Senior 4's team of Rachel Stephenson, Deidre Smith, Alison Lowe and Jenny McEvoy played well against Sawbridgeworth and are through to the semi-final which is to be played at Hatfield Bowls Club at 6 pm, Tuesday 16 July. It was a nail biting match, nip and tuck and at the start of end 17 Sawbridgeworth were holding 3. Harpenden then reduced it to one and on end 18 scored one more point to level the match necessitating an extra end. As the head built up there was a circle of bowls approximately 6 inches around the jack. Jenny had to make a decision whether to bowl - with a risk of giving the match to them, but she took an educated guess that our bowls were nearest. That judgement proved correct as our woods were closer and we won by two points 16-14!
Harpenden overcame North Mymms in this St Albans district “Top 10” format competition on Saturday. Nick Muir got us off to a good start winning the singles 21-8. Joe Festa and Neil Herrington narrowly lost the pairs 19-18 on the last end, but the Triples of Trevor Tharby, Trevor Glanfield and Tony Redford went on to win 16-14 and the fours of Brian Moores, Glen Cuthbertson, David Brooks and Steve Maynard comfortably won 27-7 to clinch an 8-2 win for Harpenden who now play St Albans in the semi-final.
It’s now two wins in a row in for the Men’s District League squad. Against a North Mymms side who traditionally do well in this competition, they won by 60 points - 20 points. In terms of shots. Harpenden won by 64-49. Harpenden reached the area final of the Men's County Club Championship with a narrow victory against Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden's rink of Trevor Tharby, John Millins, Kevin Brazier and Nick Muir won by an impressive 23-5 to beat the combined 15 shot deficit on the rinks skipped by Neil Herrington and John Osborn by 3 shots. Harpenden will play Welwyn & District in the area final (on Monday 22 July at a neutral venue, St Albans Townsend).
Harpenden players are closing in on qualification for the Bowls England National Finals at Leamington Spa. Rachel Stephenson and Carol Glanfield will contest the County Semi-Final in the Ladies' Pairs whilst John Osborn and Nick Muir will contest the County Semi-Final of the Men's Pairs. With both finalists qualifying for the National Finals, Harpenden's pairs are one win away from securing qualification.
John Osborn has also reached the Area Final of the National Senior Singles, (having defeated Harpenden's Steve Maynard in the Area Semi-final) with the winner also qualifying for the Bowls England National Finals at Leamington Spa.
An excellent week for both Harpenden ladies and men who achieve impressive results!
It’s been a good week for Harpenden ladies. Firstly, they secured a good result against North Mymms in a District League match. Both rinks played well with one winning 22-14 and the other narrowly losing 19-20. Due to the high overall total of both our two teams it meant Harpenden won by 20 -10 points. Made up of 10 points for a winning rink and 10 points for an overall winning score.
Secondly, the County Senior 4's team of Rachel Stephenson, Deidre Smith, Alison Lowe and Jenny McEvoy played well against Sawbridgeworth and are through to the semi-final which is to be played at Hatfield Bowls Club at 6 pm, Tuesday 16 July. It was a nail biting match, nip and tuck and at the start of end 17 Sawbridgeworth were holding 3. Harpenden then reduced it to one and on end 18 scored one more point to level the match necessitating an extra end. As the head built up there was a circle of bowls approximately 6 inches around the jack. Jenny had to make a decision whether to bowl - with a risk of giving the match to them, but she took an educated guess that our bowls were nearest. That judgement proved correct as our woods were closer and we won by two points 16-14!
Harpenden overcame North Mymms in this St Albans district “Top 10” format competition on Saturday. Nick Muir got us off to a good start winning the singles 21-8. Joe Festa and Neil Herrington narrowly lost the pairs 19-18 on the last end, but the Triples of Trevor Tharby, Trevor Glanfield and Tony Redford went on to win 16-14 and the fours of Brian Moores, Glen Cuthbertson, David Brooks and Steve Maynard comfortably won 27-7 to clinch an 8-2 win for Harpenden who now play St Albans in the semi-final.
It’s now two wins in a row in for the Men’s District League squad. Against a North Mymms side who traditionally do well in this competition, they won by 60 points - 20 points. In terms of shots. Harpenden won by 64-49. Harpenden reached the area final of the Men's County Club Championship with a narrow victory against Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden's rink of Trevor Tharby, John Millins, Kevin Brazier and Nick Muir won by an impressive 23-5 to beat the combined 15 shot deficit on the rinks skipped by Neil Herrington and John Osborn by 3 shots. Harpenden will play Welwyn & District in the area final (on Monday 22 July at a neutral venue, St Albans Townsend).
