MATCH RESULTS & REPORTS
Date: Thursday 21st August 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Handcross Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 42 to 53
Report: On a pleasant afternoon Horsham Park played their friendly away game at Handcross. Before the game Handcross reduced the game from 4 to 3 triples due to lack of bowlers. Park only won on 1 of the 3 rinks and went down overall by 11 shots, 42-53.
Park’s top and only winning rink, skipped by David Clifton who with Lorena Daane and Terry Crispin started slowly and by the 9th end they were down 3-8 but after 2 more ends they’d recovered to 8 all. The game continued with the lead changing but with 2 ends to go, Clifton’s team were back down to 12-16. They dug in and were able score a 4 and a 2 on the 2 ends to win by 2 shots 18-16.
Bryony Wood, Sheila Howard and new bowler, Stephen Uwin, had a difficult game. They were behind from the start and with 1 end to play they were well down, 6-15 but they scored a 4 on the last end to close the gap to lose by 5 shots, 10-15.
Alan Setchell, Josie Allen and David Dunnington had a good start and by end 7 they were 3 shots ahead, 10-7. They were still 2 shots up 13-11 on end 10 but things went downhill from then on and they could only win 1 more end to finally lose, 14-22.
In spite of the loss, it was an enjoyable afternoon followed by a delicious tea.
Date: Tuesday 19th August 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Billingshurst Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 58 to 68
Report: The evening started warm but soon cooled down, so jumpers and fleeces soon appeared when Horsham Park played their friendly home game against Billingshurst. Although Park won on 2 of the 4 rinks, they went down overall 58-68.
Park’s top rink went to Bryony Wood’s team of John Leadbeater and Ian Holmes who had a great game, winning all bar 5 of the 18 ends. By the 11th end they were 10 up, 14-4 but then went down 4 shots on the next end. They won the next 3 ends to go back to 10 ahead, 18-8, they lost 2 of the last 3 ends but still won by 8 shots, 19-11.
David Clifton with new bowler Harry Bailey and David Peters had a much closer game with the lead changing throughout the game. By end 5 they were 2 ahead, 4-2 but at end 11 they were back down 2 shots, 8-10. This continued through the rest of the game, but Clifton’s team hung on to win by 1 shot, 16-15.
Sheila Howard, Graham Roots and new bowler Tony Russell had similar game where once again the lead changed regularly. By end 6 they were 1 up but at the 10th end they were 2 down, 9-11 but by end 14 they’d recovered to 13 all. Over the last 4 ends, Howard’s team scored 3 against the Billingshurst bowlers 4 so lost by 1 shot, 16-17.
Lorena Daane with Farron Calver and another new bowler Stephen Uwins, came up against a very tough Billingshurst team and went down 7-25.
Date: Sunday 17th August 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Storrington Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 62 to 78
Report: It was another very hot, sunny afternoon as the heatwave continued when Horsham Park played their home game against Storrington. Park won on 1 rink but went down on the other 3 to lose overall by 16 shots, 62-78, slightly better than when we played Storrington last year.
Park’s top and only winning rink was skipped by Alan Setchell who with Josie Allen and new bowler, Harry Bailey, had a slow start and by the seventh end they were down 5-8 but then their recovery started and after 3 more ends they were back to 9 all. They couldn’t go wrong from now on, winning 6 of the 8 remaining ends to finally win by 14 shots, 28-14, a great effort.
Bryony Wood, Sheila Howard and Julie Stone had a good start and by end 10 they were well ahead 10-4, but then the Storrington bowlers, particularly their number 2, started to play well and Wood’s team could only win 2 more ends, going down 5 shots on end 15, to lose by 3 shots 13-16.
Terry Crispin, Angela Spurr and Marie Davies had a difficult game and after 11 ends they were down 10 shots, 4-14 but they recovered a little to close the gap but they still went down 13-20 by the finish.
David Clifton with Lorena Daane and David Peters / Ian Holmes, who played half a game each, came up against the Storrington Captain’s strong team, and despite their best efforts, they lost 8-28.
Date: Sunday 10th August 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Southgate Park Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 43 to 74
Report: The temperature was on its way up again when Horsham Park played their friendly away game against Southgate Park. Park, despite their best efforts, could only win on 1 of the 4 rinks and lost the game by 31 shots, 43-74.
David Clifton skipped Park’s top and only winning rink. Clifton with Lorena Daane and Ian Holmes had a great start and by the 12th end they were 13 up, 15-2. It was at this point that the game changed, and they could only win 1 more end but they were still able to win by 6 shots, 16-10.
Bryony Wood with Peter Chesser and new bowler Harry Bailey started slowly and by end 7 they were down 1-8 but they recovered and won 6 of the next 7 ends to go 1 shot up, 10-9. Unfortunately, they could only win 1 of the remaining ends and lost 12-17.
Alan Setchell, Sheila Howard and Mel Watson came up against the Southgate Captain’s strong team. They didn’t win anything until the 9th end, but at this point they started to score slowly but still lost 8-17.
Kamran Nadim, Terry Crispin and Josie Allen were 4 all on end 6 but thereafter they were only able to win 2 more ends to lose 7-30.
Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Isle of Thorns Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score Win 49 to 45
Report: It was dry and pleasantly warm at the start of the evening, but it cooled down as the game progressed when Horsham Park played their last Mid-Sussex League game of the season away against the Isle of Thorns. The Thorns bowlers won the game when Park played them at home earlier in the season, but the tables were turned and Park won the away game by 4 shots, 49-45, winning on one rink, drawing on the second but losing on the third, gaining 7 of the 10 league points.
