Competition reports
April 2024
21st April
Week two of the Summer Morning League saw Alison Ridgeway and Rose and Chris Everest’s More Fruits, Steve Smith, Len Guppy and John Burwood's Tigerwoods and Brian Baker, Alan Wotherspoon and Phil Tattershall's Balloons keep up their winning starts. More Fruits and Tigerwoods 11.4, 10,7 up over Devils and Kestrels respectively. Balloons drew their match with Strollers 11.11 but were given the two points as Strollers fielded an ineligible player. A five count on the last end gave Jim Kelly, Mel Hargett and Ron Hill's Five Tops a 13.12 win over Bandits. Mike Evans, Chris Thorner and Mike Fletcher's Sylvia's All Stars were on great form thumping Harriers 23.1. Mary Hansford, John Davies and Bob Hill's Chancers 15.7 up over Lotties Lot.
Malcolm Holt, Thorner and Fletcher's Peanuts and Brian Earl, Les Heath and Brian Suffling's Pirates head the Evening League after 19.3, 12.11 wins over Blythe Spirits and Four Peas in a Pod. Hansford, Bob Hill and Andy Marsh's Spurs picked up a seven count on their way to a 28.2 win over The Shadows. Roy Koerner, Adrian Legg and Dave Heiden's More Greens beat Wrong Bias 12.8. A late three count gave Sue Winkle, Debbie Milton and Chris Lamble's No Name a 13.10 win over Bubbles.
14th April
Week one of Bridport’s Summer Morning League saw Bernard Perry, who celebrates his 93rd birthday on April 17th, David Heiden and Mike Smith's Kestrels, Adrian Legg and Rose and Chris Everest's More Fruits, Brian Baker, Phil Tattershall and Phil Benton's Balloons, Paul Thomas, Peter Marshall and Joe Lofthouse's Devils and Steve Smith, Steve Fincher and Len Guppy's Tigerwoods open up with 17.6, 14.7, 11.5 and 14.12 wins over Five Tops, Lotties Lot, Bandits, Sylvia's All Stars and Harriers respectively. Gordon Lee, Andy Spiller and Paul Hallett's Top Bananas drawing with Mary Hansford, Phil Godfrey and Bob Hill's Chancers 9.9.
In the Evening League Elaine Marshall, Mel Hargett and Nick Edwards Wrong Bias, Tattershall, Jenny Harding and Hallett's Four Peas in a Pod, Lorna Wallis, John Corney and David Ramsden's Shadows, Sharon and Les Heath and Phil Hedges' Pirates and Richard Bowman-Dyer, Malcolm Holt and Chris Thorner's Peanuts opening up with 15.5, 13.7, 16.10, 17.8 and 9.5 wins over No Name, Bubbles, Blythe Spirits, Spurs and Devils respectively.
Bridport's Mixed Friendly's side were on sensational record-breaking form as they thumped their great friends from Dorchester 101.39 overall. Wallis, Heiden, Allen Bird and Daniel Humphries led the way winning 33.5. Ron Hill, Lee, Heather Thomson and Godfrey 30.8 up. Penny Pither, Peter Spencer-Parr, Paul Fletcher and Edwards posting a 22.9 win which included a "hot shot" maximum eight count. Alan Wotherspoon's four going down 16.17.
7th April
Bridport's last week of mid season Spoons Competition saw David Ramsden take top spot with 71 points, forty points on Game Three pushing Mary Hansford down to second place on 68. Ron Hill took third place with 55 points. Paul Hallett came fourth on 50 points. Alan Wotherspoon and Brian Baker shared fifth spot on 49 points. Wotherspoon had only scored 3 points after two games, before an incredible 46 points on game three catapulted him up the table. John Burwood claimed seventh place on 46. Chris Everest eigth with 45. Phillip Pyfinch took ninth on 43. Andy Marsh completing the top ten with 42. Adrian Legg and Bob Hill just missing out on the prizes finishing on 41. Brian Suffling, Thelma Pratt, Phil Tattershall, Brian Pratt, Kim Thomas, Gordon Lee, Lorna Wallis, Pauling Ramsden, John Corney and Allen Bird all finished in the credible thirties. Sandra Barette, Bernard Perry and Chris Barette in the twenties. Linda Leaf, Rob Spiller and Iris Ashton recorded 18.16 and 14 points respectively. Den Tapping picking up the wooden spoon on 10 points.
