Match Results & Reports
Date: Thursday 27th July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Old Coulsdon Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 29 to 60
Report: There was light rain all day, but Old Coulsdon were determined to come to Horsham to play the Park bowlers in the next Border League game. They were level top of the league and needed the points from a good win. The green was wet and heavy, and it continued to drizzle all evening, but the game went ahead. It was not unexpected, Old Coulsdon is a large club with Surrey County bowlers, but once again Park lost on 2 of the rinks, drawing the third and losing overall, 29-60. Once again it was our friends from Southwater that came out best, drawing 16 all. They started well and by end 11 they were ahead 7 shots, 13-6 but they went down a 5 on the next end and from then on, the Old Coulsdon bowlers got the hang of the green to close the gap until the game was a draw by the last end. The team of Peter Chesser, Kamran Nadim and David Clifton had to play a man short as one of the team couldn’t make it. It was a low scoring game with many ends only scoring 1 shot but once again most of these went to Old Coulsdon. The final score was Park 5 shots to Old Coulsdon’s 18. David Peters with Ian Holmes, David Spurr and David Dunnington fared even worse winning only 5 of the 18 ends. The Park lead, David Dunnington, drew to the jack consistently but the Old Coulsdon bowlers managed to get closer or move the jack to their bowls. Anyway, the score didn’t reflect the good bowling, Park losing 8-26.
Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to St Francis Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex League Score lost 36 to 67
Report: It was a pleasant warm evening for Horsham Park’s Mid-Sussex away game at St Francis. Due to a last minute drop out Park had to play with only 3 bowlers on one rink which meant that they were at a disadvantage, Park 6 woods to St Francis’ 8. Once again, the Park bowlers tried their best but were unable to overcome the superior opposition, losing on all 3 rinks and lost overall 36-67. Park’s top rink, losing by only 3 shots, was led by Bryony Wood with David Clifton, David Spurr and Lorena Daane. It was a close game, at 6 ends they were ahead 5-3, but by the 11th end they were behind by 1 shot, 8-9 and with only 2 ends to play they were still only down 1 shot, 13-14 but they lost the last 2 ends, each by 1 shot, to finally lose 13-16. The St Francis’ lead played with straight woods and was able to draw to the jack on almost every end which played a big part in their teams win. David Peters who with Ian Holmes, Angela Spurr and Beryl Noble came up against the St Francis Captain, a very good bowler, who changed the score regularly by drawing in or moving the jack to win the end. Once again the Park bowlers started well and by end 6, they also led by 1 shot, 6-5. Unfortunately, they went down a 6 on the very next end which proved to be the turning point in the game. Peters’ team fought back and were still only 3 down by end 13, 13-16 but they could only win 1 more end and then going down by 5 shots on end 16 proved insurmountable and they lost 14-26. It was Kamran Nadim’s team of Peter Chesser and Sheila Howard who had to play with 1 player short. They tried their very best, but they had a big disadvantage and lost 9-25. After the game everyone retired to the clubhouse for a superb, huge supper which made up, just a little, for the loss.
Date: Sunday 21st July 2024 Horsham Park Ladies versus Gentlemen and BBQ
Competitin: Ladies versus Gentlemen Score Ladies 44 Gents 20
Report: Sunday’s Ladies v Gents roll up prior to the BBQ was once again a triumph for the Ladies, winning on 2 rinks, drawing the third and winning overall, 44-20. The ladies are now so used to this, winning every game played in the Nellie Mercer and Gladys Roland Competition, it’s no surprise that they soundly beat the gents. Angela, Sheila and Beryl playing David C, Farron and Graham R had the closest game. The ladies rocketed into an early lead and were 6-1 up at 3 ends but the gents caught up and by the 7th end it was 6 all. The game now continued in a similar fashion with the score going either way and at the end, it was 9 all. Lorena with Pam and Josie took on David S, John L and Alan in a game which, for the first few ends, was very close. With only 4 ends still to play it was 5 all, BUT at this point the gents seemed to lose their direction and the ladies won well on all the remaining ends to go 10 shots up, 15-5. On the last game, the ladies led by Bryony who with Pauline and Barbara, who shared a game, and Marie played David P, Robin M and Ian H. The ladies were 7 to nil up after 3 ends but the gents took a 4 on the next end to close the gap to 7-4 but this was the gents last and only decent end. They could only win 2 more ends and the ladies continued to score well to win by 14 shots, 20-6.
After this fun game, everyone retired to the clubhouse to enjoy a superb BBQ prepared by Margaret and her helpers and cooked by Kamran who slaved over the BBQ while the bowlers enjoyed themselves. The burgers were all handmade by Kamran and were delicious. It was a great end to an enjoyable day.
