Oxfordshire B A v Bristol C & C BA - Friendly at Witney Town BC, on Tuesday, 9 August 2022
Oxfordshire entertained City and County of Bristol at a hot Witney Town bowls club. Rink 1 of Mike Jones, Tony Wright, Nigel Satchell and Brian Clarke won a close game 24-21. Rink 2 of Chris Lewis, John Benfield, Tim Stevens and President Paul Demczak on his home green and favourite rink always looked too strong for their opposition and won 26-13. Rink 3 which was Barry Willoughby, Allan Ley, Keith Dunsby and Alex Fleming struggled on a difficult green against opposition who found it from the first wood and where as President Paul kindly pointed out, the highest losers. Fortunately they took a 26-9 defeat with good grace.
On the next rink Percy Strange, Bill Stewart, Richard Barnett and Mike Peterson, despite picking up a 7 on the 6th end, quietly lost 22-24.
Rink 5 of Brian Ealey, John McGeough, John Hurren and Keith Buckle put in a solid shift to win 23-11. The loaded rink on the outside rink was Roger Oliver, Geoff Roynon, Roy Radband and Mike Morris only 3 shots up after 11 ends went through the gears to win 25-9 and add another highest winning rink mug to Mike's growing collection.
The meal afterwards provided by cordon bleu chef Brian Bloomfield and his team was excellent. John Benfield of Chipping Norton Bowls Club was presented with his 100 game badge. Witney Town as always were the perfect hosts and both sides enjoyed their visit to the club. Alex
Oxfordshire B A v Isle of Wight BA - Friendly at Three Mile Cross BC, Reading on Wed, 27 July 2022
A depleted Oxfordshire side travelled to Three Mile Cross in Reading to play the Isle of Wight. The players that did make the journey where pleased with the new large changing room, compared to the cupboard we have previously changed in.
After winning the previous day against Wiltshire, Oxfordshire were looking for another win. On rink one Mike Andrew, Ian Whelpton, Chris Cox and Brian Bloomfield shot out of the blocks, 20 up after 7 ends. They kept their foot on the gas winning by a whopping 42-9 shots, a long journey home for the losing rink.
David Byers, Michel Grossnickel, Bill Stewart and Keith Buckle where 6 down after 7 ends and kept that margin throughout to loose 17-11. Rink 3 was Tim Cox, Alan Ley, Roy Radband and Alex Fleming. After a slow start, a Tim Cox and Alan Ley masterclass provided Oxfordshire with a second winning rink of 24-12. Bernie May, Mickey Conrad Banks, Gordon Hooker and President Paul Demczak were feeling charitable and lost the last 4 ends to finish 20-17 down.
On rink 5, Mike Jones, Geoff Smith, John Hurren and Ken Williams 29-6 down at one stage had a mini recovery, but still lost 30-13, a bad day at the office. The remaining rink of Nigel Satchell, Roger Oliver, Allan Wase and Brian Clarke were 12 shots down after 15 ends, but a change of jack length cut the deficit to 16-19.
Despite only winning on 2 rinks, Oxfordshire had a comfortable 123-107 win, thanks mainly to rink one winning by 33 shots. At the start of the match the Isle of Wight team found out that their 7 o’clock ferry home had been rescheduled for 9 o’clock, hopefully they got home sometime, safely. Three Mile Cross as always where perfect hosts and it was another enjoyable Oxfordshire away day. Alex
Oxfordshire B A v Wiltshire - Friendly at Burford Town BC on Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Oxfordshire entertained Wiltshire at the Burford Town green on a really hot day. It promised to be a close contest against our near neighbours and so it proved.
Rink 1 of Allan Hunt, Michel Grossnickel, home club player John Hurren and Brian Bloomfield kept it tight for 9 ends, only trailing by 1 shot, then the wheels came off, dropping 21 shots without reply to lose 30-11. On the next rink Roy Radband, Keith Dunsby, Keith Buckle and Brian Clarke always had the edge winning 25-19.
Rink 3 was Jamie MacDonogh, Allan Ley, late substitute Chris Cox and Paul Demczak, despite a late flurry from Wiltshire they always had the edge winning 20-17.