Its going to be a very busy summer at the Club with two teams entered in the Mixed County Open League , plus Morning and Evening internal leagues and various Club Competitions. If you know anyone that would like to try the sport please contact Brian on 01308 425247.
March 2024
31st March
Bridport Indoor Bowls Club mid season Spoons Competition saw Mary Hansford top week one with 72 points. Jim Collier came runner-up with 53, the ninety three year old Bernard Perry coming joint third on 52, tying with Andy Spiller. Dave Ramsden took fifth spot on 50. Lorraine Hill and Rob Spiller shared sixth and seventh on 45. Iris Ashton came eighth with 41 points. Pauline Ramsden ninth on 40. Kim Thomas completing the top ten with 37 points.
An incredible 58 points on the third end saw Gordon Lee top week two with 74 points. Mike Craddock taking ru-up spot with 70. Bob Hill took third place on 69. Dave Aylott finished in forth on 64. Ron Hill came fifth with 60. Hansford sixth on 59. Jim Collier again making the top ten with 57 for seventh spot. Chris Thorner eighth on 49. Phil Hedges ninth with 46. Tenth place going to Heather Thomson on 41.
Bridport's Mixed Friendlies side recorded a 72.56 overall win over Sutton & District Touring Side (South London). Lorna Wallis, Rob Hart, Dave Aylott and Daniel Humphries were top rink winning 29.13. David Heiden, Gordon Lee, Richard Bowman-Dyer and Mary Hansford 19.11 up. Bernard Perry, Den Tapping, Jackie Godfrey and Alan Wotherspoon drew 15.15, Ron Hill, Lyn Hart, Brian Suffling and Phil Godfrey going down 9.17.
Against Madeira (Exmouth) Lorraine Hill, Bowman-Dyer and Humphreys were top trio, coming from 6.9 down to win 29.10. Perry, Brian Suffling and Roger Gale 24.7 up. Wallis, Heiden and Wotherspoon losing 11.13, Ron Hilll, Tapping and Hansford were 9.3 ahead before crashing to a 15.23 defeat leaving Bridport 78.53 winners overall.
25th March
This weekend saw an exciting program of finals competitions taking place over 3 days. Many members came down to show their support and watch some excellent bowls being played. A big thank you goes to the umpires, markers and catering team but, especially, to Liz Walker for organising and managing the whole event. For the full results, check out the results page.
The Winter League program is now also complete. A list of the winners can be found on the League results page.
March 11th
Bridport’s Men’s over 60's A team are through to the semi-final playoff stage of the County over 60's league despite losing their last match at home to Moonfleet A 34.39 overall. Bridport taking two points, Moonfleet taking four. Phil Hedges, Paul Hallett and John Burwood had a nightmare afternoon, slumping to a 7.26 defeat, Adrian Leg, Andy Marsh and Mike Fletcher saving the day with a 27.13 win. Bridport will now play the winners of Section B at Moonfleet for a place in the final.
Bridport's mixed friendlies side played host to the Chard Outdoor Bowling Club for the first time and both Clubs enjoyed the match so much it will now become and annual fixture. Ron Hill, Sue Winkle and Daniel Humphries took top triple award, a late four and seven counts giving them a 33.7 win. Lorna Wallis, Brian Pratt and Alan Wotherspoon finished with a six count for a 27.9 win. A two, four finish by Lorraine Hill, Phil Godfrey and Brian Rumble saw them record a 28.7 win. Bernard Perry, Gordon Lee and Jackie Godfrey were 20.5 ahead at the tea interval, finally winning 26.22. Leaving Bridport 114.43 up overall.
March 4th
Bridport Indoor Bowls Clubs Ladies team ended their county league fixtures with a fine 52.19 overall home win against East Dorset (Avon), to finish in third sport. Pamela Daters, Laura Taylor, Lyn Craddock and Helen Dowling roared to a 28.9 win. Lyn Sandall, Jackie Godfrey, Ann Turtell and Sue Walsh also recorded a fine 24.10 win.