Harpenden players are closing in on qualification for the Bowls England National Finals at Leamington Spa. Rachel Stephenson and Carol Glanfield will contest the County Semi-Final in the Ladies' Pairs whilst John Osborn and Nick Muir will contest the County Semi-Final of the Men's Pairs. With both finalists qualifying for the National Finals, Harpenden's pairs are one win away from securing qualification.
John Osborn has also reached the Area Final of the National Senior Singles, (having defeated Harpenden's Steve Maynard in the Area Semi-final) with the winner also qualifying for the Bowls England National Finals at Leamington Spa.
PLAYING NEWS, update 7 JULY 2024
Three players reach the last 16 in County Singles
Another week of successful play for the Club sees Joe Festa, Steve Maynard and Nick Muir reach the last 16 of the County Singles.
Harpenden guaranteed a Herts Area County final place. Great credit to Harpenden’s Steve Maynard and John Osborn who will be battling it out to secure a Hertfordshire Senior Singles Area final (over 55) place when they face each other in a semi-final. To get this far, it has been a very competitive series of rounds against very skilful players from the southern area of Hertfordshire.
A men’s Club Rink League District match against Potters Bar goes with Harpenden
Known colloquially as the District League. Three rinks were played and three rinks of tightly contested play finished with a 2-1 victory to Harpenden. With the leads of all matches constantly changing hands, and normally just a few points separating the sides, it all came down to the final woods on the last end to decide each match. An exciting match to enjoy with every player giving it everything and played with great sportsmanship. The final result being 51 shots to 49. Translating that into points, it was 60 -20 point victory. As Match Captain Angus Low commented: “Well played everyone!”
Mark Royal pitches up to display a complete cross section of bowls equipmentAs in previous years, the Mark Royal Roadshow came to our Club to show off his range of bowls, clothes of all descriptions, bowls bags and numerous accessories such as measures, gripper etc. It provided a unique opportunity for players to try out a variety of potential new woods on grass and not an indoor carpet.
Strawberry Tea
Traditionally one of the highlights of the Club’s social season, a strawberry tea took place on 4 July. After an enjoyable 12 end match of mixed triples, a delightful tea of strawberries, cream, scones and jam was served and completed the occasion.
Three players reach the last 16 in County Singles
Another week of successful play for the Club sees Joe Festa, Steve Maynard and Nick Muir reach the last 16 of the County Singles.
Harpenden guaranteed a Herts Area County final place. Great credit to Harpenden’s Steve Maynard and John Osborn who will be battling it out to secure a Hertfordshire Senior Singles Area final (over 55) place when they face each other in a semi-final. To get this far, it has been a very competitive series of rounds against very skilful players from the southern area of Hertfordshire.
A men’s Club Rink League District match against Potters Bar goes with Harpenden
Known colloquially as the District League. Three rinks were played and three rinks of tightly contested play finished with a 2-1 victory to Harpenden. With the leads of all matches constantly changing hands, and normally just a few points separating the sides, it all came down to the final woods on the last end to decide each match. An exciting match to enjoy with every player giving it everything and played with great sportsmanship. The final result being 51 shots to 49. Translating that into points, it was 60 -20 point victory. As Match Captain Angus Low commented: “Well played everyone!”
Mark Royal pitches up to display a complete cross section of bowls equipmentAs in previous years, the Mark Royal Roadshow came to our Club to show off his range of bowls, clothes of all descriptions, bowls bags and numerous accessories such as measures, gripper etc. It provided a unique opportunity for players to try out a variety of potential new woods on grass and not an indoor carpet.
Strawberry Tea
Traditionally one of the highlights of the Club’s social season, a strawberry tea took place on 4 July. After an enjoyable 12 end match of mixed triples, a delightful tea of strawberries, cream, scones and jam was served and completed the occasion.
PLAYING NEWS, update 3 JULY 2024
Determined and skilful play is rewarded with a Herts Country semifinal - a great achievement.
After four long and exciting rounds in the Ladies County pairs competition, Rachel Stephenson and Carol Glanfield are through to the semi finals to be played at Shire Park on July 18th at 6pm. Travelling to Royston Bowls Club, they played with determination and patience, winning by 4 shots.
PLAYING NEWS, update 27 JUNE 2024
A top class District Pairs result against consistently very strong and competitive opposition.
Doug Hall and Doug Rodger (substituting for Geoff Johns) beat two former champions from Townsend, Peter Thomson and Alan Sharron, 18 – 11. It was a very competitive but enjoyable match which we led throughout and they conceded after 17 ends.
PLAYING NEWS, update 25 JUNE 2024
Harpenden sit on top of the County League (Mens South Area) after a convincing win.