Nigel Satchell, Bill Stewart, Mike Peterson and Paul Robbins were 7-5 down after 5 ends, but picked up 11 shots on the next 3. They never looked in danger after that and won 26-19. Rink 5 which was the excellent Bradley Squires, Kenny Cooper, David Lattimore and Mike Morris who all had really good games and proved the pre match predictions of highest winning rink correct; winning 26-10. The final rink of Percy Hickman, Tim Cox, Richard Barnett and Alex Fleming played a very tight game and despite some fine lead bowling from Percy Hickman lost 16-12. The Wiltshire skip who is a Middleton cup player always had that little bit extra. The final score was 120-111 in Oxfordshire’s favour.
The day finished with an excellent meal from Burford, Jamie MacDonogh was awarded his colts badge and Roy Radband his 50 game badge. Well done to both.
Burford did a really impressive job hosting the match, the car parking was well organised, the green bowled well and the food was excellent and to prove Wiltshire enjoyed the day they have already requested to play there in 2024.
Alex
Oxfordshire BA v Middlesex BA played Saturday July 16th at Chesham Bowls Club. Home Counties FINAL.
After three outstanding performances in the Home Counties league to reach the Final we fell at the last hurdle to lose by three shots.
Rink 1 saw Percy Hickman, Brian Clarke, Martin Shepherd and skip Kevin Alder get away to be behind 13-3 after 11 ends, but steady progress from his rink saw them over the line after 21 ends to win 21-15.
Rink 2 Bernie May, Jim Feeley, Phil Gladden and Nathan Lewis who had been outstanding in all the previous games got away to a good start leading 10-3 after 9 ends and were still in the lead after 16 ends 15-10. Some fortunate bowling by the opposition got them the shots and a win 22-19.
Rink 3 John Hurren, Dave Tidball, Chris Weller and skip Shane Cooper fought back after being behind 10-1 after 7 ends it was close with both sides getting shots, so after 16 ends, Shane was leading 18-17 then the Oxon rink took control with 12 shots to add over the remaining ends so won 30-17
Rink 4 Mick Jelfs, Simon Hastings, Ian Henwood and skip Nick Rae-Welsh produced steady bowling throughout the match to win 17-14
Rink 5 Paul Costin, Ted Ealey, Jason King and skip Mark Charlett were struggling throughout the match and were 19-8 down after 12 ends. They pulled back shots over the remaining ends to lose 25-17.
Rink 6 Paul Jelfs, Brian Bloomfield, Will Parker and A J Docherty were in contention up to end 10, being 10-11 behind, after 15 ends behind 17-15, then Middlesex with some extreme bowling won the next 7 ends winning 29-15.
So an unfortunate end to the Home Counties campaign, getting to the Final but then losing by 3 Shots. Lessons learned which will make us stronger next season. Paul D.
The OBA v BOL - Friendly match at witney Town BC on 12 July 2022
The OBA entertained Bowls Oxfordshire ladies on a very sticky day at Witney Town bowls club. It was a bad day for the men who managed to loose on 4 rinks. On rink one Michel Grossnickel, Tim Cox, Ken Williams and Richard Barnett, despite picking up 9 on the last 3 ends lost to the BOL President Pat Ray 22-26. The OBA President Paul Demzak with Roger Oliver, Keith Dunsby and John Hurren 16-4 up after 13 ends went to pieces loosing 20-19, dropping 1 on the last end to Pauline Conrad-Banks rink.
Oxfordshire BA v Sussex BA – Balcombe Trophy at Leatherhead on 10 July 2022
On a sweltering hot day, Oxfordshire travelled to Leatherhead to play Sussex in the Balcombe trophy. This was the third competitive game between the two counties. Sussex beat us in the Middleton cup, but we won the Home Counties match.
Oxfordshire BA v Warwickshire BA – Friendly in Coventry on 5 July 2022
A warm sunny day greeted the Oxfordshire Bowlers at the Three Shires Bowling Club at Coventry and the sun kept shining as Oxfordshire beat a good Warwickshire team by 136-110 with 4 winning rinks from the six played. The green was slick to the eye, but a little pushier than expected.
