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CLUB COMES TO AID OF LEGION

May 2021

This month, the Royal British Legion celebrates 100 years of its annual poppy appeal.

It comes after a very difficult Covid-19 restricted appeal in 2020.

The Legion has been holding events around the Country to raise awareness of the anniversary and help redress the shortfall in funding that occurred in 2020.

Royal Sutton Coldfield District Organiser David Ballantyne is also a member of Erdington Court Bowls Club and appealed to his fellow bowlers for help.

As a result, the Club hosted a week - end of sponsored socially distanced challenges linked to the 100 theme - and raised over £500 for the Legion.

Several Club players including David, undertook over 100 ends of bowls against a relay of other members, and they played for 7 - 8 hours, walking over 10km in the process.

Ray Woods was another of the Court members who took on the 100 end challenge. He said,

"When David explained the difficulties experienced by the Legion - in common with many other charities, we were delighted to help. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us and our all weather rinks coped well with the occasional showers. We are really pleased to have raised over £500 and are grateful to all members who supported this appeal."

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There were a few drops of rain just prior to the start, but most of this away match was played under sunny skies.

Our intrepid 12, 8 of whom had not played on grass for 2 years and 4 of whom, who are fairly new members, had never played on grass before - so we expected quite a challenging afternoon.

As it turned out, the Court players performed pretty well and after 10 ends, Tamworth were leading on 2 rinks and Erdington Court were leading on the other 2 rinks = with the overall score being 35-34 to Tamworth.

During the final 6 ends, a bit of tiredness was evident amongst some of the Court players - and at the end, Tamworth had won on 3 rinks with Pam Ellis, Dave Haworth and Dave Ballantyne being our only winning rink.

The match result was a win for Tamworth by 70 shots to 54. Hopefully the experience of playing on grass will stand us in good stead for our upcoming away matches.

The first outdoor clash of the genders took place on Saturday with three triples taking place in the morning and a further three triples taking place in the afternoon.

The morning session took place under very cloudy skies, but the rain held off until the last couple of ends but all 15 ends were completed. It was actually a fairly close affair all the way through but eventually the ladies won on 2 rinks, 15-8 and 13-11 and the Men won on one rink 15-10, so at the halfway point the Ladies were leading 38-34.

The afternoon session was played under rainy skies and at one point the rain was pretty heavy so play was suspended for a short while. Two of the matches were reasonably close for much of the time whilst the other saw the Ladies leading by a wide margin.

Eventually the Ladies triumphed on all 3 rinks winning 23-10, 13-10 and 17-11 giving the Ladies a convincing win by 91 shots to 65.

The Grand final of the Thomas Trophy took place under sultry skies on Saturday afternoon.cause of the earlier heavy rain the green was extremely slow but Ireland stormed into an early lead winning the first 4 ends. Afghanistan won the 5th end but could not keep pace with Ireland over the next 3 ends. The weather started to get a little worse with some fine rain but after 14 ends with Ireland leading by 19 shots to 10 the game was finished. Ireland (Sandra Haworth, Ken Ludlow and Neil Ballinger)

• Bold

winning the Thomas Trophy with Afghanistan (Pam Ellis, John Marsh and Chris Reid) being the runners up.

After 3 weeks of intense competition, the finalists for the grand final of the Thomas Trophy are now known.

In the league of Stans, Afghanistan went into their last game with 4 wins out of 4. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan each had 3 wins going into their last round of matches. Uzbekistan did beat Afghanistan 10 shots to 8, but Afghanistan finished top of the league based on their shot difference of +17. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan also ended on 8 points but Uzbekistan finished 2nd based on their superior shot difference. At the other end of the league table Tajikistan and Turkmenistan both went into the final match with “Nul points” and Tajikistan ended up winning by 9 shots to 5 so that Turkmenistan finish up with the wooden spoon.

In the league of Lands, Ireland went into their last game with 4 wins out of 4 and had already qualified for the final because of other results that afternoon. They were however unable to hold on to their unbeaten record - and they lost to Iceland by 10 shots to 4. Iceland ended up in 2nd position. At the other end of the league table Switzerland ended up with “Nul points” and the wooden spoon.