Date: Friday 19th July 2024 Horsham Park Ladies Home to The Drive Ladies
Competition: Gladys Roland Knock Out Competition Score Win 19 to 18
Report: On another very hot and humid Friday afternoon, the Horsham Park Ladies took on The Drive Ladies in the third round of the Gladys Roland Knock Out Competition. A big congratulations must go to our ladies on a magnificent win which couldn't have been any closer, winning by just 1 shot, 19-18. This win takes them through to the quarter finals which must be played by the beginning of August. The team of Bryony Wood, Lorena Daane, Pam Venn and Beryl Noble got off to a great start and by the 5th end they were ahead 7-3. They maintained their 4-shot lead and at 11 ends they were still ahead 10-6. Over the next few ends, they gained another shot and were ahead 5 shots, 14-9, by end 14. Unfortunately, they went down by 4 shots on the very next end and then lost the following 2 ends to go down overall by 2 shots, 14-16. Fighting back, they won the next 2 ends with a 3 and a 2 to once again take the lead, 19-16. With only 2 ends still to play, the Drive ladies took 1 shot on each end to close the gap leaving our Park ladies with just the 1 shot win, 19-18. What a tough game it must have been in the heat. Here’s wishing our ladies good luck and another successful game in the quarter finals.
Date: Thursday 18th July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Dorking Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 41 to 59
Report: On a very hot and humid evening, once again Horsham Park lost their Border League game away against Dorking, losing on all 3 rinks and by 18 shots, 41-59. Bryony Wood with Peter Curd, Peter Chesser and Kamran Nadim had an incredibly close game which could have gone either way. The scores were level, 8 all on end 12, and with only 2 ends to play, it was still level, 10 all. Unfortunately, they lost the last 2 ends to finally go down by 4 shots, 10-14. Our friends from Southwater had a good start and by the 12th end they were up by 1 shot, 14-13 but from then on, they could only win 1 more end and they lost 18-24. David Clifton, Lorena Daane, David Spurr and Graham Roots started well and were ahead 4-2 by end 5 but they went down a 6 on the next end. For most of the remainder of the game the scores were single shots either way which meant they were still behind and then, with only 2 ends to play, they went down by another 5 shots so they finally lost by 8 shots, 13-21.
Date: Tuesday 16th July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Haywards Heath Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex League Score lost 35 to 44
Report: In a closely fought home game, initially played in the rain, which soon cleared up, Park took on a team from Haywards Heath in their next Mid-Sussex game. Park bowlers were able to win on 1 rink but went down on the other 2, losing overall by 9 shots, 35-44 and gaining only 2 of the 10 points available. Park’s top and only winning team was led by David Peters who with Ian Holmes, Angela Spurr and David Donnington started slowly and by end 8 they were down 3-7 but at this point their recovery started and in 3 ends they were ahead 9-7 but the momentum wasn’t maintained and at end 15 it was 10 all. They then dug in and won the last 4 ends to finally win 15-10. Bryony Wood with James Adams, David Spurr and David Clifton had another close game. At end 7 they were up 1 shot, 5-4 and by end 10 it was 7 all but by end 14 they were back to 1 shot behind, 9-10. Unfortunately, they could only win 1 more of the remaining ends to finally lose by 4 shots, 10-14. Captain Kamran Nadim, Peter Chesser, Robin Merritt and Lorena Daane came up against a tough team and didn’t fare so well, by end 8 they were 9 shots down, 3-12. Things didn’t get much better and they lost by 10 shots, 10-20.
Date: Sunday 14th July 2024 Horsham Park Team playing in The Womersh Cup
Report: Horsham Park entered a team into The Wonersh Cup. The team members were David Dunnington, Kamran Nadim, David Clifton and Bryony Wood, they called themselves “Parkers” for the competition. The day was warm and sunny when they arrived at Wonersh at 8.45am for an early start. 16 teams had entered the Cup, and our team, the Parkers, were placed in group C. 5 games had to be played, 4 against Group D teams and 1 from group C. Each game was played over 6 ends, but the games were timed and if play was slow the 6 ends couldn’t be played. The Parkers first game was against a team from Southwater, which they won over the 6 ends, 9-4. Next, they played a team from the Hampton Court area which they also won 6-1. This was followed by a lovely ploughman’s lunch followed by fresh fruit salad. Their next match was against Banstead Neville which they lost 10-2. They then played a team from Camberley, which had at least 2 Surrey County bowlers, which they also lost, 8-2. Tea then followed where they enjoyed lovely home-made cakes!! Their last match was against West Byfleet which was another loss 7-0 but in this game they ran out of time so only 5 ends were played. Overall, our team, the Parkers, came 2nd in their group, much to their surprise, but only the group winners went through to the play offs. One man playing in the cup celebrated his 92nd birthday on the day, but he was still a good bowler. The team enjoyed playing on different rinks each time all with different swings etc. which made for an interesting day enjoyed by all.
