Willies, Wellies and Winning

We left the Olton early Saturday knowing there was some festival for young folk that we would have to drive past on the way. With the lifts organised, Killer had gone missing - we drove around the car park trying to find him only to notice this big grin peeking from between JP and Rocky in the back of the Wiggly Wagon. The fit was so tight in the back Chris had ceased to be and there was just a mouth like the Cheshire cat, his dental surgery white smile illuminating the darkness on the back seat. I threw my hands up in resigned fashion and followed them on the way to Hamstead.

Wiggy pulled off at the first MacDonald’s as Jacko needed to fill his face and we weren’t going to go past a subway. Five men crammed together for an hour, with a MacDonald’s and Wigs arse I can only imagine the horror. It must have been like the black hole of Calcutta.

We got to Perry park and we began to crawl to a standstill. Despite the warnings the traffic was fine, however the herds of young ladies in short skirts and wellies left my right foot with out strength and I just couldn’t get the accelerator to work. A spot of rain fell and they all dashed for cover - suddenly I was cured and off we were able to continue our journey.

The first four started slowly. Larry, Jacko and Wiz were all down but fighting hard. Larry looked like he could be on for a tailing before gritting his teeth and pulling out a fine 15.

Jack had a game of runs but unfortunately his opponent had the last one leaving Jack tantalisingly close to a win with 18. Four Big Macs is no way to prepare for a big game, now if you had a fillet of fish you would have won.

Dave Hosgood was 20-13 down before finding the corners en-route to running out 21-20.

Also in the first four was yours truly who won 21-8. 5 up after 4

Killer, less of a rose between thorns and more of a leaf between two stout books, managed to inflate himself ready to go on at number five. Chris had a frustrating game that was generally excellent apart from one mark that he just couldn’t find. Just a little tip Chris, if what your doing doesn’t work the first ten times try something else. Chris fell one shot short 20-21.

JP was on at six and was desperate for a win. At 7-1 down that wasn’t looking promising but JP had always been challenging and when he won the block had excellent weight, allowing him to race of with the victory to 12.

Richie made his return after illness and at 7-2 down was looking rusty. Richie though is pure quality finding a mark and beating good wood after good wood to close the game out to 7. Having Richie back makes us instantly a much better side but then again he would make nearly any side better.

Rocky rounded out the middle 4 with a typically obdurate display of tenacity and guts , like a pit-bull biting his opponent and never letting him get away from him rocky finished with an excellent 19. 25 up after 8

At Nine was the man you have all been waiting for, drum roll please, heeeeeeerrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeesssssssss Wiggy. Reason 10,11,and 12 Why Moseley refuse to let him touch streets brook road let alone come into the club.

The phantom illness. Wiggly is the kind of man that got out of tests at school by having 16 grand mothers 8 granddads 13 great uncles and aunts and 13 pets die unexpectedly. This week was a subtle variant on this theme as at about 8-2 up Wiggy lost an end. Suddenly he was asking for water as if he was crawling the Paris to Dakar rally. His opposite number became concerned and during his comeback kept asking Wig if he wanted to sit down for a bit or if he could get him some tablets. He came over to me and told me he had no problems Wiggly resting for a while and he should take as long as he needed to get himself right. Wiggy, sensing the drop in adrenaline and concentration, “bravely struggled on” taking advantage of the Samaritans kindliness by winning to 11. This migraine, the flashing lights, the pounding head, the blurred vision, the thirst and the lack of strength, all this lasted approximately 9 minutes or five ends. Hmmmmmmmmmmm add to this the phantom 30 second s*** from Harborne and the man is becoming a seething writhing mass of excuses. I am awaiting the "I can’t play at pheasant away I am having my arm amputated" excuse. Wiggy wins 11.

Savo who had wisely worn my hat all day was on at ten. Before we started Savo had told me how he would be happy with 15 away. Savo played well in spurts and terribly in others seemingly intent on getting 15 and only 15. Oddly enough Sav got 15. Next week tell me you are going to win single figures you dope.


Dodge was at number 11 and got 11. Dodge has been great since working his way back into the side and I am sure this will just be a blip.


Scotty completed the game for us and to be honest wasn’t in any sort of state to be bowling as he was tired, worn out, dehydrated and just not with it. Finding himself 15-5 down and with the game still in the balance Scott shrugged the cobwebs clear and made his way to a very creditable 16


5 winners and a 14 shot win showed a different side to the tavern today. It isn’t a green we know well, we had a couple of players who hadn’t bowled at all for two weeks plus and one of our most consistent performers on holiday but with some great battling performances from the side we proved we have the desire to keep winning. If we can get the quality back up to match it for the rest of the season I will be a very happy captain.