The grand final of the Thomas Trophy will therefore be between Afghanistan (Pam Ellis, John Marsh and Chris Reid) and Ireland (Sandra Haworth, Ken Ludlow and Neil Ballinger) at 2 pm on Saturday 8th May 2021.

To see the full and final results, please click HERE.

ERIC WATTS

We are sad to note the passing of Eric Watts from Sutton Coldfield.

Eric was a lifelong member of the Club and took on the role of voluntary financial advisor to the Recreational Trust that oversees the Club - at a difficult time. He played a major role in overseeing structural changes that secured its future. Thank you Eric.

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24/4/2021

THE CLUB CAN NOW ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RINK BOOKINGS. FOR DETAILS, CALL THE SECRETARY ON 07801 227367.

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CROWHURST CHALLENGE 2021

The latest results are now available each 2 weeks. See page for details.

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The Club has partially re-opened its outdoor green. We are now running Steward sessions each day limited to 18 members per session

Monday 10.00 - 11.30

Monday 18.00 - 20.00 (subject to light)

Tuesday 10.00 - 11.30

Wednesday 12.00 - 13.30

Thursday 10.00 - 11.30

Friday 10.00 - 11.30

Social distancing and Government regulations governing these, will remain in force, together with Bowls England advice.

These will be subject to change once we can become fully operational.

Please contact Secretary Les Barrett 0780 122 7367 for bookings and

for further details

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We backed this up with the launch of a new online booking system to reduce the need for members to visit the Club. This proved a great success.

We plan to re-open our indoor arena shortly and have had a new state of the art air extraction system installed over the last few weeks. In total, we have invested over £10,000. We will also be allowing members to continue to play outside if they prefer.The indoor arena also had a new playing surface and electronic scoring system fitted while it was closed.

None of this would have been possible without the support of members, our loyal sponsors and also the Council and the Government from whom we have received financial support, which has been a real lifeline.

No one knows what the future holds, but our aim is to continue to protect not only our members physical health, but also their mental well being. We believe that we can do this by providing a safe environment, in which they can take regular exercise."

The new air extraction system was installed at Erdington Court this week by staff of Enegen Air Conditioning Limited of Redditch.

Erdington Court Bowls club can be contacted on 07801 227367. 

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Fifty bowlers took part in the Covid Cup drawn pairs trial on Saturday 25th July and you could tell they were chomping at the bit to get back into action. The event, captained by Roy Webster, was aimed at testing our ability to hold a large scale bowls event safely whilst adhering to Covid 19 distancing and hygiene protocol.

The day passed with flying colours and not only that - everyone seemed to have a good time! At one point the weather looked as though it was going to put a dampener on proceedings but in the end both morning and afternoon sessions were completed without hiccup.

Overall winners were Mary Webster and Mike Kilby, second were Mike Stanley and Chris Reid and third were Jean Clements and Ken Ludlow.

The successful outcome of the trial now means we can proceed with the Covid Cup which will be held over 9 Sundays commencing Sunday 2nd August. For full details please see the Covid Cup page on this website.

Although the official men's BBA leagues are now out of action for the rest of the 2020 season that doesn't mean to say that our BBA squads are taking it easy. The Erdington Court BBA teams have started a 5 week Tuesday night practice session managed by Allen Onion and Antony Gould where each week players are drawn into different pairs. Battle then commences for two hours to find the winners and losers. Covid distancing and hygiene rules apply but needless to say that there is still plenty of banter and the competitive spirit is truly evident. The sessions will run until mid-August by which time the nights will be drawing in but at least both the A and B squads will have had plenty of practice to keep them in fine fettle until next season. The photographs below show a few of the competitors in action - see if you can recognise a few faces.