Park’s top rink, skipped by Ladies Captain Bryony Wood, who with Peter Chesser, new bowler Julian Ticktum and Graham Roots had a great start and by the fourth end they were ahead 9-4. The Thorns’ bowlers closed the gap a little but by end 11 Wood’s team were still up 4 shots, 13-9. Wood’s team continued in the same vein winning 5 of the 7 remaining ends and they finally won by 10 shots, 22-12.
Kamran Nadim, Angela Spurr, David Spurr and Ian Holmes came up against the team led by the Thorns’ Captain. This game was very close until the eleventh end when the Park bowlers were just 2 ahead, 8-6. Nadim’s team then won the next 3 ends to go even further ahead, 15-8, but their game went down hill from then on, with Nadim’s team losing the last 4 ends resulting in the game ending in an honourable draw.
Terry Crispin, Sheila Howard, Tony Russell, another new bowler, and Farron Calver had another close game until end 10. By end 7 it was 6 all and at the tenth end Crispin’s team were just one shot behind, 8-9 but they were only able to win 3 of the last 8 ends and they lost by 6 shots,12-18.
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club President v Captain
Report: Another great day on the bowling green; the weather couldn’t have been nicer, not too hot and no rain. There was a good turnout for the annual President versus Captain bowls match with many of the club’s new members playing. The teams were agreed between the President, David Peters, and the Captain, David Spurr, beforehand. There were 3 rinks of 4 bowlers in each team, which on paper initially should have been fairly even but as bowlers appeared who weren’t originally playing, the teams were shuffled which meant that it wasn’t quite as even as planned. The President’s teams won overall by 4 shots, 31-27 although the Captain’s teams actually won on 2 of the 3 rinks.
The President’s team of David Peters, Robin Merritt, Ian Holmes and Julie Stone played against the Captain’s team, David Spurr, Kamran Nadim, Angela Spurr and Marie Davies. Despite the President’s teams best efforts, they lost 5-14. They only scored 1s on the ends that they won against the Captain’s team’s 2s and 3s.
David Clifton, David Dunnington, Lorena Daane and Mel Watson playing for the President against Bryony Wood, Tony Russell, Farron Calver and Harry Bailey playing for the Captain. Due to the changes before the game, it was Wood who found herself playing with 2 of our new members and although they all played well, they were up against the superior bowlers in Clifton’s team and they lost 2-16, only scoring on 2 of the ends.
On the third rink, the President’s team of John Leadbeater, Sheila Howard, Graham Roots and Martin Nicholls came up against, playing for the Captain, Alan Setchell, Pam Venn, Josie Allen and Eleanor Ricketts. This was a much closer game. At the 6th end, the President’s team were well ahead, 8-2 and with 2 ends still to play they were still ahead 10-7. Unfortunately they lost the last 2 ends and finally lost by 1 shot, 10-11.
The afternoon ended in a win for the President’s team after which everyone retired to the clubhouse for a lovely tea put on by the ladies. There were so many sandwiches and delicious cakes that at the end we were taking them home for tea the next day. Overall, a great afternoon.
Date: Thursday 31st July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Horley Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Lost 24 to 48
Report: After the heavy rain during the day and a forecast of thunder and lightning in the evening, it turned into a pleasant evening for Horsham Park’s ladies last game of the season in the Nellie Mercer League away at Horley. Horley are top of the league and are champions this year, see below. Despite the Park ladies’ best efforts this was their worst defeat in an otherwise successful season, losing 24-48. The Horley green, even after the heavy rain during the day, was very good and played well.
Ladies Captain Bryony Wood with Pam Venn and Julie Stone started slowly as they got used to the speed and line on their rink and by end 7 they were 4-7 down. They won the next 2 ends to go 8-7 up but then lost the following 2 ends. On end 12 they won by 4 shots to go 12 all. Unfortunately, they dropped a 5 on end 14 but then picked up a 3 on the next end. The final 3 ends were pretty even with the Park ladies scoring 2 to Horley’s 3 resulting in a final score of 17-21.
Angela Spurr, Sheila Howard and Lorena Daane struggled from the start and by end 7 they were 3-10 down. Things didn’t improve and by end 12 this had increased to 5-17 down. They could only win 2 more ends and finally lost 7-27.
The final Nellie Mercer League table finished as follows
Horley are the Champions on 28pts with a +119 shot difference.
Then 3 teams tied on 20 points. Downsman came 2nd with +26 shot difference, Horsham Park 3rd with + 9 shot difference, Southwater 4th with + 6 shot difference
5th was Horsham on 18 points with -51 shots, 6th was Lindfield on 12 points with -49 shots and 7th was Popes Mead with 8 points and -61 shots.
The Park ladies had the smallest selection of ladies to choose from so everyone should be proud of what they achieved.
Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Henfield Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score Win 45 to 39
Report: There had been light rain during the day, but by the evening it had stopped, but it was still overcast for Horsham Park’s penultimate Mid Sussex League game at home to Henfield. It was a close game once again, Park winning on 2 of the 3 rinks and winning overall by 6 shots, 45-39, gaining 8 of the 10 league points and overturning the loss away at Henfield earlier in the season.