Date: Friday 12th July 2024 Horsham Park Club Champion Away to Downsmans Club Champion
Competition: Mid-Sussex Champion of Champion Knock Out Competition Score Lost 5 to 21
Report: Horsham Park’s Champion, Bryony Wood, for her quarter final of the Mid-Sussex Champion of Champions, was drawn away at Downsman. Her opposition, the Downsman Champion, is in this year’s final of the Sussex Men’s Champion of Champions and was also selected last year to play at Leamington Spa in the over 55 nationals, so obviously a very good bowler. The Downsman green was good although a little heavy and the Downsman bowler put up long jacks from the start. Despite valiant efforts and close ends Bryony was only able to win 4 of the 17 ends before the Downsman Champion reached the 21 shots needed to win. This game was a lesson in drawing to a long jack and forcing shots! A big congratulations to Bryony for getting through to the quarter finals.
Date: Thursday 11th July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Redhill Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 33 to 76
Report: Horsham Park’s Border League game away against Redhill was somewhat of a disaster losing on all 3 rinks and by 43 shots, 33-76. The evening was pleasantly warm, and the green played well, unfortunately Park bowlers didn’t. Our friends from Southwater performed best and by end 9 they were 1 up, 7-6 but things went down in the second half, and they finally lost 10-15. Captain Kamran Nadim, David Peters, David Spurr and Graham Roots started well and at end 4 they were 5 all but after this the Redhill lead, a deadly accurate young man, got his eye in, drawing to the jack at every end so that the Park bowlers were only able to win 5 more ends to lose by 19 shots, 11-30. Similarly, David Clifton, Ian Holmes, Peter Chesser and Angela Spurr struggled from the start and they also lost by 19 shots, 12-31. As the old adage goes, least said about this game soonest mended.
Date: Thursday 4th July 2024 Horsham Park Ladies Away to Southwater Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer League Score Win 41 to 26
Report: The Horsham Park ladies travelled to Southwater for their next Nellie Mercer League game and came away with another great win, 41-26, winning on both rinks. The teams were slightly changed for this game due to unavailability and injury, but this made no difference to their winning streak. The win gives Park ladies all 6 points and keeps them top of the top division. Skip Lorena Daane, Pam Venn and Beryl Noble started well and by end 5 they were 5-3 up. The next 7 ends were extremely close and by end 12 they were only 1 up, 9-8. Both Park and Southwater scored 1 on the next 2 ends but then the Park ladies took control of the game, taking 11 shots from the next 3 ends. Southwater took 1 on the last end to close the gap a little giving the Park ladies an excellent 21-10 win. Captain Bryony Wood with Sheila Howard and Pauline Topper started slowly and by end 5 they were 2-5 down, they continued in the same way and by end 12 the Southwater ladies had the upper hand and were ahead 15-6. At this point the Park ladies dug in, found the line of the green and took 9 shots over the next 3 ends to level the score and at end 15 it was 15 all. Over the last 3 ends the Southwater ladies scored 1 shot and the Park ladies managed a 2 and 3 giving them another good win 20-16. A big thank you to Pauline Topper who stood in at the last minute to enable the ladies to field a full team.
Date: Thursday 4th July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Reigate Priory Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 35 to 55
Report: Horsham Park played away against Reigate Priory in their next Border League game, winning on 1 rink but going down on the other 2, to lose overall by 11 shots, 41-52 and taking only 2 of the 10 league points available. Park’s top and only winning rink skipped by Kamran Nadim who with Ian Holmes, Mike Jones from Southwater, and David Dunnington led from the start and by end 10 they were ahead 13-6. They then lost a couple of ends but then got back into their stride to finally finish 10 shots up, 18-10. Our friends from Southwater started well and at end 6 they were 7 all but they couldn’t keep going and by end 13 they were down 7-17. They were able to win 3 more ends but still lost 14-23. David Clifton, Peter Chesser, John Leadbeater and Peter Bailey started well and by end 8 they were 4 shots all. They then lost the next 4 ends so by end 12 they were down 4-13. They won 2 more ends but still finished losing 9-19.
Date: Tuesday 2nd July 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex League Score lost 40 to 69
Report: It was overcast but dry for Horsham Park’s Mid-Sussex away game at Southwater which didn’t go too well for the Park Bowlers, losing on all 3 rinks and 40-69. On one of the rinks Park were a person short therefore, according to the rules, had to lose 25% of their score. This made little difference to the result as even without the penalty, Park would have lost. Park’s top rink and nearest to winning was Kamran Nadim, Graham Roots, David Spurr and Sheila Howard. The game was even, 8 shots all by end 6 but at this point the Park bowlers got into their stride and by end 12 they were 8 shots ahead, 18-10. Unfortunately, on the next end Southwater took a 5 to close the gap to 18-15. By end 15, and with only 3 ends to play, the Park bowlers were still ahead 19-16 but once again the Southwater bowlers scored another 5 to go 2 shots up 21-19. Both teams scored 1 on the last 2 ends to leave the Southwater bowlers still 2 shots up 22-20. David Clifton with Peter Chesser, Peter Bailey and Lorena Daane got off to a great start and after 4 ends they were ahead 9-0 but then the Southwater bowlers got into their stride and by end 9 Park were now down 1 shot, 9-10. They managed 1 more good end taking a 4 but then the Southwater bowlers dominated the remainder of the game to win 22-14. Bryony Wood with Ian Holmes and Angela Spurr, playing a person short, came up against the Southwater Captain’s strong team and struggled from the start, finally losing 6-25.