Our lovely new indoor green has been fitted and electric scoreboards have been installed so we are ready for the first indoor wood to be bowled. Quite when that will be is a little up in the air at the moment but rest assured the situation is being closely monitored by Executive Committee Chair Rob Robinson and Bowls Committee Chair Antony Gould and after taking advice from the English Indoor Bowling Association they will keep us posted on progress.

In the meantime plenty of members are getting back into the swing of things on the outdoor green. Players are reporting that they feel safe under the new arrangements which commenced with singles on Monday 15th June. Pairs games are available from Monday 6th July so feel free to book a game using the new Fastcourts online booking system (see the “Book a Rink” page on this website for further details) and be sure to follow the Covid-19 safety rules. Only members who have booked a rink can currently visit the club as there are no steward casual sessions until further notice.

Further improvement projects are underway to enhance club facilities so even though we live in uncertain times your club is not resting on its laurels. We look forward to seeing you whenever you can return. Please stay safe.

10,000 volunteers are required to assist when the Games take place. These huge sporting events are great fun and only happen once in a lifetime. I worked at the 2002 Games in Manchester and have never forgotten how wonderful it was. For more details on how to volunteer, please click HERE.

Flat green bowls is one of the participating sports and competitors from across the World will be competing at Leamington. The latest issue of 'Bowls International' magazine gives details of the investment being made at Leamington to ensure top class facilities. You can view their web site HERE.

ANOTHER HOME WIN!

It was another solid home win for Erdington Court at the week end. This time they beat Tamworth at the Court's Bowling Green Close arena by 74:54. Erdington's stars of the day were an all female squad led by Ruth Acum from Great Barr. Together with team mates Mary Webster- Walmley, Joan Garner - Sutton Coldfield and Pam Ellis - Streetly they won 24:7.

The Court's pair in the Warwickshire Champion of Champions - also held at home, pulled out all the stops, to beat Birmingham by a stonking by 23:1 and reach the finals of the competition. The Court pair were Mark Ireland from Hodge Hill and Paul Vaughan from Sutton Coldfield and the Birmingham pair, James Heesam and Tony Hill.

This week end sees the final of the Club's 3 week Sandy Powell competition sponsored by Jarrod Morgan Financial Planning of Lichfield. The 4 winners will get afternoon tea at the Ramada Hotel for themselves and a guest - and competition is getting fierce.

Pictured aboved Tamworth Captain Jenny Waight and Erdington Court's Ray Woods in front of their respective teams.

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Pictured Terry Yates, Captain of the Ladies and men's captain, Ray Woods

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In Bowls, Keith first won the Club’s Singles Championship in 1938. He held over 31 Club titles in total. He also won numerous Birmingham, Warwickshire and Midlands titles. Together with brother Russell and 2 other Club members, he won the English Bowling Association’s National 4s Championships in 1978.

Keith and Russell represented England in the British Isles Championships in 1979 and Keith also had 6 international trials.

He was Club Secretary for many years and a Birmingham delegate to Warwickshire for 48 years.

He was made a life member of Warwickshire County Bowls Association for his services

He was part of a family whose history has been intertwined with of that of the Club, extending back to the early 1900's - when it formed part of the local Methodist Church.

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Meanwhile a Court 4 man squad played mid week for the Warwickshire County President Paul Brown against Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club - and were one of only two winning rinks. The squad consisted of Tom Collier - Sutton Coldfield on his first outing for Warks, Alan Bowen - Aldridge, Ray Woods - Pype Hayes and skip Neil Ballinger from New Oscott.

Erdington Court welcomes new members of all abilities and offers free coaching. The Club can be contacted on 07967 686230. You can also visit their web site at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk and follow them on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on [email protected]

It was a busy week end at Erdington Court's Bowling Green Close arena, featuring a local (friendly) derby on Sunday - with the Court beating Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club by just 2 points overall, after 2 hours of play. The final score was 65:63 with the 18th and final end making the difference.

Shortly before, the Court's Warwick trophy squad had clawed their way to a 1 rink win over Coventry in a third round match - and taking it overall on points.

Saturday saw the second round of the Star Cars Road to Santa Club competition that culminates this week end. The winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon.

