Page 87 - Phonebox Magazine November 2015

Bridgman Bowling Club
24 hour Marathon
For 24 hours from 5pm on Friday 4th September till 5pm on Saturday 5th September the Rinks at the local Bridgman Bowling Club in Eagle Way, Harrold, Bedfordshire were in constant use in the cause of charity.
There was a group of 12 Bridgman members who played for the whole 24 hours with only two 2-hour breaks during the 24 hour period. They were supported by teams of members plus visitors from other local clubs including Bedford Borough, Olney, Sharnbrook and especially Cogenhoe Bowls Club who sent two teams on Saturday morning. Each team consisted of three bowlers (men or women or a mixture of both). These teams were supported by Russel Thompson, County Champion, his wife Cath Thompson and Simon Hammond, former County Champion, from Kempton Hammers Bowls Club and England Bowler, Darren Lyle. In excess of 100 bowlers took part. Spectators were also welcome and it was only during the middle of the night that those watching fell to a very small number.
The charity supported was the Oncology Unit at Northampton General Hospital and the event was held in memory of Jacqueline Kitchener, wife of Club President Norman Kitchener, who sadly passed away last year after her cancer returned in a much more aggressive form.
Norman had set a target of £5,000. The total raised is expected to exceed £7,500 by some margin. This total includes the proceeds of a Raffle which took place on the day and raised over £700. Prizes were donated by club Members, members of the family and friends and local businesses.
Norman thanked all those who took part and those who sponsored them for their superb efforts for this really worthwhile cause. Once the final total is known a presentation will be made to members of the Oncology Unit at the Club’s Annual Dinner and Dance on 27th November.
Olney Rugby Club
Olney started this home game with great expectations after the arrival of two New Zealanders for the rest of the season. Keegan Anderson, a 2nd rower, started and had a good start after recovering from jet lag. The other
Kiwi, Kayne Middleton, a centre, came on later and settled in to look impressive especially with his penalty kicks. Both are young players and should generate some enthusiasm into the Olney boys after the run of defeats so far this season. Olney were awarded a penalty early on quite centrally but this was unfortunately missed. Oadby were looking lively and Olney had to be at their best defending but they broke through into the Olney 25m where the constant pressure finally led to Olney conceding 2 penalties both of which were kicked. Olney 0, Oadby 6. The home side hit back with a good move with backs and forwards combining before Will Durden went over for a superb try, the conversion kick was again missed; Olney 5, Oadby 6. After some more midfield play half time arrived.
Half Time: Olney 5 Oadby 6
Oadby went straight on the attack at the start of the second half and more pressure and more infringements by Olney led to an Oadby penalty which was well kicked for another 3 points to the visitors; Olney 5 Oadby 9. From the restart Olney took the play deep into Oadby’s half
24 Hour Bowlathon Superstars
In the photograph above are 11 of the intrepid bowlers who played for the whole 24 hours (from the left: John Osborn, John Griggs, Bob Patrick, Norman Kitchener, Pete Edwards, Tyler Grey, Bob Milligan, Jon Dolling, Phil Birmingham, George Rowland and Tim Coles). The missing bowler was Andy Gronkowski who stood in at the last minute and played until about 8 am when he had to leave to attend to some private business – Club Captain Michael Walker took his place for most of the rest of the Marathon. The other bowler who deserves special mention is Pete Edwards from Yardley Hastings, who along with Kit Denney had agreed to play one of the early sessions even though they are not bowlers. As we were one bowler short for reasons beyond our control Pete agreed to stand in for the whole 24 hour period – now he is an experienced bowler we hope he will join and enjoy the normal bowling experience!
Oadby Wyggestonians vs. Olney
but some bad handling when the white line was begging to be crossed led to Oadby kicking long down field. Oadby’s number 14 gathered the ball from a lineout and jinked his way through a static home defence to score a well deserved try which was converted; Olney 5 Oadby 14. Olney substituted a centre for the new arrival from Kiwi land who got involved in another move generated by some good forward play which resulted in Rich Cowan following up and going over for an excellent try. Even though the try was scored right near the corner flag Kayne Middleton (New Zealand) converted with a really superb kick from the touch line. Olney 12 Oadby 14.
Olney were beginning to play some good rugby and looking a lot more positive, the back row were getting some good hits in and getting first to the breakdowns especially skipper Charlie Belcher. Alas somehow their dangerous Number 14 got the ball just inside his own half and with just sheer pace outstripped the Olney defence to score under the posts which led to an easy conversion for Oadby; Olney 12 Oadby 21. Olney did mount some more attacks but luck was not with them despite a gallant effort by one and all, I think if Olney can play like this then wins will come, plus the return of their skipper and players back from injury and the 2 new comers it should settle down into a more confident side. Full Time: Olney 12 Oadby 21.
Phonebox Magazine 87