Date: Monday 1st July 2024 Horsham Park Club Champion Home to St Francis Club Champion
Competition: Mid-Sussex Champion of Champion Knock Out Competition Score win 21 to 11
Report: On a pleasant but overcast afternoon, Park’s ladies Captain Bryony Wood, having won through to the second round of the Mid-Sussex Champion of Champions, took on the St Francis men’s champion, Eric Reuter, in a home game. Bryony began well and was 6-1 up after 4 ends and by end 7 this had increased to 10-2. It was at this point that Eric Reuter got into his stride and by end 11, he had closed the gap to only 2 behind, 12-10. Bryony then scored a 3 to go 15-10 up but then Eric won the next end by 1 shot taking the score to 15-11. Bryony then won the next two ends to give her a very creditable 21-11 win. The next round is an away game at Downsman playing their men's champion, Jono Dalton. Once again, a big well done to Bryony.
Date: Saturday 29th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Crawley Town Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Win 78 to 59
Report: On a beautifully warm afternoon, Horsham Park played their return friendly home game against Crawley Town, winning on 2 rinks, drawing on a third and marginally losing on the 4th with an overall score of 78-59. The previous away game resulted in a 48 all draw so a much better result at home. Both Park’s top teams won with a +10-shot score difference. Peter Chesser with David Spurr and Beryl Noble were 6 all on end 6, they then won the next few ends and by half time tea were ahead 12-7 but the Crawley bowlers fought back and by end 13 Chesser’s team were only 1 ahead, 13-12. They then won the next 4 ends and with 1 end to play they were up 23-12. Crawley took 1 shot on the last end to finish the game 23-13. Bryony Wood, Graham Roots and Marie Davies had a storming start and by end 6, were ahead 13-1 but the Crawley bowlers won the next 2 ends, closing the gap slightly to 13-7. Wood’s team then came back to win 2 more ends, so they were again ahead 19-7. Now it was Crawley’s turn winning the next 4 ends to close the gap to 19-12. Wood’s team came back once again to finish 10 shots ahead 24-14. Angela Spurr’s team of Sheila Howard and Alan Setchell had a much closer game and at half time tea it was 8 all. They then started to win more ends and by end 14 they were ahead 16-11 but the Crawley bowlers came back and the game finished as a draw 17 all. Peter Schlotter’s team of Ian Holmes and Pauline Topper had a very close game, the lead changing throughout. By end 10 they were ahead 9-5 but by end 15 they were down 11-13. Taking a 3 on the next end put them 1 shot up, 14-13 but they lost the last 2 ends to finally go down by 1 shot, 14-15. Overall, a very enjoyable game with our good friends from Crawley Town.
Date: Thursday 27th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Newdigate Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 35 to 55
Report: The warm spell of weather continued for Horsham Park’s Border League game at home to Newdigate. Park won on 1 rink but went down on the other 2 to lose overall by 20 shots, 35-55. Park’s top and only winning rink was our friends and guests from Southwater who at end 9 were even, 7 all. They then forged ahead and with only 3 ends to play they were ahead by 8 shots, 16-8. Unfortunately, they lost these last ends and finished the game only 2 shots up, 16-10. Peter Curd, Peter Chesser, Kamran Nadim and Peter Bailey started slowly and by end 9 they were down 4-10. They took a 5 on the next end to close the gap to 9-10 but they could only win on 1 of the remaining 8 ends to finally lose by 10 shots, 12-22. Ian Holmes, David Spurr, Robin Merritt and Graham Roots came up against a very tough team led by the Newdigate Captain and a brilliant number 3 who time and again was able to draw in and set up a winning end. Despite their best efforts the Park bowlers were only able to win 5 ends and lost the game 7-19.
Date: Thursday 27th June 2024 Horsham Park Ladies Home to DownsmanLadies
Competition: Nellie Mercer League Score Win 37 to 27
Report: On a pleasant evening, a little cooler than the previous day, Horsham Park ladies took on the Downsman ladies at home in the Nellie Mercer League winning on both rinks and by 10 shots, 37-27. This win gives the ladies maximum league points and retains their position at the top of the league. Park’s top rink went to Angela Spurr, Pam Venn and Pauline Topper who had a very close game. The Downsman ladies took 5 shots on end 4 which put them 7-2 up but Spurr’s team came back and on end 7 they took 7 shots to put them ahead 13-7 but as always, the opposition fought back and by end 10 Spurr’s lead was back down to 1 shot, 13-12. At this point the game was close with both teams gaining single shots until with 1 end still to play the score was 17-15 to the Park ladies but Spurr’s team took 4 shots on the last end to finally win by 6 shots, 21-15. Ladies Captain Bryony Wood with Sheila Howard and Beryl Noble had a great start and by end 8 they were ahead 11-3. They continued in the same vein and with 4 ends to play they were ahead 10 shots, 16-6 but it was at this point that the Downsman ladies took control, winning the last 4 ends but they were unable to overcome Wood’s considerable lead and the game finished 16-12 in favour of the Park ladies. Another super win for the ladies.