This week also features an all men Court squad amongst a Warwickshire President's invitation team - playing a six rink fours match at Birmingham.

Erdington Court welcomes new members of all abilities and offers free coaching. The Club can be contacted on 07967 686230. You can also visit their web site at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk and follow them on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on [email protected]

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Erdington Court is one of a handful of Clubs in the Midlands with a full size indoor arena - making bowls an all round the year affair, with a membership close to 250.

The Club has a close working relationship with local sponsors. This week saw the start of the 3 week 'Road to Santa' sponsored by Star Cars of the Yenton.- and featuring over 30 both men and women players and 8 -10 hours of competitive bowls.

Boxing Day also sees the annual morning outdoor fun fixture sponsored by Jarrod Morgan Financial Planning of Lichfield.

Those close links with sponsors also incorporate a series of talks and visits. this week saw Annalisa Fear of Sutton Coldfield based CHS Healthcare answering questions about the free services they offer to source home care and care homes for loved ones.

Marketing Officer Ray Woods said, "The success of our Club is built on offering good quality facilities to play bowls at all levels in a friendly atmosphere the whole year round - and the support of our local sponsors underpins everything we do, including access to specialist and trusted services for members. We want to see local businesses thriving."

In January, the Club begins 3 months of Club Championships for members.

Erdington Court welcomes new members of all abilities and offers free coaching courses. The Club can be contacted on 07967 686230.

You can also view their web site at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk and follow them om Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on [email protected]

Pictures: Players ready for Round 1 of the Star Cars Road to Santa. Rob Robinson Club Chair with right, Annalisa Fear of CHS Healthcare assisted by young player Imogen Francis of Erdington.

play so many matches. As part of our Club development programme, it was decided to split the job - and it has been such a success that it is being repeated during the indoor season. The 3 Captains were David Ballantyne, Peter Yates and Roy Webster - all from Sutton Coldfield."

The Club has also announced that it has a new sponsor - Davenport Family Research, who take the slog out of tracing your ancestors by doing it for you! The Club currently has 9 local sponsor companies and is expected to announce further investment in facilities shortly.

Applications for indoor membership are now being accepted. You can call 07967 686230 or visit the Club's web site at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk and follow them on Facebook: Erdington Court Bowls Club - and on Twitter: @bowlsflat.

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Against a backdrop of blue skies, over 35 competitors and a capacity crowd - drawn from across the Birmingham area, descended on the 6 all weather rinks at Erdington Court. It was the finals of the fiercely fought men's Birmingham Bowling Association (BBA) and Birmingham Women's District Bowling Association competitions (BDWBA). In all, it featured 17 games.

Saturday began with the Court men again winning the prestigious Walker Trophy, beating Kings Heath. The match consisted of fours, triples, pairs and singles contests.

Sunday included the Court's Mark Ireland from Hodge Hill playing over 6 hours of bowls in 3 matches. It ended with him beating George Morris of Kings Heath to claim the Champion of Champion's Trophy. Mark began this match less than 15 minutes after narrowly beating Court colleague Allen Onion from Sutton Coldfield in a a thrilling 32 end singles contest lasting nearly 3 hours !

Earlier in the men's pairs it had been Court vs Court - with Richard Brittan from Staffs and Mark Ireland beating fellow members Gary Smith and Antony Gould, both from Sutton Coldfield.

On the previous day, Mark had been part of the Court's victorious Walker Cup squad and also part of w inning triples team alongside Rob Robinson and Allen Onion from Sutton Coldfield who beat Sherwood Park convincingly 23:11.

In other notable results, Simon Packwood, James Finch, Paul Finch and Dan Jones from Kings Heath won the Men's Fours beating Solihull Municipal 21;13.

Ladies superstar Mo Tuckett from Solihull Municipal featured in no less than 5 of the 7 ladies finals. With partner, Doug Bott they beat Gill Maund and Malcolm Evans of Sherwood Park in the mixed pairs by the narrowest of margins 19:18. She also went on to win the Ladies unbadged singles and the Ladies 4 wood singles.