Park’s top rink went to Kamran Nadim, who with Angela Spurr, David Spurr and Ian Homes, started slowly and by the 5th end they were 2 down, 2-4, but then their recovery started, and they won the next 5 ends to go 8 up, 12-4. It evened a little after this, when the Henfield bowlers started their comeback, but it was not to be, both sides scoring 6 shots each on the remaining 8 ends. Nadim’s team held their nerve to win by 8 shots, 18-10.
Bryony Wood, who with Pam Venn, Graham Roots and Brian Milner had a much tougher game and by the 6th end they were 5 down, 2-7. This continued and at the 10th end they were still 5 shots down, 4-9. They then were able to score 5 shots over the next 2 ends to bring the game level at 9 shots all. Although the Henfield bowlers scored on 4 of the remaining ends, Wood’s team managed to win a 4 and a 3 on ends 15 and 16 to finally win their game by 3 shots, 16-13.
Terry Crispin, Peter Chesser, Sheila Howard and Farron Calver came up against the Henfield Captain’s strong team and by the 7th end they were 0-9 down. They still found it tough going but started to score, all be it a little late, but they were able to close the gap to finish 5 shots down, 11-16.
The evening finished with a convivial supper in the clubhouse.
Date: Thursday 24th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Horsham Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Lost 26 to 32
Report: The light rain earlier in the afternoon made the green a little heavy when the Horsham Park ladies played their away Nellie Mercer League game at Horsham. It was a close game but unfortunately the Park ladies lost on both rinks with a final score of 26-32, and no league points.
Park’s top rink went to Lorena Daane, Sheila Howard and Mel Watson who lost by only 1 shot, 13-14. It was a very close game from the start and by end 5, Daane’s team were down 2-3. The next few ends were still close with the lead changing regularly and by the 12th end it was 8 all. The Horsham ladies crept ahead and by end 16 they were 3 up, 9-12 but then, on the 17th end, the Park ladies took 4 shots to go 1 up, 13-12. On the last end the Park ladies were holding shot until the Horsham skip, with her last bowl, was able to draw in and take 2 shots to give them a 1 shot win.
Captain Bryony Wood with Pam Venn and Julie Stone played on a difficult rink, where, if you played a little wide there was no turn on the wood. Wood’s team had a great start and after 5 ends they were 4 shots up 6-2. They continued to win ends, and by the 12th their lead had increased to 6 shots, 12-6. At this point the game changed, and the Horsham ladies were able to score a 4 on the next end to close the gap to only 2 shots down. Although the Park ladies scored 1 shot on end 14 to keep their lead, 13-10, they weren’t able to score again. The Horsham ladies, who had struggled with the longer jacks, put up a short jack and from then on, their lead and 2 could do no wrong. On the last end the Park ladies had 5 bowls close to the jack, but the Horsham skip still had the holding shot. Wood took a risk to try and remove Horsham’s holding shot by firing and although she hit the target, unfortunately the jack moved as well, and the Park ladies went 2 down to finally lose by 5 shots, 13-18.
After the game everyone retired to the Horsham clubhouse for a lovely supper with pleasant company.
Date: Thursday 17th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Southwater Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Lost 32 to 34
Report: The evening was still warm but overcast when the Park Ladies took on the Southwater Ladies in the Nellie Mercer league. Park were able to win on 1 rink but lost on the second rink and lost overall by only 2 shots, 32-34, taking only 2 of the points available; so close but it wasn’t to be.
Park’s top rink went to Captain Bryony Wood’s team of Pam Venn and Julie Stone who had a close game. At 7 ends they were 2 up 5-3 but they lost the next 3 ends and by end 10 they were 5 down 5-10 but things improved, and they won 5 consecutive ends to go back ahead 15-10 but then on the 16th end the Southwater ladies scored 5 shots to bring the score back to 15 all. Wood’s team scored 1 on each of the last two ends to finally win by 2 shots, 17-15.
Angela Spurr’s team of Sheila Howard and Lorena Daane had a difficult game and although they led by 1 shot, 6-5 after 4 ends, things didn’t go so well after this and by end 9 they were down 7-14. They dug in and by end 14 they’d closed the gap and were back to only 1 shot down 14-15. Unfortunately, they could only win one more end and they lost by 4 shots, 15-19.
Date: Tuesday 15th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 39 to 42
Report: The heatwave had eased and there had been some rain earlier in the day when Park played Southwater in their return home fixture in the Mid Sussex League. Park were determined to overcome their defeat earlier in the season by winning at home against Southwater who, incidentally, are top of the League. Unfortunately, despite winning on 2 of the 3 rinks, Park lost by 3 shots, 39-42, so close but it was not to be.
Park’s top rink, skipped by Bryony Wood, who with Pam Venn, Sheila Howard and Brian Milner, started slowly and by end 6 they were down 2-5 but they were able to recover and by end 10 they were drawing 7 all. From then on it was Wood’s team all the way, winning 6 of the remaining 8 ends to finally win by 5 shots, 15-10.
Park’s other winning rink, David Clifton, Lorena Daane, Peter Chesser and Terry Crispin, were 4-0 up at end 3 but they then lost the next 5 ends, so by end 8 they were 2 down, 4-6. They once again recovered and, similarly to Wood’s team, they were able to win 7 of the remaining 10 ends. With 2 ends left to play they were well ahead 13-8 but then went down 4 shots on the penultimate end, cutting their lead to just 1 shot, 13-12, but they took a 1 on the last end to win by 2 shots, 14-12.