Rink 1 had Mike Jones, Tim Cox, Les Days and Ken Williams and despite losing the first three ends, they held a 12-7 lead after 11 ends, but unfortunately the wheels fell off and they won only one more end resulting in a loss of 15 -24. Mike Morris supported by Roger Oliver, Bill Stewart and John Hurren on rink 2, won 14 of the 21 ends with a margin of 24-14 for a win.
President Paul Demczak lead by example and with Bernie May, Tim Stevens (on his debut) and Keith Buckle had a comfortable win despite dropping 4 on the last end, to win 27-21. Rink 4 hosted Brian Ealey, Alan Ley, Martin Oliver and Mike Andrew who battled hard and kept the Warwickshire quartet from getting too far away, but a 5 on the 19th end proved the deciding factor for Warwickshire to triumph by 17- 21.
The two end rinks saw our best scores and with a deficit of 3-9 down after 7 ends, the team of Nigel Satchell, John McGeough, Alan Wase & Brian Bloomfield had a powerful finish, winning each of the last 8 ends for a 24-13 victory. Not to be deprived for the highest rink, the team of Barry Willoughby, John Stevens, Roy Radband and Brian Clarke went one better with a respectable 29- 17 win.
Oxfordshire BA v Surrey BA -HCBA League - Saturday, 2 July 2022
Oxfordshire entertained Surrey at Kidlington in the final Home Counties league match. It was a winner takes all situation with the winner going through to the final.
Oxfordshire BA v Surrey BA - friendly match at Kidlington BC - Tuesday 28 June 2022
Oxfordshire entertained Surrey at Kidlington bowls club. Surprisingly Surrey could only get 4 rinks, but the players that did travel all looked pretty good.
Oxfordshire BA v Herefordshire BA - friendly match at Eastnor Castle BC - Tuesday 21 June 2022
After a disappointing week, Oxfordshire travelled to agricultural Herefordshire to play on a very testing green at the picturesque Eastnor green.
On rink 1 Terry Gripe, Roger Oliver, Ken Williams and Brian Bloomfield picked up 10 on the last 4 ends to win 27-24. On the next rink Mike Andrew, Bill Stewart, Alex Fleming and Brian Clarke started slowly, but a 6 on the 7th end kick-started them to a 21-13 win and the highest winning rink. The President Paul Demczak along with Allan Hunt, David Wedge and David Lattimore finished strongly to win 19-15 after being 14-9 down after 15 ends.
Chris Lewis, John Benfield, Allan Wase and Mike Morris picked up 8 shots on the last 4 ends to win 23-19. Mike Jones, Geoff Thompson, Brian Ray and Paul Robbins led throughout and finished 27-21 winners.
On the outside rink 6, Keith Buckle on his debut as skip for the County, assisted by Roy Radband, John Stevens and Martin Oliver played a very close game to lose 16-14. The final score was 131-108 in Oxfordshire’s favour.
The Eastnor ladies put on a splendid meal to finish the day. Allan Wase was presented with his 50 game badge. David Holloway of Herefordshire was presented with his 500 game badge. It was a very enjoyable day out in the countryside for Oxfordshire.
Alex
Oxfordshire BA v Sussex BA - Middleton Cup Preliminary round- Sat, 18 June, 2022
Oxfordshire travelled to Croydon to play Sussex in the Middleton Cup with high hopes after beating them in the Home Counties match.
Before the start of the match President Paul Demczak presented his captain Mark Charlett with his 200 game badge. This is a remarkable achievement considering the vast majority, if not all, will have been either Middleton or Home Counties matches.
The day very quickly went downhill for Mark and his rink of Mick Nash, Paul Comley and Colin Whitehead. The loosing score of 33-4 was probably one of Marks worst days in an Oxfordshire shirt. Jason King who had Bradley Squires, David Leighfield and Craig Morphett with him only 9-8 down after 10 ends; lost 27-11.
AJ Docherty with Joe Justin, Paul Mabbutt and Ray Gaskins dropped a 4 on the last end to lose 16-12. Jamie MacDonogher, Keith Holloway, Will Campion and Kevin Alder were 7-7 after 8 ends in a tight match, quickly dropped 12 over the next 4 ends to loose 25-14.