Date: Wednesday 26th June 2024 Horsham Park Ladies Home to Southwick Ladies
Competition: Gladys Roland Knock Out Competition Score Win 27 to 9
Report: On a scorching Wednesday afternoon, the Horsham Park Ladies took on the Southwick Ladies in the second round of the Gladys Roland Knock Out Competition. In the heat, the stalwart Park ladies dominated the game from the start to win by 18 shots, 27-9. The ladies led by Captain Bryony Wood who with Lorena Daane, Pam Venn and Beryl Noble were 21-1 up by end 10 but then the Southwick ladies won a few ends to close the gap slightly and by end 17 the score was 23-8. With only 4 ends to go, the Southwick ladies were determined and wouldn’t concede, but they could only win 1 more end and Park finally won 27-9. A great game against a formidable opposition. The Park ladies now progress to the third round to play The Drive, once again at home. Here’s hoping for another successful game and good luck to the ladies.
Date: Thursday 20th June 2024 Horsham Park Ladies Away to Horsham Ladies
Competition: Nellie Mercer League Score Win 37 to 20
Report: On a lovely warm evening, Horsham Park ladies played away at local rivals Horsham ladies in the Nellie Mercer League. In an exciting game, the Park ladies won on both rinks, winning overall by 17 shots, 37-20. Park’s top rink went to Beryl Noble, Lorena Daane and Ladies Captain Bryony Wood who were 2 shots up, 7-5, at the half-way point but they then took control of the game and won all bar 2 of the last ends to finally win by 10 shots, 17-7. Park’s other rink, skipped by Sheila Howard who with Pam Venn and Angela Spurr were again only 1 shot up, 8-7, after 9 ends but once again they dominated the second half and with only 1 end to go they were 20-9 up but the Horsham ladies took 4 shots from the last end which meant that Howard’s ladies won by 7 shots, 20-13.
Date: Thursday 20th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Old Coulsdon Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 42 to 48
Report: On a beautifully warm evening Horsham Park played their Border League away game at Old Coulsdon. Old Coulsdon are new to the league and are a very large club with a huge membership. They have won all their league games so far. At the same time as the Park bowlers were playing, there were many other competitions taking place on both of their outside greens. Although Park won well on 1 rink they went down on the other 2 and lost overall 42-48 gaining only 2 of the 10 points available. Park’s top rink went to skip Peter Curd who with Peter Chesser, Kamran Nadim and Peter Bailey were 7-3 up at the halfway point. They then lost the next 2 ends to go down 7-10 but they recovered winning all bar 1 of the remaining ends to finally win 20-11. Geoff Kentish with John Borasinski, Mike Jones and Andy Coshan were once again ahead by 1 shot at 9 ends, 7-6, but they then lost 6 of the remaining 9 ends to lose 12-18. David Peters, Ian Holmes, David Spurr and David Clifton won many of the ends but winning each one by only 1 shot whereas the Old Coulsdon bowlers won their ends with up to 4 shots to finally win 10-19.
Date: Tuesday 18th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Isle of Thorns Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex County League Score Win 59 to 48
Report: On a pleasant, overcast evening, Horsham Park played their Mid-Sussex home game against the Isle of Thorns Bowls Club. Park won 2 rinks and lost on the third but won overall 59-48, overturning last year’s defeat, and taking 8 of the 10 league points available. Park’s top rink, skipped by Kamran Nadim, who with Ian Holmes, David Spurr and Beryl Noble scored consistently from the start and by end 14, with only 4 ends to go, they were ahead 21-5, but the Thorns bowlers won the next 3 ends to close the score a little, but Nadim’s team were still able to finish the game 12 shots ahead, 22-10. David Peters, Peter Chesser, Peter Bailey and Lorena Daane had a closer game and by end 9, they were behind 9-13. Their recovery started and by end 16 they were ahead 18-16. They then won the last 2 ends to finally win 23-16. Skip Bryony Wood with David Clifton, Robin Merritt and Angela Spurr struggled at the start and by end 9 they were down 4-14 but they dug in and closed the gap slowly so that by end 13 they were 14 all. Unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain the momentum and lost the last 5 ends to lose 14-22.