Bridport's mixed friendly's side travelled to Weymouth to play Moonfleet 2000 to contest the Peter Drage Memorial Trophy for the first time. The trophy was donated by the Drage family to remember the many years Peter enjoyed playing against Bridport in what is the County's oldest friendlies fixture. Moonfleet picked up the trophy winning 76.44 overall. Ron Hill, Den Tapping, Jackie Godrey and John Burwood were Bridport's only winning rink recording a 17.15 win, despite dropping seven shots over the last five ends. Penny Pither, Gordon Lee, Brian Suffling and Brian Baker picked up a four count on the final end to secure a deserved 13.13 draw. Lorna Wallis, Richard Bowman-Dyer, David Aylott and Phil Godfrey and Bernard Perry, David Heiden, Heather Thomson and Nick Edwards finding the opposition too hot too handle as they lost 9.21, 5.27 respectively.
February 2024
February 25th
Bridport’s Ladies team put up a good fight away to the Dolphin Opals in the County League before losing 38.40 overall. Pamela Daters, Nicky Driscoll, Lyn Craddock and Helen Dowling came from 5.8 down to win 17.11 for two points. Jackie Godfrey, Laura Taylor, Ann Turtell and Sue Walsh going down 11.19.
In the County Mixed league, Bridport finished on a high with a 49.20 overall win at home against Moonfleet. Nick Edwards, Barry Driscoll, Ann Turtell and Mike Fletcher destroying their opponents 33.5, Mel Hargett, Nicky Driscoll and Sue and Brian Walsh winning 16.15.
Bridport’s mixed friendly side faced outdoor club Queen Camel, winning 75.34 overall. Lyn Hart, Jackie Godfrey and Daniel Humphries took top triple award with a 21.6 win. Denise Rhodes, Rob Hart and Mary Hansford won 21.9. Penny Pither, Brian Pratt and Richard Bowman-Dyer picked up a three count on the last end to record a 21.18 win. David Heiden, Debbie Milton and Phil Godfrey picking up a one count on their last end for a 12.11 win.
February 18th
Bridport’s Ladies team took maximum points at home against the Dorset Resort (Bere Regis) in the County League, winning 36.25 overall. Dorset Resort have only scored four points this year, but they put up a spirited show before losing 14.17 to Joan Griffiths, Liz Walker, Ann Turtell and Sue Walsh's rink. Sharon Heath, Francis Hewett, Lyn Craddock and Helen Dowling winning 20.12.
Bridport C missed out on a semi-final play-off spot in the County Over 60's league after losing 23.35 overall at home to Moonfleet D. Mike Craddock, Barry Driscoll and Barry Rattenbury won 19.11 for two points. Moonfleet took the remaining four points as Roger Gale, Brian Walsh and Bob Taylor went down 4.24.
Bridport’s mixed friendly side edged an exciting encounter with neighbours Dorchester winning 62.60 overall, with two ends left Dorchester led 58.50 overall before Bridport produced a superb turnaround. Lorna Wallis, Stever Fincher, Richard Bowman Dyer and Phil Godfrey took top rink award, a big six count giving them a 23.14 win. Phillip Pyfinch, Penny Pither, Brian Pratt and Mary Hansford won 16.10. Sandie Peters, Rob Hart, Den Tapping and Phil Hedges went 1.10 down early on but a fighting 2.4 finish gave them a final 14.20 defeat. David Heiden, Ron Hill, Jackie Godfrey and Nick Edwards also finished well with 1.2 counts to record a 9.16 loss.
February 11th
Bridport’s County Mixed side picked up another maximum points with a 39.25 overall win at home to Dorchester. Mel Hargett, Brian Pratt, Peter Hunt and Ann Turtell were 7.7 after eleven ends but their opponents only scored one more shot, Turtell's quartet winning 18.8. Lyn and Peter Sandall, Nick Edwards and Mike Fletcher were trailing 15.17, before a one, five finish gave them a 21.17 win.