It was not quite all bad news as Sam Watts, Remy Clanfield, Nathan Lewis and the ever dependable Nick Rae Welsh, who picked up 1 on the last end to win 15-14. The final rink of Adie Kemish, Lee Young, Ian Henwood and skip Shane Cooper who was probably the counties stand out player won 16-12.
The final score was a deserved 127-72 to Sussex, they played some good bowls and we wish them well in the rest of the competition.
We would like to thank Croydon for hosting the game, the rolls before the game were much appreciated.
To finish a disappointing day, the M25 was its normal slow self. Alex
............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Oxfordshire BA v Hampshire BA, Friendly played at Basingstoke Town BC on 15 June, 2022
Oxfordshire travelled to Basingstoke Town bowls club to face a strong Hampshire side. The last time the fixture had taken place Oxford United played Liverpool in the old Division one on the same day.
With 12 withdrawals from the original squad, match secretary Brian Bloomfield should be congratulated on actually getting a side together.
The players that did play all did their best, but the combination of a very hot day, a difficult green and exceptional play from a Hampshire side which had the luxury of Middleton cup players, was too much.
We lost on all 6 rinks, 134-93. David Byers, Mike Conrad-Banks, Roy Radband and Brian Bloomfield dropped a 2 on the last end to narrowly lose 20-17.
The rink of Nigel Satchell, John Stevens, Allan Ley and Mike Andrew came back from 13-2 down to level at 13-13, before fading away to a 19-16 defeat. The President’s rink 20-1 down after 12 ends, rallied a bit against a strong Hampshire President’s rink and Martin Acock, Mike Jones, Tim Cox and Paul Demczak eventually lost 23-13.
The rink of Brian Ealey, Kenny Cooper, John Hurren and Mike Morris dropped a 3 on the 21st end to loose 22-21.
Barry Willoughby, Michel Grossnickel, Bill Stewart and Alex Fleming were 16-0 down after 8 ends kept going, but lost 27-14. The final rink of Roger Oliver, Ian Whelpton, Allan Wase and Chris Cox 19-4 down at one stage eventually lost 23-12.
Basingstoke have a nice club and did a good meal afterwards to finish the day.
Hopefully we can regroup and be more competitive next week when we travel to Herefordshire. Alex...
Oxfordshire BA v Bowls Leicestershire (Men's section) - Friendly match at Banbury Chestnuts BC on 8 June, 2022.
Oxfordshire entertained Leicestershire in a County friendly at Banbury Chestnuts In a keenly contested match. Both sides won 3 rinks with the home side winning overall 129-119.
On rink 1 Brian Clarkes rink of Allan Hunt, Ian Whelpton and Tim Cox where always about 10 shots behind and finished up loosing 24-12.
Rink 2 had the unusual situation of father and son playing against each other. Martin Acock on his county debut showed his father Bruce how to lead. Kenny Cooper also on his debut had a solid game, Alex Fleming and Paul Robbins completed the rink which won 22-15.
Rink 3 which was Mike Andrew, Geoff Smith, Keith Buckle and Brian Bloomfield kept it close for 15 ends before the wheels came off, losing 24-13. Barry Willoughby, Allan Ley, John Hurren and Ken Williams on rink 4 put in another solid performance edging a tight game 25-20.
The President Paul Demczak, on rink 5 with Percy Hickman, Keith Dunsby and Mick Morris where trailing 10 -6 after 7 ends but suddenly burst into life picking up 32 shots on the last 14 ends to win 38-13. This was a match winning performance and proves once again how the selectors look after the President.
All rink 6 had to do was keep it tight which they did, recovering from a slow first half Bernie May, Tony Smith on his debut, Allan Wase and Richard Barnett lost 23-19 to give Oxfordshire the match.
Martin Acock, Kenny Cooper and Tony Smith, all Chipping Norton players, were presented with their colt's badges. Chestnuts as always were the perfect guests, supplying a good green and putting on an enjoyable meal.