Harpenden continued their perfect start in the County League (Men's South Area) with a convincing 6-0 win at Harperbury. Harpenden's Kevin Brazier, Roy Polley, Trevor Glanfield and Neil Herrington (skip) won 23-10 whilst Harpenden's Joe Festa, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn (skip) bettered that with a 27-5 win. Harpenden sit top of the table with a maximum 12 points from their first two games and an impressive shot difference of plus 47. Harpenden host Oak Hill next.
PLAYING NEWS, update 22 JUNE 2024
Harpenden men secure a place in an Area Final!
Harpenden secured their place in the Area Final of the Men’s National Top Club competition with a convincing 4-1 semi-final win against Bushey. John Osborn got the first point on the board for Harpenden with an 18-11 win in the two-bowl singles leg and Joe Festa made it 2-0 with a 21-5 win in the four bowl singles. Harpenden’s Trevor Tharby and Nick Muir won the pairs 24-11 to secure the win with Harpenden’s four (Brian Moores, Roy Polley, David Brooks and Steve Maynard) leading 19-8 and Harpenden’s triple (Andy Stephenson, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington) trailing 12-15. Harpenden play Buntingford in the National Area Final to be played on a neutral green. (Pictured: Joe Festa on his way to his convincing win).
Determined and skilful play is rewarded with a Herts Country semifinal - a great achievement.
After four long and exciting rounds in the Ladies County pairs competition, Rachel Stephenson and Carol Glanfield are through to the semi finals to be played at Shire Park on July 18th at 6pm. Travelling to Royston Bowls Club, they played with determination and patience, winning by 4 shots.
PLAYING NEWS, update 27 JUNE 2024
A top class District Pairs result against consistently very strong and competitive opposition.
Doug Hall and Doug Rodger (substituting for Geoff Johns) beat two former champions from Townsend, Peter Thomson and Alan Sharron, 18 – 11. It was a very competitive but enjoyable match which we led throughout and they conceded after 17 ends.
PLAYING NEWS, update 25 JUNE 2024
Harpenden sit on top of the County League (Mens South Area) after a convincing win.
Harpenden continued their perfect start in the County League (Men's South Area) with a convincing 6-0 win at Harperbury. Harpenden's Kevin Brazier, Roy Polley, Trevor Glanfield and Neil Herrington (skip) won 23-10 whilst Harpenden's Joe Festa, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn (skip) bettered that with a 27-5 win. Harpenden sit top of the table with a maximum 12 points from their first two games and an impressive shot difference of plus 47. Harpenden host Oak Hill next.
PLAYING NEWS, update 22 JUNE 2024
Harpenden men secure a place in an Area Final!
Harpenden secured their place in the Area Final of the Men’s National Top Club competition with a convincing 4-1 semi-final win against Bushey. John Osborn got the first point on the board for Harpenden with an 18-11 win in the two-bowl singles leg and Joe Festa made it 2-0 with a 21-5 win in the four bowl singles. Harpenden’s Trevor Tharby and Nick Muir won the pairs 24-11 to secure the win with Harpenden’s four (Brian Moores, Roy Polley, David Brooks and Steve Maynard) leading 19-8 and Harpenden’s triple (Andy Stephenson, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington) trailing 12-15. Harpenden play Buntingford in the National Area Final to be played on a neutral green. (Pictured: Joe Festa on his way to his convincing win).
PLAYING NEWS, update 19 JUNE 2024
Hosting West Mersea Bowls Club for a fun filled afternoon of play and humour.
Good weather and good company. On Tuesday 19 June, we hosted West Mersea for a friendly mixed triples match played on six rinks. This was West Mersea’s third match in their four match summer tour of Hertfordshire. After a lot of jokes, good humour and good play, the result wasn’t important but the overall impression was of two sets of 18 players enjoying themselves and having a good time. To finish their visit, West Mersea uniquely sang a ‘farewell song’ signalling that was the hour they were leaving.
Hosting West Mersea Bowls Club for a fun filled afternoon of play and humour.
Good weather and good company. On Tuesday 19 June, we hosted West Mersea for a friendly mixed triples match played on six rinks. This was West Mersea’s third match in their four match summer tour of Hertfordshire. After a lot of jokes, good humour and good play, the result wasn’t important but the overall impression was of two sets of 18 players enjoying themselves and having a good time. To finish their visit, West Mersea uniquely sang a ‘farewell song’ signalling that was the hour they were leaving.