Kamran Nadim’s team of Angela Spurr, David Dunnington and Ian Holmes came up against 2 of Southwater’s county bowlers. Their lead could do no wrong and once they’d got the jack, she was able to draw pretty close to it on every end. Nadim’s team started well winning the first 5 ends to go 6-0 up but then Southwater won the next end to take the jack and from then on, in spite of their best efforts, Nadim’s team could only win 3 more ends to finally lose by 10 shots, 10-20.
Date: Thursday 10th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Popes Mead Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Win 41 to 20
Report: The next heatwave had started and during the day the temperature reached 29C but by the evening it had cooled a little when the Park Ladies took on the Popes Mead Ladies in the Nellie Mercer league and once again triumphed winning on both rinks and by 21 shots, 41-20.
Park’s top rink went to Captain Bryony Wood’s team of Pam Venn and Julie Stone who led from the start and by the 8th end they were up 8-1. The Popes Mead ladies had a short revival and by end 11 had closed the gap to only 1 behind, 8-7 but from then on, the Park ladies couldn’t put a foot wrong, winning the remaining 7 ends to finish their game 15 shots ahead, 22-7.
Angela Spurr who with Sheila Howard and Lorena Daane had a very close game with the lead changing throughout. They started well and by the 4th end they were ahead 5-1 but by end 9 the Popes Mead ladies had recovered, and it was 8 all. The Popes Mead recovery continued and soon Spurr’s team were down 1 shot, 9-10. With 2 ends still to play, they were still down 11-13 but then miraculously they scored a 3 and a 5 to finally win by 6 shots, 19-13.
Another good win for the Park ladies, well done.
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Haywards Heath Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score Lost 46 to 49
Report: The evening started warm, but it soon got quite chilly for Horsham Park’s Mid-Sussex game home against Haywards Heath. The Heath bowlers came determined to overturn their loss earlier in the season. It was an incredibly close game with Park winning on 2 of the 3 rinks but losing overall by 3 shots, 46-49 taking only 4 of the 10 league points available.
Park’s top rink went to Bryony Wood, who with Pam Venn, Sheila Howard and Brian Milner started slowly and at end 5 they were down 2-4 but they recovered a little and by the 9th end they were 2 shots up, 8-6. They lost the next 2 ends and were back down to 8-9 but from here on they couldn’t put a foot wrong winning 5 of the remaining ends and they finally won by 7 shots, 18-11.
Skip Kamran Nadim with Peter Chesser, Mel Watson and Angela Spurr had a great start and by end 13 they were up by 8 shots, 16-8. Unfortunately, the Haywards Heath bowlers then started their recovery, winning the 3 of the last 5 ends to close the gap but Nadim’s team were still able to win by 4 shots, 19-15.
David Clifton, Lorena Daane, David Dunnington and Terry Crispin came up against tough opposition and at end 9 they were down 5-14. Things didn’t improve and they were only able to win 3 of the remaining ends and eventually lost 9-23.
Date: Thursday 3rd July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Downsman Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Win 33 to 26
Report: The evening began pleasantly warm, but a chilly breeze appeared as the evening wore on when Horsham Park’s ladies took on the Downsman ladies in the Nellie Mercer League. The Park ladies won once again by 7 shots, 33-26.
Park’s top rink went to Angela Spurr who with Sheila Howard and Lorena Daane had a good start winning 4 of the first 5 ends to go 6-1 up. By the tenth end they were still 6 ahead 11-5, but the Downsman ladies got a 3 on end 11 but Spurr’s team came straight back to take a 3 on the next end to stay 6 ahead. The remaining 6 ends were evenly matched, both teams winning 3 and both scoring 5 shots. Which meant that Spurr’s team won overall by 6 shots, 19-13.
Captain Bryony Wood’s team of Pam Venn and Julie Stone had a much closer game with the lead changing throughout. At end 6, Wood’s team were 1 shot up, 5-4, but by end 8 they were back down 1 shot, 5-6. They scored 6 on the next 2 ends to shoot ahead by 5 shots, 11-6, but they then lost the next 4 ends so by end 14 they were once again down 1 shot, 11-12. Fortunately, they took 1 shot off the next 3 ends and with 1 end still to play they were 2 shots up, 14-12 but the Downsman ladies scored 1 on the last end to close the gap so the final score was 14-13 to Wood’s team.
Another good win for the Park ladies, well done.
Date: Tuesday 1st July 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Crawley Town Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 38 to 47
Report: It was still hot and humid for Horsham Park’s Mid Sussex return home fixture against Crawley Town. Although Park won on 2 of the 3 rinks, they still lost overall by 9 shots, 38-47, gaining only 4 of the 10 points: a little better than the away game at the weekend.
Park’s top rink went to Kamran Nadim who with Angela Spurr, Farron Calver and Ian Holmes had a good game winning 10 of the 18 ends. The team were playing against a couple of Crawley’s very good younger bowlers, but they were still able to score consistently and at end 9 they were 10-5 up. The game continued to be closely fought and with 3 ends left to play they were still ahead 13-9. They won 2 of the last 3 ends to finally finish 6 shots up, 16-10.