Bridport A made hard work early on in their home match against Dolphin A in the County Over 60's league before taking total control to record a 45.24 overall win. Adrian Legg, Andy Marsh and Mike Fletcher were 7.11 down, finally winning 25.13. Phil Hedges, Paul Hallett and John Burwood trailed 8.9, finally winning 20.11.
Bridport C went to the Dorset Resort (Bere Regis) for what they thought was a 12 o'clock start, Dorset Resort had it booked for a 10 o'clock start - so the points situation will be decided when the League Secretary returns from holiday. Bridport B took four points at home against Moonfleet. Mike Cash, Alan Wotherspoon and Joe Lofthouse winning 24.6 for the points.
Bridport's mixed friendly side won three of the four rinks to beat Chardstock 61.50 overall, Bernard Perry, Den Tapping, Richard Bowman-Dyer and Mary Hansford took top rink award winning 16.7. Penny Pither, Lyn Hart, Chris Thorner and Bob Hill won 18.16, a four count on the last end gave Lorna Wallis, Rob Hart, Gordon Lee and Nick Edwards a 15.14 win. Sandie Peters, David Heiden, Heather Thomson and Brian Suffling lost a last end shoot out 12.13.
February 4th
Bridport's A team are now in pole position in section A of the County Over 60's league to claim a semi final play off spot against the winners or runners-up of section B after a 41.29 overall win over Bridport C. The C team led early on as Mike Craddock, John Maslen and Barry Rattenbury went 7.2 ahead against Phil Hedges, Paul Hallett and John Burwood and Arthur Stone, Brian Walsh and Bob Taylor 6.1 up against the Barrack Street Boys of Brian Baker, Adrian Legg and Andy Marsh.
Marsh's trio then went on the rampage to record a 29.13 win, Burwood's trio going on to lose 12.16 to give the A team four points and the C team two points. Bridport B came back with two points from Wellworthy Mike Cash, Alan Wotherspoon and Brian Suffling securing a comfortable win.
Bridport's mixed friendly's side won two of the four triples at home to Yeovil despite losing 50.74 overall. Iris Ashton, Mike Cash and Daniel Humphries and Sandie Peters, Brian Pratt and Mary Hansford winning 17.14, 15.14 respectively. Against Stour Vale Bridport again lost overall but won two of the four rinks. Den Tapping, Phillip Pyfinch, Gordon Lee and Nick Edwards won 18.15 and Denise Rhodes, Steve Fincher, Richard Bowman-Dyer and Phil Godfrey won 13.12. Lorna Wallis, Rob Hart, Brian Pratt and Daniel Humphries were 8.8 before losing 8.15. Lyn Hart, David Heiden, Jackie Godfrey and Alan Wotherspoon never got going against some tough opposition to lose by eight.
January 2024
January 28th
Bridport Men’s C team came out on top of a thriller away to Moonfleet D in the County Over 60's league, winning 32.31 overall. It all rested on the final end. Mike Craddock, Brian Rumble and Barry Rattenbury trailed 15.16 whilst Barry Driscoll, Chris Everest and Bob Taylor were 12.15 down. Rattenbury's trio finished with a two count to win 17.16. Taylor's trio picked up a three count to draw 15.15. Leaving Bridport with five of the available six points.
Bridport B picked up maximum points at home to Moonfleet C. Brian Suffling, Dave Aylott and Colin Warnett came from 8.14 down to win 18.16. Mel Hargett, Alan Wotherspoon and Roger Cowmeadow 13.10 up.
Bridport Ladies are through to the next round of the County Knock-Out cup competition after a 39.31 overall win over East Dorset's B team. Pamela Daters, Laura Taylor, Lyn Craddock and Sue Walsh losing 13.22 away, Jackie Godfrey, Nicky Driscoll, Ann Turtell and Helen Dowling overwhelming their opponents 26.9 at home.
In the County Mixed League Bridport came back from the Dolphin with maximum points after a fine 49.16 overall win. Lyn Sandall, Phil Godfrey, Nick Edwards and Paul Fletcher winning 31.7 whilst Jackie Godfrey, Peter Sandall and Sue and Brian Walsh completed the job at 18.9.