The week end was supported by Club sponsors, Johnsons Skoda of Erdington and was held at their Bowling Green Close ground to honour this year's President of the BDWBA, Pat Court from Wylde Green.

Full results and photos can be found in our photo gallery on this site.

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Diane Ludlow, Christine Reid and market Terry Yates

Ray Woods, a spokesman for the Club thanked Competitions Secretary Peter Yates and his wife Terry from Sutton Coldfield for the flawless organisation on both days and in all the preceding rounds.

He added

"We had a record number of entries this year. The standard seems to get better each year. Our year on year recruitment campaigns have brought many new members into the Club - and many of those are now really blossoming."

Erdington Court is now accepting applications for the indoor season and can be contacted on 07967 686230. The Club is open to all abilities and offers free coaching. You can follow them on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on Twitter: @bowlsflat.

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In an emotional statement on social media, the Court's Mark Ireland from Hodge Hill said, " Absolutely over the moon to have won the National Balcomb trophy with Warwickshire today. Thank you to the management team of Martyn Murley (Rugby) and Rob Robinson (Erdington Court) for having the confidence in me, to all my County colleagues for the support you have shown through the season, all the supporters for following the Bears throughout the campaign - none more so than president Geoffrey Moran whom has been with us every step of the way, and last but not least my wonderful wife Christine Marie Bissell with all that you have been through recently and letting me out to play xx. Come on the Bears!"

Erdington Court Bowls Club can be contacted on 07967 686230. The Club welcomes players of all abilities and offers free coaching. Applications for indoor membership are now being accepted.

Picture: Warwickshire Bears with Mark extreme left back row.

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Skoda have just launched the all new SCALA Model. Out of the VW stable, it is based partly on the Golf, so in size terms, mid way between the Fabia and the Octavia. You can view yours at our sponsor Johnsons Skoda on the Tyburn Road in Erdington. Please mention our Club when visiting.

2019 Auto Express New Car Awards

Compact Family Car of the Year

"The new ŠKODA SCALA is a real achievement. It’s good to drive, more practical than most of its rivals and the SCALA is among the best of its breed on value for money." - Auto Express

For more details, click here.

https://www.skoda.co.uk/new-cars/scala

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There were two great wins on Monday for our teams in the Ivy League.

A strong squad of Terry Yates, Denise Szostek, Chris Reid and Eileen Merrick all had outstanding games to win at Sherwood park by 28 shots to 7 for the BLUE team, whilst at home the YELLOW team Lorna Bournes, Ann Mason, Pat Court and Lorely Edwards couldn't quite match this winning against Solihull 26 shots to 8!

Current league positions show YELLOWS in first place with BLUES hot on their heels in second. BLUES have 3 games remaining, YELLOWS 4.

Hopefully we can keep this up as the holiday season approaches.

Ann Mason

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As the outdoor season peaks, the Court's top players are preparing for the culmination of many rounds of summer competition.

Mark Ireland from Hodge Hill was in top form in the Warwickshire County Finals at the Avenue Club Leamington, to win the 2 Wood - beating the host club's own Martin Heitzman 14:11.

Rob Robinson from Four Oaks and Richard Brittan from South Staffs had also fought a marathon match against Ken Chedgzoy and partner from Welford On Avon to win 10:11 in the Bowls England Men's Senior Pairs national competition. They go forward to the national finals at Victoria Park Leamington in August.

Leamington is the home of Bowls England and is where the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 bowls matches will be played.

Erdington Court offers free coaching and welcomes new members of all abilities. In late September their full size indoor 4 rink arena will open for the Autumn and Winter. Early applications for membership are recommended. You can contact the Club on 07967 686230 and visit their web site at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on Twitter @bowlsflat.

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John Pritchard played Paul Jones from Solihull in the unbadged singles semi final only to lose 21-17 in another good close game.