Oxfordshire BA v Somerset BA, Friendly played at Bloomfield Park , Bath on 31 May 2022
Oxfordshire travelled to the Bloomfield Club in Bath to play Somerset. Driving through very wet streets, we feared the worst, but the sun shone weakly on the righteous.
Oxfordshire started ok, getting used to a heavy green and all ends were tight at the halfway stage. But after 16 ends we were trailing by 20 shots. Fortunately the never say die attitude prevailed and we won 121-117.
The President’s rink of Barry Willoughby, Ian Whelpton and Alex Fleming picked up 5 on the last 3 ends and were unfortunate to only draw 21-21. Brian Clarke's rink of Mike Jones, Allan Ley and David Lattimore where 16-9 up at one stage, before losing 7 of the last 9 ends to stumble over the line 20-18. It was David Lattimore’s first county match for 20 years, returning from the wilderness that is Warwickshire.
John Benfield, David Wedge, Nigel Satchell and Ken Williams narrowly lost 22-19. Roger Oliver, John Stephens, John Hurren and Richard Barnett struggled throughout against some home club bowlers to lose 21-13. The highest winning rink was Roy Radband, Tim Cox, Keith Buckle and Mike Morris; they only lost 4 ends winning 26-10 and picked up an important 5 on the last end.
Brian Bloomfield’s rink of Michel Grossnickel, Bill Stewart and Martin Oliver looked dead and buried after 16 ends 23-9 down, but somehow picked up 12 on the next 3 ends to only lose 25-22. A match winning performance which capped a fine team performance and gave Oxfordshire another good away day.
Oxfordshire BA vs Berkshire BA played 28th May at Suttons Bowls Club Reading in the Home Counties league.
Oxfordshire continued their excellent start in the Home Counties League with an outstanding performance against local rivals Berkshire. Winning the match 113 shots to 97 and importantly 17-5 points to stay at the top of the league.
On rink one vs a very strong rink with Andy Knapper (England International) skipping against Nathan Lewis. Some outstanding bowling from Bernie May, Jim ,Feeley, Phil Gladden and Nathan gave our team a convincing win 26-11.
Rink 2 saw Kevin Alder’s four James MacDonagh, Brian Clarke, making his Home Counties debut, Martin Shepherd and Kevin again against a strong Berks rink. after 13 ends Kevin was 15-8 up but then became stuck on 15 for the next 5 ends which allowed R Nash to creep up to 15-13 on end 18 . Kevin pulled back on the 19th end to lead 16-15 but end 20 saw 2 points to Berks (16-15) with Berks holding at least 3 shots on the last end, Kevin drew in to allow them one shot and the rink tied at 16-16.
Rink 3 Nick Rae Welsh, Dave Tidball, Dave Leighfied and Nick were up against it throughout the match despite a spirted performance, going down 23-11.
Rink 4 Oxfordshire's rink of Paul Jelfs, Paul Mabbutt, Ian Henwood and A J Docherty were against two former Oxfordshire Middleton Cup players, namely Chris Gilks and Ryan Buckett. It was nip and tuck up to the 11 th end with Berks 13-9 up, then AJ took over and end 18 produced 5 shots and the Oxfordshire rink took the game 19-14.
Rink 5 saw Captain Mark Charlett’s rink of Mick Nash, Simon Hastings, Colin Whitehead and Mark once again calling the shots and vocal across all rinks to lead 18-6 after 16 ends. Despite excellent bowling and a few heavy bowls from the home side, end 20 saw Mark leading 18-11. End 21 gave Mark another 2 shots and a win 20-11.
Rink 6 of Jason King , Paul Costin, again playing in his first Home Counties match, Shane Cooper and Jason were drawn against a Berks rink lead by Robert Newman (England International). The four were in close contention throughout the match leading 20-17 on end 19 but a very ,very heavy bowl by the Berks skip smashed the head in all directions but landed surrounded by 5 Berkshire bowls to give them the lead 22-20. One on the last end by Jason saw him lose 22-21
An outstanding performance by the Oxfordshire Team. They came to win and they did. One more match to play at home to Surrey on July 2nd at Kidlington so all to play for.
Northamptonshire BA v Oxfordshire BA played Tues 17th May 2022 at Brackley.