Park’s other winning rink was skipped by David Clifton who with Lorena Daane, Graham Roots and Norma Covey played against the Crawley Captain’s picked team. They started slowly and at the halfway point they were down 2 shots, 4-6 but they recovered and were able to win 7 of the remaining 9 ends to finish ahead by 4 shots, 15-11.
Bryony Woods’ team of Peter Chesser, Sheila Howard and Brian Milner had a much tougher game. On many ends, Woods’ team were holding shots, but the Crawley skip was able to draw in to take the end. After 6 of the 18 ends, ends they were only 2 shots down, 4-6 but from this point on they were only able to win 2 more ends to finally lose 7-24.
Date: Saturday 29th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Crawley Town Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 34 to 64
Report: Horsham Park’s away Mid-Sussex League game against Crawley Town was played on Saturday afternoon as the original game had to be postponed due to the torrential rain earlier in the season. The afternoon was very hot and humid, but the green played well although a little on the heavy side. Park won on 1 rink but went down on the other 2 to lose overall 34-64 and gaining only 2 of the 10 points available.
Park’s top rink went to skip Bryony Wood who with Terry Crispin, Josie Allen and Julie Stone led from the start and by the 11th end they were 9 shots up, 12-3. Unfortunately, they lost the next 4 ends, and the gap closed to only a 2 shot advantage, 12-10 but they dug in and recovered to take 9 shots from the last 3 ends to win by 11 shots, 21-10.
Alan Setchell’s team of Peter Chesser, Norma Covey and Mel Watson started well and by end 8 they were only 1 shot down, 6-7, but they were only able to win 1 more end and by the finish they were down 7-23.
Kamran Nadim’s team of Angela Spurr, David Dunnington and Ian Holmes, playing on a difficult outside rink, came up against some tough opposition eventually losing 6-31.
Not Park’s best result on a steamy afternoon.
Date: Tuesday 24th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to St Francis Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 35 to 66
Report: It was fine evening after the previous week’s heatwave when Horsham Park played their return Mid-Sussex league fixture against St Francis. St Francis came with all guns blazing and their best bowlers determined to overturn the loss on their own ground earlier in the season. Park, in spite of their best efforts, lost on all 3 rinks and by 35-66 with zero league points. What didn’t help matters, due to wear and tear on the green, it was decided to use the less well played on outside rinks which proved to be very heavy and unpredictable.
Park’s top rink, and the one which came closest, was skipped by Angela Spurr who with Peter Chesser, Mel Watson and Farron Calver were only 1 shot behind, 11-12, at end 14 but they lost 3 of the 4 last ends to go down 12-17 at the finish.
Bryony Wood, Pam Venn, Ian Holmes and Brian Milner were drawn on rink 6, a difficult rink, and they came up against the St Francis Captain with his team of picked bowlers. Wood’s team struggled from the start and by end 13 they were down 3-23 but at this point, when it was too late to catch up, they started a recovery to close the gap, scoring 11 shots over he last 5 ends to end up 14-25.
David Clifton with Terry Crispin, Lorena Daane and Julie Stone were also on a difficult rink and by end 13 they were down 9-17 but they couldn’t score on the remaining ends to finally lose 9-24.
Not Park’s best evening by far but at least there was a nice supper after the game.
Date: Thursday 19th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Lindfield Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer Bowls League Score Win 39 to 26
Report from Bryony: On a very warm sunny evening we played our first game of this year's Nellie Mercer Ladies league. Two Sussex Men's Singles matches were also being played at the same time and they were given first choice on the rinks they wanted and chose the outside ones. The two middle ones, unfortunately looked into the setting sun from one end. Lindfield won the toss and decided to take the mat. 18 ends to be played with 1 on the first two ends.
Julie Stone, Pam Venn & Bryony Wood played their Captain for the evening Carol Watson, a very experienced player. The green played well with a wide draw and a good speed and Julie led well. It was a slow start and by end 9 we were 8 - 5 up. The following ends were close but we did get a 4 and a 3 to their 1 and 2. We went into the last end 4 up but kept it tight and ended with a 3, winning 21-14.
Lorena Daane, Sheila Howard & Angela Spurr began slowly as their rink favoured short jacks. Again it was difficult bowling into the sun from one end. By end 9 they were 5 - 8 behind but took control by lengthening the jack and drawing to it and soon going ahead. After that they never looked back and won 18 - 12.
Overall result 39 - 26 shot and 6 points. A lovely tea with a home made cake followed.
Date: Tuesday 17th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Isle of Thorns Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 38 to 50
Report: On another very warm evening, Horsham Park played their Mid-Sussex League home game against the Isle of Thorns Bowls Club. Park won on one rink but lost the other two and lost overall 38-50, taking only 2 of the 10 league points available. Park’s top rink, skipped by David Clifton, who with Peter Chesser, Pam Venn and Lorena Daane kept their nose ahead for most of the game. It was close throughout, and by end 11 they were still 1 up 7-6 and with 2 ends to play they were ahead 11-8 but they went down by 1 on both the last ends to win by 1 shot, 11-10.
Kamran Nadim, Angela Spurr, David Spurr and Mel Watson had another close game. They started slowly and by end 9 they were behind 4-7 but thanks to skip Nadim who was able to find gaps and draw in to the jack to win many ends, they then started their comeback and with 2 ends still to play they were ahead 12-10. On the penultimate end they were holding 1 shot but, with his last wood, the opposition skip fired and clipped Park’s holding shot to take 3. Isle of Thorns also took 2 shots on the last end, so Nadim’s team finally lost by 3 shots, 12-15.