Date: Sunday 16th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home and away to Felbridge Bowls Club
Competition: Tom Francis Knock Out Score Home Win 22 to 16, Away lost 17 to 19, Overall Win 39 to 35
Report: At last the weather improved for Horsham Park’s Tom Francis Knock Out game against Felbridge. The game is played with one team at home and the other away at Felbridge. Both games started promptly at 10.00am and by this time the sun was shining, it was warming up, and by the end it was very pleasant. Park was able to win the home game 22-16 and marginally lost the away game 17-19, which meant that Park won overall, 39-35, and move forward to the next round playing West Hoathly on 30th June. The home team of Bryony Wood, James Adams, David Spurr and Angela Spurr started well and by the 4th end they were 7 nil up but very quickly the Felbridge bowlers caught up and at 8 ends the score was 7 all. Wood’s team then forged ahead and by end 16 they were 21-9 ahead then the Felbridge bowlers once again recovered a little to win 4 of the last 5 ends but Wood’s team managed to hang on to win 22-16. The away team, David Peters, Kamran Nadim, David Clifton and Lorena Daane, had a much closer game and at the 9th end they were 1 down, 5-6, they then fell behind, losing 4 of the next 5 ends and by end 14 they were behind 6-14. Their recovery then began, and at end 19, with 2 ends to go, they were ahead by 1 shot, 16-15. Unfortunately, they went down 4 shots on the penultimate end, but took 1 shot on the last end to finally lose by 2 shots, 17-19.
Date: Thursday 13th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Dorking Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 46 to 47
Report: On yet another cold, very wet evening, Horsham Park played and lost marginally by 1 shot, 46-47, their home Border League game against Dorking. Park won on 1 rink but lost on the other 2. The final result hung on the last ends from all 3 rinks. Park’s top rink went to skip Peter Curd who with James Adams, Peter Chesser and Peter Bailey were 17-6 up on end 13 and continued on to finally win by 8 shots, 19-11. David Peters, Kamran Nadim, David Spurr and David Clifton were well ahead, 16-11, with only 4 ends to play but, as the heavy rain continued, they lost the final ends to lose 16-21. Geoff Kentish with John Borasinski, Cliff Merchant and Andy Coshan had a close game although they were behind for most of the game, they held on but still lost by 4 shots, 11-15. Let’s hope the weather improves for the remainder of the league season.
Date: Tuesday 11th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Crawley Town Bowls Club
Competition: Mid-Sussex County League Score lost 42 to 57
Report: Where has our summer gone?? On another very cold evening, Horsham Park played their first Mid-Sussex game of the season away at Crawley Town. Park won on 1 rink, went down marginally on the second but lost drastically on the third, losing overall 42-57 and gaining only 2 of the 10 league points available. Park’s top rink went to skip David Peters who with Peter Chesser, Peter Bailey and Lorena Daane were 18-4 up by end 10 but at this point the Crawley bowlers managed recover a little and score on a few more ends but Peters’ team held on and finally won by 11 shots, 22-11. Bryony Wood, David Clifton, new bowler Robin Merritt and Angela Spurr had a much closer game and at end 9 they were 1 shot down 5-6 but they recovered over the next few ends and by end 13 they were 1 ahead, 10-9. They then lost the next 2 ends and went back down to 10-15 but closed the gap once again over the last 3 ends to finish only 1 shot down, 14-15. Kamran Nadim’s team of Graham Roots, David Spurr and Sheila Howard came up against tough opposition and never really got going. They ended up winning only 5 ends and losing overall 6-31. After the game everyone retired to the Crawley clubhouse for a very welcome hot cup of tea and delicious supper.
Date: Thursday 6th June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Redhill Bowls Club
Competition: Border League Score lost 36 to 62
Report: The evening had a decided chill in the air when Horsham Park men played their first Border League game at home against Redhill. For the first time in the Border League, teams were able to use a limited number of volunteer bowlers from another club as long as that club didn’t play in the League. For this game, Park included 5 bowlers from Southwater and despite everyone’s best efforts the game was lost 36-62, losing on all 3 rinks. Park’s team that came closest was skipped by David Peters, who with Kamran Nadim, Lorena Daane and David Clifton, were down 8-14 with 2 ends to play but they won the last 2 ends by 5 shots to close the gap to lose by only 1 shot, 13-14. The Southwater bowlers, Geoff Kentish, skip, John Borasinski, Mike Jones and Andy Coshan, had a great start and were 10 nil up by end 5, but by end 12 the Redhill bowlers had recovered to 12 all. The Park bowlers then lost all bar 2 of the remaining 6 ends to finally go down 15-21. Peter Curd with James Adams, Graham Roots and Peter Bailey came up against some tough opposition winning only 6 of the 18 ends and losing 8-27. Not the best start to the Border League season.
Date: Tuesday 4th June 2024 Horsham Park Club Champion Home to Southgate Park Club Champion
Competition: Mid-Sussex Champion of Champion Knock Out Competition Score win 21 to 10
Report: In the first round of the Mid-Sussex Champion of Champion Knock Out Competition, Park’s Bryony Wood took on Southgate Park’s Champion, Tony Nightingale. The game was pretty even at the start and after 7 ends the score was 6 all but at this point Bryony took control of the game winning all bar 2 of the remaining ends. By end 14 she was 6 shots ahead 16-10, she then went on to win the remaining ends to finally win 21-10. Congratulations and let’s hope that things go as well in the next round.