January 21st
Bridport Indoor Bowls Clubs Ladies team are rocketing up the County League after taking maximum points away to Dolphin Sapphires. Jackie Godfrey, Liz Walker, Laura Taylor and Sue Walsh took top rink award winning 20.9. Francis Hewett, Nicky Driscoll, Lyn Craddock and Helen Dowling 22.18 up.
In the Men's County over 60's league, Bridport C picked up four of the six available points with a 36.32 overall win at home against Moonfleet A.
Arthur Stone, Roger Gale and Brian Rumble lost 12.25. Mike Craddock, John Maslen and Barry Rattenbury thumped their opponents 24.7 for the points. Bridport A picked up two points away to Dorchester A thanks to a 21.16 win by Phil Hedges, Paul Hallett and John Burwood. Adrian Legg, Bob Hill and Andy Marsh just missing out as they dropped a three count on the final end to lose 15.21 - giving Dorchester the remaining four points.
The Club are holding their annual Quizzco on Sunday 4th February in aid of Prostate and Breast Cancer Research. Anyone wishing to attend please contact Brian on Bridport 425247 to book a seat.
January 14th
Bridport Indoor Bowls Clubs Ladies team had a fine 37.27 overall win against the Dolphin Opals in their home County League match. It was mixed fortunes for the Bridport Rinks - Pamela Daters, Nicky Driscoll, Lyn Craddock and Helen Dowling losing 10.20 to a crack four. Jackie Godfrey, Liz Walker, Ann Turtell and Sue Walsh romping home 27.7 to claim six of the available eight points.
In the Men's County over Sixty's League Bridport ‘A’ recorded a 43.18 win away to the Dorset Resort. Barry Mapson, David Baker and Andy Marsh went 15.0 up after nine ends finally winning 24.8. Len Guppy, Paul Hallett and John Burwood also had a great start to lead 9.0 after six ends, it was nip and tuck over the remaining twelve ends, as Burwood posted a 19.10 win. Bridport ‘C’ also took the maximum six points in their match home to Dorchester ‘A’. Chris Everest, Brian Walsh and Bob Taylor winning 15.10. Roger Gale, Barry Driscoll and Barry Rattenbury were trailing 9.13 after eleven ends but in a remarkable turn around, Dorchester never scored again as Rattenbury's trio went on to win 24.13.
Bridport Mixed Friendlies side came back from Dorchester with a 70.64 overall win. Denise Rhodes, Den Tapping, Daniel Humphries and Alan Wotherspoon took top rink award winning 25.10. Lorna Wallis, Steve Fincher, Brian Suffling and Brian Baker won 17.16. Chris Thorner, Dave Heiden, Richard Bowman-Dyer and Nick Edwards lost 15.17. Bernard Perry, Ron Hill, Dave Aylott and Roger Gale going down 13.21 after leading 12.9.
Lyn Craddock, Pamela Daters and Helen Dowling were in the Dorset squad who reached the semi-final of the National Atherley Cup competition after a four shot overall win against Hampshire.
January 7th
Bridport started the New Year with their annual fun spoons competition. A full house of thirty two players took part. Adrian Legg was crowned champion with a total sixty nine points. Andy Spiller shared second spot with Mary Hansford on sixty eight points. Spiller had only scored ten points after two games but an incredible fifty eight points on game three saw him almost catch Legg who finished with twenty eight points in his final game. Chris Everest took fourth spot on fifty points. Fifth went to Phil Godfrey with forty seven, just piping Phil Hedges and Rob Hart on forty six. New member's Den Tapping and Kevin Ackerman shared eight place on forty five points. Thelma Pratt completing the top ten with forty three points. Chris Thorner just missed out on the top ten prizes, finishing on forty two points. Dawn Greenfield, Sandy Peters, Gordon Lee and Bernard Perry finished with credible scores in the thirties. Janet Harris, Lorna Wallis and Frank Ward who have just finished their Beginners course also did well to score high twenty scores.
In the County Mixed League Bridport picked up six of the available eight points at Dorchester. Mel Hargett, Nicky Driscoll, Mike Craddock and Brian Walsh suffered a narrow defeat, Sharon Heath, Barry Driscoll, Peter Hunt and Ann Turtell securing the overall win.