Bryony Wood with Terry Crispin, Sheila Howard and Farron Calver came up against tough opposition and by end 11 they were down 11-19. Things didn’t improve and at the end they were down 10 shots, 15-25.
Date: Sunday 15th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Pippbrook Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Win 70 to 55
Report: On one of the hottest days of the year, Horsham Park bowlers played their home friendly against Pippbrook Bowls Club winning on 2 and losing on 2 rinks but winning overall by 15 shots, 70-55.
Bryony Wood skipped Park’s top rink. Wood with Terry Crispin and new bowler Julie Stone led from the start and by half time tea were up 16-7. The second half went even better, Wood’s team winning all bar 3 of the remaining ends to finally win by 18 shots, 29-11.
Park’s other winning rink, skipped by David Clifton, had another good win. Clifton with Lorena Daane and Faron Calver were ahead 18-5 with 4 ends still to play but they lost 3 of the 4 ends by 1 shot to finally win by 11 shots, 19-8.
Captain David Spurr with Angela Spurr and Marie Davies had a very close game and with 2 ends to play, they were down by only 1 shot, 13-14, but they went down by 1 on both the last ends to lose by 3 shots, 13-16.
Kamran Nadim, Sheila Howard and Ian Holmes came up against tough opposition and were behind from the start, losing the game 9-20.
Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Henfield Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 29 to 66
Report: Another difficult game against tough opposition winning on only 1 of the 3 rinks, losing overall 29-66 and gaining only 2 of the 10 league points available.
Bryony Wood With Peter Chesser, Julian Ticktum and Farron Calver were the only winning team and at end 15 they were up 15-9 but they lost the last 3 ends to finally win 12-12.
Both Park's other teams had difficult games losing 8-22 and 6-31. Not the greatest of evenings.
Date: Tuesday 27th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score lost 25 to 64
Report: After the wind and heavy rain all day, the evening turned out better than expected; both the wind and rain abated and although very grey, Park’s Mid Sussex away game at Southwater went ahead although reduced to 15 ends. Park was only able to win on 1 of the 3 rinks and that by only 1 shot. Park’s other 2 rinks went down disastrously, and Park lost the game 25-64 gaining only 2 of the 10 league points.
Park’s top and only winning rink, skipped by David Clifton who with Terry Crispin, Peter Chesser and Lorena Daane had a great start and by end 10 they were up 12-6 but they could only win one more end. Southwater closed the gap but Clifton’s team hung on to win by 1 shot, 14-13.
Bryony Wood’s team had a tough game. They were ahead 5-2 after 5 ends but then the Southwater team, which had 2 county bowlers, started to put up long jacks and after all the rain the green was heavy, and Park’s team struggled to reach the jack and they only won 1 more end to go down 6-27.
Kamran Nadim’s team had a similarly difficult game, not so much the heavy green but both the number 3 and skip of the Southwater team played very well, turning over Park’s holding shots an many ends resulting in another loss, 5-24.
Not the best result but never mind we live to fight another day.
Date: Sunday 25th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Horsham Bowls Club - first round of the Town Challenge
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score lost 59 to 83
Report: The sun came out to make a pleasant afternoon for Horsham Park’s home game against Horsham; the first round of the Town Challenge. Park were able to win on 2 rinks but went down badly on the other 2, resulting in a loss by 24 shots, 59-83. Not the best start to the Town Challenge.
Park’s top rink went to skip Peter Chesser who with Alan Setchell, Josie Allen and Lorena Daane led from the start and by the ninth end they were up 10 shots, 13-3. The game continued in the same vein with Chesser’s team winning all bar 4 of the remaining ends to finally win by 14 shots, 22-8.
Park’s other winning rink was led by Kamran Nadim who with Angela Spurr, David Spurr and Marie Davies had a great start and at end 6 they were up 9-1, Unfortunately they lost the next 4 ends and by end 9, it was 9 all. By winning the next 4 ends they were back in the lead, 19-9; the Horsham bowlers then closed the gap a little but Nadim’s team still won by 6 shots, 19-13.
Park’s other 2 rinks came up against stiff opposition, both losing by significant margins. David Clifton, Pam Venn, Farron Calver and Mel Watson were up against the Horsham captain’s strong team, they were only able to win 6 of the 18 ends and lost at the end, 14-30.
Bryony Wood, Sheila Howard, Julie Stone and John Leadbeater also had a very difficult game and in -spite of their best efforts they lost 32-4.
Despite the loss, everyone enjoyed the afternoon’s bowls and after the game retired to the Park clubhouse for an excellent tea.
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Dorking Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Win 64 to 55
Report: After the previous days heavy rain, it was overcast but fine for Horsham Park’s home game against Dorking Bowls Club which resulted in another good win for the Park bowlers 64-55. Park won on 2 of the rinks, drew a third rink but lost on the fourth.
Park’s top rink went to skip Kamran Nadim who with Graham Roots and Julie Stone started slowly and at end 7 they were only 1 shot up, 6-5 but they then got into their stride and by the 10th end they were ahead 12-5 and at end 14 they were even further ahead, 18-7. They finally finished 13 shots up, 22-9.