Date: Sunday 1st June 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Away to Billingshurst Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 56 to 66
Report: After the cold damp weather of the last few days, there was some sunshine, and it was considerably warmer for Park’s away game to their friends at Billingshurst. In spite of winning on 2 of the 4 rinks, Park still lost the game 56-66. Top rink went to David Peters who with Peter Chesser and Josie Allen were up 13-2 at half time tea. The Billingshurst bowlers recovered a little when they came back out onto the green and were able to close the gap to 14-11 but Peters’ team held on to win 20-13. Kamran Nadim’s team of David Clifton and Alan Setchell had a much closer game but still came out ahead, winning by 6 shots, 17-11. At 9 ends they were 7 all and at end 14 they were only 1 shot up, 12-11 but they were able to win the last 4 ends to finish the game 6 shots ahead, 17-11. Skip Angela Spurr with Ian Holmes and Barbara Rowe started well and after 7 ends, they were ahead 5-4. The Billingshurst skip then got into his stride and for many ends when Spurr’s bowlers were holding shot, he was able to draw in and take the end. Spurr’s team finally lost 10-16. Bryony Wood’s team of David Spurr and Lorena Daane came up against the Billingshurst Captain’s picked team and they struggled from the start and they eventually lost 9-26.
Date: Wednesday 29th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Ladies Home to West Hoathly Bowls Club Ladies
Competition: Gladys Roland Knock Out Competition Score Win 24 to 8
Report: After heavy overnight rain, the weather turned out pleasantly warm for the Horsham Park ladies Gladys Roland first round game against the West Hoathly ladies. The ground was initially heavy but got quicker as the afternoon progressed. The Park ladies were up against some tough, experienced opposition, but they triumphed, winning 24-8. The West Hoathly ladies conceded at 18 ends when it became obvious that they had almost no chance of winning. The Park ladies started slowly and by the fourth end it was 2 all, but they then took control of the game and by end 10 they were up 15-2. The game continued in a similar fashion with the Park ladies winning all bar 3 of the remaining ends until West Hoathly conceded.
The Park ladies now progress to the second round which will be another home game against either Burgess Hill (B) or Southwick (B), both very strong opposition.
Date: Sunday 26th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Horsham Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost this game 41 to 50 and overall 92 to 101
Report: After a gloriously sunny Saturday, the weather for Horsham Park’s return home fixture against Horsham Bowls Club playing for the Town Challenge Shield was sometimes overcast, breezy and a little cooler. Unfortunately, Park could not maintain their hold on the Challenge Shield, losing this game by 9 shots 41 to 50. Combining the scores with the game away at Horsham, the final result for this year’s Challenge was 92-101. Chairman David Spurr presented the Shield to the Horsham Captain at the end of the game.
As only 3 rinks were played in the away game, and although 4 rinks were played at home, only 3 counted. It was decided before the game which of the rinks would be dropped from the final score. Of the 3 rinks that counted, Park won 1, marginally lost 1, but went down by quite a few on the third. Park’s top and only winning rink, went to Bryony Wood, who with Sheila Howard, John Leadbeater and Marie Davies, were down 5-6, at the halfway point in the game but they then won the next 5 ends to go ahead 14-6. Unfortunately, they could only score 1 more shot on the final ends but still won by 5 shots, 15-10. David Peters’ team of Alan Setchell, David Spurr and Lorena Daane had a poor start and after 8 ends they were down 3-16 and with only 4 ends still to play they were still down 9-19. At this point Park’s lead, Lorena Daane, put up some long jacks which proved the turning point, allowing the Park bowlers to close the gap and finish the game 1 shot down 18-19. On the last end, although Park’s woods surrounded the jack, unfortunately there was still 1 of the Horsham bowls in second place. With 1 more end, this game may have been won. Kamran Nadim, Pam Venn, Josie Allen and Beryl Noble came up against some tough opposition and never really got going. They were behind from the start and by end 11 they were down 2-15. They recovered a little but still lost 8-21.
In spite of the loss of the Shield, everyone enjoyed the afternoon’s bowls and after the game everyone retired to the Horsham clubhouse for an excellent tea.
Date: Thursday 23rd May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Dorking Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Win 57 to 46
Report: After the previous day’s heavy rain, the sun came out for Horsham Park’s away game at Dorking Bowls Club. Park won on 2 of the rinks and drew the third, winning overall by 11 shots, 57-46. Park’s top rink went to Bryony Wood who with David Spurr and Ian Holmes were 5 nil down by end 4 but then recovered to go 10-5 up on end 10. At this point, the Dorking bowlers fought back and by end 15 the score was 13 all with everything to play for. Wood’s team were able to win the last 3 ends and finished the game 9 ahead, 22-13. Park’s other winning rink, David Peters, Angela Spurr and Peter Bailey, also had a poor start and by the 4th end they were 7 nil down. They then won the next ends to go 2 up, 10-8 by the 11th end but once again the Dorking Bowlers came back and were 4 ahead 10-14 by end 14 but Peters’ team dug in and won the final 4 ends to win by 2 shots, 16-14. Park’s third rink skipped by Kamran Nadim had a much closer game with the lead changing throughout the game but ended up as a draw 19 all. Nadim with David Clifton and Marie Davies were 5 up with 2 ends to go but they lost both ends to draw the game.