Oxfordshire opened their friendly programme with a trip to Brackley to play Northamptonshire.
Rink 1 of Mike Andrew, Terry Gripe, Geoff Thompson and Ken Williams were close for two thirds of their game, but fell away to lose 29-15.
Brian Clarke's rink which contained Barry Willoughby, Bill Stewart and Tim Cox evened things up by winning 28-9. The President with Bernie May, Mike Conrad-Banks and Keith Buckle lost 16-12.
Mike Jones, David Wedge, Alex Fleming and Richard Barnett narrowly lost 17-14. Rink 5 of Roger Oliver, John McGeough, Martin Oliver and Mike Morris won 24-10 and rink 6 with Nigel Satchel, Michel Grossnickel, John Hurren and Chris Cox won 21-15, making the final score 114-96 to Oxfordshire.
Terry Gripe was awarded his 100 game badge, a fine achievement. Bill Stewart and Michel Grossnickel received their colt badges.
Worcestershire BA v Oxfordshire BA, Friendly atChipping Norton BC, 15 September. 2021
Oxfordshire completed a shorter than normal fixture list with an entertaining game against Worcestershire on a rare sunny day, on the Chipping Norton green.
The match was close all the way, with Oxfordshire having the better of the first half. Four of the rinks ended up very tight. The rink of Richard Nolte, Roger Oliver, Martin Oliver and Paul Robbins dropped 3 on the last 2 ends to loose 19-16. The rink containing Roy Radband, Brian Ealey, Allan Ley and Allan Wase picked up a 5 on the 18th end to win 23-21. Percy Hickman, Nigel Satchell, Richard Barnett and Mike Peterson where behind all the way but only lost 21-17.
Mike Jones, Bill Jarvie, Alex Fleming and Brian Clarke 2 down after 18 ends picked up 3 1’s with Alex putting the jack in the ditch on his final wood to win 19-18. The bookies favourite for highest winning rink Mike Andrew, Les Days, Keith Buckle and Brian Bloomfield lost 28-14. Lesson learned don’t bet on favourites.
Which left the Presidents rink of Chris Lewis, David Wedge and Jim Feeley, after 11 ends they are coasting 17-3 up, but then dropped 4 and 3 Fortunately they won 6 out of the last 8 ends. Last of the green with everyone watching they needed 3 to tie and 4 to win. Holding 2 and with the pressure of the crowd on his back Paul drew another shot with the last wood of the day to win 30-12 and tie the match 119-119.
It was a fitting end for a popular President who has worked hard for the County all season. Overall we played 9 matches, won 7, tied 1 and lost 1.
We had an enjoyable meal afterwards, thanks to Roberta and her team. Home player Percy Hickman was awarded his full badge along with Kidlington’s Jim Feeley. Martin Oliver from Hanborough was awarded his 50 game badge.
Thanks to everyone who has played this season, hopefully we will see you at the OBA dinner and AGM
Oxfordshire travelled down the M25 to play Hertfordshire at Harpenden and continued their winning form. Oxfordshire started slowly on a tricky green and were 19 shots down at the halfway stage. The rink of Mike Jones, Roger Oliver, Alex Fleming and Mick Morris struggled throughout against a rink from the home club, at one stage 23–5 down and finishing 31-12 down. Fortunately it was better on the other rinks. The President’s hand picked rink of John Hurren , Ian Whelpton and Chris Lewis won 28-11 as did Roy Radband, Bob Wright on his county debut, Brian Ray and Mike Peterson. Mike’s rink won more ends to deprive the President Paul Demczak of getting the highest winning rink, much to his annoyance.
The rink of Allan Hunt, Keith Dunsby also on his debut, Dereck Lafford and Brian Clarke won 18-16. The two remaining rinks of John Stephens, David Wedge, Allan Ley and Paul Robbins dropped a 3 on the 20th end to loose a tight match 18-16. The ever dependable Brian Bloomfield ably assisted by Bill Jarvie, Jock McGeough and Martin Oliver won 22-16, to round off a successful afternoon. The final score was 124-103 to Oxfordshire, a 40 shot turnaround on the last 10 ends
Alex