Angela Spurr, Sheila Howard and Farron Calver shot ahead and were 8-1 up after 7 ends but at this point the Dorking bowlers recovered slightly and started to close the gap to only 2 shots down, 9-7 at end 11. It was very even for the rest of the game but Spurr’s team hung on to win by 2 shots 15-13.
David Clifton with Alan Setchell and Marie Davies didn’t have a great start and by end 6 they were down 1-7 but they then won 7 of the next 9 ends to go ahead by 2 shots, 12-10. The Dorking bowlers scored 2 on the next 2 ends to go ahead by 2 shots but Clifton’s team scored a 2 on the last end to draw the game 14 all.
Bryony Woods team of Peter Chesser and Josie Allen came up against tough opposition and at half time tea they were down 4-13. They recovered a little and with 1 end to play they’d closed the gap and were only 2 shots down, 13-15 but they went down by 4 shots on the last end to lose 13-19.
Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Haywards Heath Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score Win 55 to 50
Report: The evening started warm but it soon got quite chilly for Horsham Park’s Mid-Sussex game away against Haywards Heath. It was another win for the Park bowlers, 3 of whom were new members of which two were new bowlers. Park won on 2 rinks, losing on the third, to win overall by 5 shots, 55-50, coming away with 8 of the 10 league points available.
Park’s top rink went to skip Kamran Nadim who with Angela Spurr, David Spurr and Peter Chesser had a great start and by end 10 they were up by 12 shots, 19-7. Unfortunately, the Haywards Heath bowlers then started their recovery, winning the next 4 ends to close the gap to 19-12. The last 4 ends were even with both teams taking 4 shots. The final score was a win for Nadim’s team by 7 shots, 23-16.
David Clifton, Lorena Daane with new members Julian Ticktum and Terry Crispin had a much closer game. By end 10 they were also ahead, 11-7, but they then lost the next 4 ends to go 5 shots down, 11-16, but they dug in again to win the last 4 ends and won by 1 shot 17-16.
Bryony Wood with Sheila Howard, David Peters and new bowler Julie Stone came up against a tough opposition and at end 9 they were down 3-12. Things started to improve and by end 14 they’d closed the gap to 14-15 but they could only win 1 more end to finally lose by 3 shots, 15-18.
Overall another good win in the league, let’s hope things continue in the same fashion.
Date: Sunday 18th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 53 to 58
Report: On a pleasant, warm afternoon Horsham Park played their return fixture against Southwater which turned into a close game with everything depending on the last couple of ends. Park won on 2 and lost on 2 rinks and were ahead with 2 ends to go but unfortunately went down overall by 5 shots, 53-58.
Bryony Wood’s team of Peter Chesser and new bowler Julie Stone had an even game to start with and at the half time tea they were down 5-8 but by end 13 they’d recovered to 11 all. It was at this point that they took control of the game, winning all of the last 5 ends to finally win by 6 shots, 17-11.
Kamran Nadim, Sheila Howard also won their game, this time by 2 shots, 14-12. Similarly to Wood’s game, Nadim’s team were also down at end 12 by 4 shots, 5-9 but they also recovered and with only 3 ends still to play, they were ahead 12-9. As they went into the last end, they were still ahead 14-10 but they went down 2 to win 14-12.
David Clifton with Angela Spurr and Marie Davies started well and were up 4-1 after 4 ends but it didn’t go so well from then on. By half time tea they were down 7-8 and at end 15 were down 7-18. They were able to win 2 more ends to close the gap a little to 11-18 but went down 1 on the last end to lose 11-19.
Skip Lorena Daane with Alan Setchell and Josie Allen had a close game. At teatime they were ahead by 2 shots, 7-5 but by end 13 they’d slipped back to 8-9. It was still close, and by end 16 they were back to 11 all. They lost 1 on the 17th end and on the last end they were holding shots, when the Southwater skip with his last bowl caught the jack and took it to their back woods to win the end by 4 shots and the game 11-16.
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Cranleigh Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 51 to 86
Report: Although it stayed dry, it was very cold for Horsham Park’s away game against Cranleigh Bowls Club where unfortunately Park were only able to win on one rink, losing the other three and overall by 51 to 86. This is slightly better than we did last year at Cranleigh when we lost on all four rinks.
Park’s top rink went to skip Bryony Wood, who with Peter Chesser and David Peters won 12 of the 18 ends and by 12 shots, 20-8. At end 8 they were only 1 shot up, 6-5 but from then on they dominated the game winning all bar 2 of the remaining ends; they were Park’s only winning rink.
Lorena Daane with Farron Calver and John Leadbeater started well and by the 7th end they were 4 shots up, 6-2 but at this point the Cranleigh bowlers started their comeback, winning 9 of the remaining ends. Park finally losing by 10 shots, 9-19.
Kamran Nadim’s team of Angela Spurr and David Spurr struggled from the start. The Cranleigh number 2 was deadly accurate and whatever the length of the jack, she was able to thread her way through the Park bowls to sit on the jack which enabled the Cranleigh bowlers to win most of the ends and to win by 20 shots, 26-6. Quite demoralising for the Park team.
David Clifton, Sheila Howard and Norma Covey played well but came up against the Cranleigh Captain’s strong team and although Clifton’s team won 7 of the 18 ends they still went down 16-33.
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Crawley Town Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Win 51 to 38
Report: The weather was a little warmer for Horsham Park’s home game at Crawley Town which resulted in another good win, 51-38. Park won well on two rinks but went down on the third.
