2006 is proving an interesting year for New Hedges bowlers. Our club captain is away on a world cruise; some bowlers are still enjoying their three months holiday in Spain; and quite a few of our members have been having operations or recovering from them, having accidents, or suffering the usual aches and pains which beset us during the winter months. Those who have remained to give their usual loyal support have enjoyed some excellent bowling together during club meetings, and have done their best in matches. Playing away from home for all bowlers is a challenge. Although used to the bumps and angles of their own mat due to the state of the hall floor, playing away at another venue can disorientate them and their good form at home can be lost. By the time they get used to the mat, the game is at an end. The new ruling which prohibits pre-match warm-ups places a visiting club at a distinct disadvantage. In the club captain's absence, the vice-captain, Tony Croft, has arranged the matches. Those played away in January to Reynalton, Monkton, St. John's and Llanteg in February we lost, but some of our teams played very well and on form. We won the home match in January against Monkton narrowly, followed by good home wins (7-3) against Llanddewi Velfrey and against Skrinkle (9-1) in March. There is another home match on Friday, March 10, and the final league match of the season for New Hedges will be at home to Hundleton on March 14. It has been noticeable how some of our newer members have improved, players such as Steve and Arthur, and everyone is impressed with our oldest member, Queenie, who has just had her second cataract operation within a year, yet still manages to make straight for the jack! Other members, such as the two Annes, were making wonderful progress until operations prevented them coming along, but we are hoping they will soon recover and be back with us regularly again. At the end of the month, our wanderers should have returned, and the lighter and warmer days of spring will be here. Then will follow our friendly, happy club sessions, plus a few friendly matches, to see us through the summer. A bowler's life is such a happy one, tra-la-la!! E.W.
