STRATTON Bowling Club opened its green on Saturday April 16 but we have not finished with the short mat business yet! writes Dave Clark.
The Greens have gained top place in Division Two of the Stephens League and will next year be fighting in the top division.
Our Yellows, in their first season, reached the final of the knockout cup.
Our opening day was a great success. Our green, which is in the best condition ever, and the weather conspired to make it an excellent day.
The first wood was bowled by our MP, Dan Rogerson, who, after his success of delivering the wood, may well want to start bowls as a hobby as soon as time permits.
Our captains Kevin Smale and Elizabeth Hooker organised a spider, which was won by John Connell when David Hooker tapped the jack to him.
David was due to receive greater glory though. In the ensuing games Sandra Parker came second but David won. Very impressive when you realise 54 people were playing.
A magnificent feast followed, supplied by the members and prepared by Katie Peardon, many thanks Katie.
It was also wonderful to see Wendy Trenchard back; not fit enough to play yet but getting there. All the best from us all.
Let's hope the rest of our season will be as good as our first day, could this be the year we win the League?
The Tony Stephens KO Final was played at Winkleigh between Stratton Yellows and Beaford.
On Rink 1 Beaford got away to an impressive start and established a big lead before the Stratton rink settled and gradually narrowed the margin to end up losing by 17 shots to 30.
On Rink 2 the teams were evenly matched and traded ends right up to the 19th end when the score was 16-16.
Stratton then won the last twos ends to win by 21 shots to 16. Beaford ran out winners overall by 46 shots to 38.
For the full report, and a round-up of the regional sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.