PLAYING NEWS, update 14 JUNE 2024
Harpenden hosted a ladies side representing the St Albans and District Ladies Bowling Association
The ladies had a very enjoyable match against SADLBA on Wednesday 12 June. Although we lost by 2 rinks to four and 77 shots to 111. The match was followed by a lovely cream tea. The match was notable for three members who represented Harpenden. It was a first outing for Cecilia Baker and Sue Andrew and only a second outing for Cynthia Mann.
Harpenden hosted a ladies side representing the St Albans and District Ladies Bowling Association
The ladies had a very enjoyable match against SADLBA on Wednesday 12 June. Although we lost by 2 rinks to four and 77 shots to 111. The match was followed by a lovely cream tea. The match was notable for three members who represented Harpenden. It was a first outing for Cecilia Baker and Sue Andrew and only a second outing for Cynthia Mann.
PLAYING NEWS, update 10 JUNE 2024
Another evening of highly competitive action, this time in the first match of the County Club Championship
Harpenden's men kicked off their County Club Championship against Potters Bar who had knocked Harpenden out of the competition last year. At the half way point, Harpenden were four shots behind overall but Harpenden had a strong second half to secure wins on all three rinks. Harpenden's Brian Moores, Roy Polley, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington won 19-12, whilst Trevor Tharby, John Millins, Kevin Brazier, and Nick Muir won 18-12 and Joe Festa, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn won 19-15. Harpenden take on Welwyn Garden City next who will be seeking redress for Harpenden's victories this season in the National Top Club and County League.
PLAYING NEWS, update 7 JUNE 2024
An evening of particularly high quality ladies County Pairs and men’s matches were enjoyed
With five out of six rinks occupied by matches, there was something for everybody to enjoy. Just two of the matches were as follows:
Jones Cup produces exciting action
The Men had a very good win in the First Round of the Jones Cup in a tight match against a strong Batchwood team. The Away rink (Mike Arnold, Dave Kilvert, Tim Dale and Gordon Burrow) had a closely contested game eventually losing narrowly by just 4 shots. The Home Rink (Brian Moores, Andrew Whitehurst, Andy Stephenson and Roy Polley) managed to win by 7 shots (19-12). In the Jones Cup the scores of the Home and Away teams are added together meaning that Harpenden won by a net 3 shots. The next round will be against Townsend on 28 June.
A very good start for our men in the County League
In the County League, our men kicked off their campaign against Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden's rink of Trevor Tharby, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn (skip) were 8-0 behind after 3 ends but came back to win 24-12. Harpenden's other rink of Joe Festa, Kevin Brazier, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington (skip) went in to their final end all square at 11-11 and won the final end on a close measure to win 12-11 and secure a 6-0 win.
Another evening of highly competitive action, this time in the first match of the County Club Championship
Harpenden's men kicked off their County Club Championship against Potters Bar who had knocked Harpenden out of the competition last year. At the half way point, Harpenden were four shots behind overall but Harpenden had a strong second half to secure wins on all three rinks. Harpenden's Brian Moores, Roy Polley, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington won 19-12, whilst Trevor Tharby, John Millins, Kevin Brazier, and Nick Muir won 18-12 and Joe Festa, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn won 19-15. Harpenden take on Welwyn Garden City next who will be seeking redress for Harpenden's victories this season in the National Top Club and County League.
PLAYING NEWS, update 7 JUNE 2024
An evening of particularly high quality ladies County Pairs and men’s matches were enjoyed
With five out of six rinks occupied by matches, there was something for everybody to enjoy. Just two of the matches were as follows:
Jones Cup produces exciting action
The Men had a very good win in the First Round of the Jones Cup in a tight match against a strong Batchwood team. The Away rink (Mike Arnold, Dave Kilvert, Tim Dale and Gordon Burrow) had a closely contested game eventually losing narrowly by just 4 shots. The Home Rink (Brian Moores, Andrew Whitehurst, Andy Stephenson and Roy Polley) managed to win by 7 shots (19-12). In the Jones Cup the scores of the Home and Away teams are added together meaning that Harpenden won by a net 3 shots. The next round will be against Townsend on 28 June.
A very good start for our men in the County League
In the County League, our men kicked off their campaign against Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden's rink of Trevor Tharby, David Brooks, Steve Maynard and John Osborn (skip) were 8-0 behind after 3 ends but came back to win 24-12. Harpenden's other rink of Joe Festa, Kevin Brazier, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington (skip) went in to their final end all square at 11-11 and won the final end on a close measure to win 12-11 and secure a 6-0 win.
This year’s clubhouse hanging baskets take centre stage
Carefully organised and displayed to their best by Pauline Taylor, the displays can only get even more colourful as the summer proceeds.
Carefully organised and displayed to their best by Pauline Taylor, the displays can only get even more colourful as the summer proceeds.
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