Park’s top rink went to skip Bryony Wood who with Alan Setchell and new bowler Julie Stone won by 15 shots, 23 to Crawley’s 8. Wood’s team started slowly and after 6 ends it was 4 all but from then on they dominated the rest of the game winning all bar 3 of the remaining ends.
Captain David Clifton, Sheila Howard and Josie Allen had a much closer game and with 4 ends to play they were only 1 up, 10-9, but they were able to take 7 shots off the last 4 ends to finally win 17-9.
Kamran Nadim’s team of Mel Stone and Norma Covey came up against stiff opposition and although they won 8 of the 18 ends, their scores were mainly ones whereas the Crawley bowlers were winning their ends with twos and threes.
Overall another enjoyable afternoon on the bowling green.
Date: Tuesday 6th May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to St Francis Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex Bowls League Score Win 59 to 42
Report: It was a dry afternoon but jolly cold for Horsham Park’s Mid-Sussex away game at St Francis which resulted in a good win, overturning last season’s loss. Park won well on 2 rinks but lost the third.
Park’s top rink went to skip Kamran Nadim who with Angela Spurr, David Spurr and David Dunnington dominated their game from the start and by end 9 they were ahead 17-4. Things continued in the same vein, and they finally won 30-8, the St Francis team only winning 6 ends.
Bryony Wood, Lorena Daane, Graham Roots and Farron Calver did almost as well, winning 20-9. They had a slow start and at end 7 they were only 1 up, 5-4, but they then got into their stride and by end 14 they led 17-5. They lost a couple of ends before the finish but still a very good win.
David Clifton with Sheila Howard, David Peters and Mel Watson came up against a tough team and by the halfway point they were down 2 shots, 6-8 but unfortunately they lost by 5 shots on a couple of the remaining ends and finally went down 9-25.
After the game everyone adjourned to the St Francis club house for an excellent afternoon tea.
Date: Thursday 1st May 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Haywards Heath Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Draw 51 to 51
Report : On a scorching hot 1st day of May when record temperatures were reached, Park Bowls, although winning on 3 of the 4 rinks, drew their home game against Haywards Heath, 51 all. Skip Bryony Wood with Farron Calver and new bowler Julie Stone, had a great start and by end 12 they were up 5 shots up, 11-6. Unfortunately, they then lost the next 5 ends so with 1 end to play it was 11 all but they were able to win the last end by 2 shots to finish 13-11. Similarly David Clinton’s team of John Leadbeater and Marie Davies were up 7 shots, 13-6 by end 10 but they could only win 2 more ends, both with only 1 shot and so ended up winning by 2 shots, 15-13. Both David Peters and David Spurr were suffering from unrelated problems, so they shared a game with Skip Kamran Nadim and lead Mel Watson. By end 9 they were well ahead 9-2 but the second half didn’t go so well and with 1 end to go it was 13 all but they took a 1 on the last end to win 14-13. Angela Spurr with Peter Chesser and Norma Covey came up against the Haywards Heath’s Captains team which as always contained their best bowlers. Spurr’s team played well but still lost by 5 shots, 9-14.
Date: Sunday 27th April 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to East Grinstead Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Won 67 to 45
Report: On a fine sunny afternoon Horsham Park played their second friendly game of the season at home to East Grinstead. Park won 2 rinks and lost on 2 but won overall 67-45. After the hard work over the winter by our green manager, David Clifton, the green played well. Park’s top rink went to David Clifton who with Angela Spurr and Farron Calver won by 15 shots, 24-9. Their game started slowly and by end 5 they were down 2-5 but from this point they dominated the game winning all bar 3 of the remaining ends. East Grinstead arrived with a player short, so the 4th rink was played as a pair. Park’s team of Kamran Nadim and Beryl Noble won consistently throughout the game winning 14 of the 18 ends and overall 19-7. Both Park’s losing rinks had close games which could have gone either way. Bryony Wood’s team of Peter Chesser and Marie Davies didn’t start so well and at end 10 they were down 4 shots, but they recovered, and at end 15 they were ahead 14-10 but unfortunately they lost the last 3 ends to finally go down 14-17. Lorena Daane, Sheila Howard and David Peters had another close game and at the half time tea it was 6 all. It continued in the same fashion, scoring only singles on each end, but they just lost 10-12.
Overall a good win and an enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine.
Date: Thursday 24th April 2025 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 52 to 89
Report: Horsham Park’s first friendly game of the 2025 season, away to Southwater, ended in a loss, 52-89. The weather was sunny but a little cool. Unfortunately for this first game, with some new bowlers and a heavy green, Park lost on all 4 rinks. Park’s best performing rink, skipped by Lorena Daane, who with John leadbeater and Graham Roots were down 4 shots, 8-12, with 5 ends to go but they were able to win all bar 1 of the remaining ends to close the gap but still lost by just 1 shot, 12-13. Skip Kamran Nadim with Peter Chesser and Marie Davies started well and at half time were 3 shots up, 8-5, but their good luck didn’t last, going down 6 on end 12, and by end 14 they’d slipped back to 12-13 behind. The game continued in a similar fashion and by the end, after winning only 1 more end, they lost 13-19. Park’s remaining 2 rinks, playing with new bowlers, and coming up against some of Southwater’s better bowlers, lost by 14-28 and 13-29.
Not the best start to the season but let’s hope things start to improve as the weather warms up.