Date: Sunday 19th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to Southwater Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Lost 52 to 65
Report: On a much warmer Sunday afternoon, Horsham Park lost their return home fixture against Southwater by 13 shots, 52 to 65. Park were only able to win on 1 of the 4 rinks. Captain John Leadbeater skipped Park’s only winning rink. Leadbeater with Sheila Howard and Josie Allen were down 1 shot at teatime, 7-8 but they came good in the second half winning all bar 3 of the final ends and winning overall by 7 shots, 19-12. David Peters with Ian Holmes and Beryl Noble had a close game but unfortunately by the end they were down by 2 shots, 13-15. Peter Bailey’s team of Lorena Daane and Marie Davies were behind from the start and finally lost 12-21. David Clifton with new bowler James Adams and Alan Setchell started well and after 5 ends they were up 5-2. By teatime they were drawing 6 all but things went downhill from then on and they were only able to win 2 of the remaining ends to finally lose 8-17.
Date: Thursday 16th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Cranleigh Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Cancelled
Unfortunately the weather reverted to type and the rain set in once again resulting in yet another cancelled game.
Date: Tuesday 14th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Horsham Bowls Club
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score draw : 51 to 51
Report: The weather continued to improve for Horsham Park’s away fixture against Horsham Bowls Club playing for the Town Challenge Shield. It was another incredibly close game that once again went down to the last bowl of the last end. The final score was an honourable draw, 51 all. Park were able to win 2 rinks but went down on the third. Once again Park’s top rink went to skip Kamran Nadim who with Graham Roots, David Clifton and Sheila Howard had a great game. They won 10 of the 18 ends scoring between 2 and 4 on every end and holding the Horsham bowlers down to 1 shot on their 8 winning ends. Their final score was a creditable 23-8. Bryony Wood skipped Park’s other winning team. Wood with Peter Chesser, Peter Bailey and Beryl Noble were 11-2 up by tea time but after tea the Horsham bowlers started to recover a little winning 5 of the remaining ends but Wood’s team held on to win by 8 shots, 22-14. Peter Schlotter with Ian Holmes, John Leadbeater and Norma Covey struggled from the start, going down 7 shots on end 3. It didn’t get a lot better after this and they finally lost 6-29. After the game everyone retired to the Horsham clubhouse for an excellent tea.
Date: Thursday 9th May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Crawley Town
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score draw : 48 to 48
Report: The weather improved for Horsham Park’s away game at Crawley Town. The game resulted in a draw thanks to Park’s only winning team skipped by Kamran Nadim. Nadim with Ian Holmes and Beryl Noble led from the start, winning all bar 4 of the 18 ends. By the ninth end they were up 10-3 and after tea things got better so that the final score was 25-6. Unfortunately, Park’s other 2 teams weren’t able to work the same magic. David Peters with John Leadbeater and David Clifton came up against the Crawley Captains loaded team. After 5 ends they were only down 1 shot and at end 13 they were still only down 3 shots, 11-14 but after that, things went downhill, and they were only able to win one more end. The final score was 12-19. Bryony Wood’s team of Lorena Daane and Marie Davies struggled from the start and finally lost 11-23.
Date: Thursday 2nd May 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Haywards Heath
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Cancelled
Another game cancelled due to weather. After a night of thunderstorms and torrential rain, the away game against Haywards Heath was cancelled as their green was waterlogged. Let's hope that things improve soon and we can get back to enjoying our bowls in warm dry weather.
Date: Sunday 28th April 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club Home to East Grinstead
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score Cancelled
Unfortunately due to the persistant rain, this game had to be cancelled as it could have resulted in damage to the green and anyway it's no fun playing in wet cold weather.
Date: Thursday 25th April 2024 Horsham Park Bowls Club away to Southwater
Competition: Mixed Friendly Score lost : 51 to 59
Report: Horsham Park’s first friendly game of the 2024 season, away to Southwater, ended in a loss, 51-59. The weather was very cold with a drizzle of rain for most of the afternoon. The green was also damp and heavy and some of our members struggled to reach the jack. Park's only winning rink was skipped by David Spurr who with Beryl Noble and Lorena Daane led from the start and by the half time tea they were up 14-6. After tea the Southwater bowlers started a slow fight back, but they couldn't close the gap, Spurr's team finally winning 19-13. David Peters’ team of Marie Davies and David Dunnington started badly and by end 13 they were 8-13 down but they then fought back to win the next 4 ends and lead by 1 shot, 14-13, but they unfortunately lost the last end by 2 shots to lose 14-15. Captain David Clifton’s team, Graham Roots and Angela Spurr, went into tea up by 2 shots, 9-7 but then could only manage to win 2 more ends and finally lost 11-14. Kamran Nadim with Norma Covey and Sheila Howard found the green particularly trying and by end 13 they were down 2-16 but they recovered and won the next 4 ends to close a little to 7-16 but then lost the last end by 1 shot to lose 7-17.