CountySingles:

Mark Ireland reached the last 16 on Friday with a 21-16 win over Alex Lewis from Sherwood Park and now plays Lee Rowland from Leamington.

National Senior Pairs;

RR and RB reached the Warwickshire Area Final with a narrow 16-14 win over Colin Hall from Ruby Thornfield .

Victory in the final would see us again qualify for the National Finals at Leamington and become the first pair ever to represent Warwickshire in both County and Senior Pairs competitions in the same year.

This is also the Fifth time we have represented Warwickshire at the National Finals again a record achievement...

Rob Robinson

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Warwickshire County Pairs:

Quarter Final results were Richard Brittan/Rob Robinson 24 Ian Harrison/Graham Ashby (Nuneaton 23 Allen Onion /Mark Ireland lost on an extra end 20-18 to John Collett/ Fred West (Stoke )

We now play Andrew Manning /Dave Fallon from Nuneaton on County semi-finals day which is on Sunday 7th July at Rugby Bowls Club.

Bowls England Senior Pairs:

Also yesterday Richard and myself beat Richard Lewis /Richard Gaunt from Avenue Coventry at Avenue 19-12 to again reach the semi-final

Bowls England National 2 4s

Erdington are away to Nuneaton this Sunday in the 3rd round

County Senior Fours;

Onion, Bond, Robinson and Brittan play the quarter final next Friday at Nuneaton against Colin Hall from Rugby

BBA League

The 'A' team continued its winning streak at Handsworth. The result was: Erdington Court 38 Handsworth Wood 30, Erdington 6 points, Handsworth 0. We remain unbeaten.

As you can see, there are matches virtually every night, so apologies if you haven't seen much of me!

Rob Robinson

WEEK END FIXTURES

The Court team led by Peter Yates, beat Kings Heath away 91:78. Another good result. Newer Club members are welcome to join our teams, Just put your name on the lists in the foyer. Next game is away to Sutton Methodists on Sunday 7th July.

BBA LADIES IVY LEAGUE

The Ladies Yellow team (Pam Ellis,Brenda Bosley, Pat Court and Chris Reid) were all in top form, chalking up another great win. This time against Handsworth Wood, winning by 31 shots to 4.

Ann Mason

BBA MEN'S EVERGREENS LEAGUE

The 'A' team took a maximum 6 points at home to Blossomfield. We won on Rink 1 by 20:9 and on Rink 2 by 15:12. The 'B' team were away to Bournville and got 4 points, winning on one rink 9:24 and taking the match overall by 30:40

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IVY LEAGUE - 11TH JUNE 2019

The BLUE TEAM (Mary Webster, Brenda Bosley, Shirley Watts and Eileen Merrick) managed to dodge the rain to record another stunning victory against Solihull 27--9 this week.

YELLOWS were without a match this week

Ann Mason

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MATCH REPORTS - JUNE 2019

MEN'S 'BBA' 'A' TEAM

'A' team is top of the BBA league having won the first 7 games and are well on the way to a fourth title in a row

Club won first round match of National Top Club comp against Solihull Municipal 4-1 and now face Avenue Coventry at Home on Tuesday

Club beat Sherwood Park on both rinks yesterday in Bowls England National 2-4s .Winning by an impressive 57 shots to 20 Now have to play a team from Northampton at home in the next round.

Just got back from Solihull Municipal after playing Senior Fours against Paul Jones. Winning 25-13 team was Allen Onion Phil Bond myself and Richard Brittan. Now play Colin Jacox from Avenue Coventry on a neutral green ( Welford ).

Rob Robinson

MEN'S BBA 'B' TEAM

The BBA 'B' team had quite a battle with Solihull Municipal 'B' at home on Tuesday 28th. Mike Kilby's team comfortably had the better of their opponents. Dave Mitchell's team however were up against a very strong side and were behind for most of the match. Towards the end however our lads put in a sterling effort and pulled one shot ahead with one end to go. Solihull took the last end for a narrow win, but Dave, Ron Statham, Simon Kimberley and Reg Warner had done enough to secure us 4 points to double the 'B' team score for the season and"regain a little traction".

Peter Yates

LADIES IVY LEAGUE

Blue team have had their matches called off for the past 2 Mondays and these will be re-arranged later in the season.

Meanwhile the Yellow team (Lorna Bournes, Ann Mason,Pat Court and Lorely Edwards)won away at Solihull 19--8, but the Yellows unbeaten run came to an end this week when they lost by a single shot away at Sherwood Park.

Pat Court, Denise Szostek, Chris Reid and Lorely Edwards after an uncertain start fought back to close a considerable deficit, but eventually lost 15--16.

Ann Mason

MEN'S EVERGREENS LEAGUE

Evergreens beat Handsworth Wood. Won on one rink drew the other. 29 shots for 23 to take 5 points.

John Reid

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SPONSOR FOCUS

In recent years we have been lucky to receive the support of a record number of sponsors. They are all locally based and their support is helping with both prizes and ongoing development of the Club. It is however a 2 way street and we would appreciate the help of members in supporting them. We will regularly be featuring the services that sponsors can offer the members.

A full list appears on the home page of this web site here: https://www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk/

Testimonials from members would be welcome. Here is just one that we received recently about STAR CARS.

'Switched from Parkers to Star when I knew that they sponsored the Club. I used them over the weekend. The lady that took the details was extremely pleasant . No sooner had I put the phone down I had a confirmation text that included details of the car which arrived as I read it! The driver was a real gentleman,he kindly helped me in and out of the car . As a result I am recommending Star to my friends!'

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KEITH WILLIAMSON RIP

Keith was the lovely gentleman with the eye patch who played bowls mainly on a Tuesday and Thursday morning. He was a very good bowler and popular amongst his playing companions.

His funeral will take place at Streetly Crematorium at 3.15pm on Friday 10th May. His wake will follow at Calderfields Golf and Country Club, Aldridge Rd, Walsall WS4 2JS

Peter Yates

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LADIES IVY LEAGUE (BIRMINGHAM)

The Club's two teams in the Ivy League were matched against each other in this week's match. As usual, it proved to be a highly competitive affair with the result in doubt right up to the last few woods.

Blue team, (Mary Webster, Lorna Bournes, Denise Szostek and Terry Yates) took an early lead with Yellows (Pat Court, Ann Mason,Chris Reid and Lorely Edwards) having to work hard to level the scores after 8 ends played.

Yellow team then picked up 6 shots and after 14 ends played established an 18--8 lead.

Blues then hit back scoring scoring a 5 and taking the next three ends, so by the 18th end there was just 2 shots between the teams and everything to play for.

With Blue team holding 3 shots , luck proved to be with Yellows as the jack was hit through to grateful waiting Yellow bowls! final score 20--16 to Yellows

What a game!

Well done Everyone

Ann Mason

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NEW OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Smart new tables and chairs appeared on the outside deck. in time for the new season This furniture has been bought with money from events organised by the social committee and from table top sales in the lounge. The Social Committee (Ken and Lorna Bournes, Pan and Ken Ellis and Richard and Chris Harrison) would like to thank everyone for their support. Previously, the Committee has purchased new chairs and blinds for the lounge).

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LADIES IVY LEAGUE (BIRMINGHAM)

The Club's Ladies' Ivy League teams played their opening matches.

Aiming to improve on last season's second and fourth positions both teams made strong starts.

Blue team , Terry Yates, Shirley Watts, Joyce Terry and Eileen Merrick won away from home against last year's Ivy League winners, Handsworth Wood 15--8.

Yellow team, Pat Court, Denise Szostek (making her league debut), Chris Reid and Lorely Edwards showed good early season form posting a 31--9 win at home against West Midlands Police.

Regards

Ann Mason

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A spokesperson for the Club said, "This is a great honour for Erdington Court. Pat has played a major part in the growing strength of our ladies teams and is always very supportive of both men and women new members. Playing in competitive matches can seem a daunting experience, but Pat goes out of her way to put newer members at their ease."

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