Out of hibernation and the bear has a sore head

And so the fixtures are out………

 

 

A post on facebook from Matt Ryan teasing newbie division one star Simon Totten confirmed the fixtures were out and my fingers moved with the speed of Roy Castle's tippy tappy feet, navigating the endless options on my new note 4 with a speed and dexterity not seen since Hugh Jackman hacked in to something to see Halle berry’s breasts in the film swordfish. Well that's what I remember the plot to be about but I could be wrong.

 

A quick search and the first home game crops up on my screen in only 7 Saturdays we will be hosting Hall green and two weeks later we welcome the White Hart. A cursory scan through the other games shows me we have the two teams promoted with us in the first half of the season and thankfully there are now two divisions between us and the Raven, so we don’t have to worry about that delight.

 

The last game is at home and if it turns out to be pivotal we will need to give a good Olton shoeing to the Banbury. On the 27th Jun Jack Savage will be booking a holiday or bowling in the B as we can’t risk taking him to Hockley heath. I saw the carnage over two games last year and wouldn’t wish such horror on anyone even if they bowl for the Raven. Kings Norton’s finest gap toothed bowler Dan Bowater will go into hiding mid august to avoid having to match up against one of his heroes in the Chuckles. The end of may will feature a battle with the new up and coming team in boldmere and there ex county stars while Wiggly will have to wait a long time until he gets to upset the ward end social.  

 

A new adventure in four awaits some familiar teams and some brand new teams to me at least. All I can promise is ill pick what I think is my best side and give everyone the support and encouragement they deserve. Make no mistake though this is a step up and will need better performances by all if we are to be successful. There will be no sleep walking through games as we did at times last year. It’s time to role your sleeves up and start showing me your moves.

 

I then checked to see if the Alliance side had a full fixture list this year and was delighted to find not only was it full season but we had gained promotion via some back door to Division 2. This is great news as not only will there be more games for our expanding squad but a higher standard for our boys and girls to prove themselves in. With our best 12 out I think we were the best side in the division last year, this year we are going to need everyone playing as much as possible. If your are  on of our club members reading this and are waveringabout whether to play this year or you are a lapsed bowler looking for a new challenge  give me a call  let me convince you that this is the place to be.

 

On a personal note the Chuckles returned to The Tony Padgett open at Cradley yesterday. After some years away from playing in competitions it was refreshing to get a few bowlers involved in doubles comps at the end of the year and I want to encourage more and especially our younger bowlers to get involved with a few comps. They help broaden your horizon and improve your bowling - I might not have to drop you as much if you do. 

Its always a fun competition having met and made a lot of friends at the club over the years of playing in the West Brom and Dudley leagues it is also a sobering experience playing for a cup named after a man who we regularly competed against, a man who meant so much to his family, teams and the wider bowling area. Each year we lose people who have given so much to the game as players and administrators, it is rarely possible to replace these people and have the impact they had for the better on all our bowling lives. It is easy to forget this when the league or club runs so well and we have all been guilty of taking things for granted. Please try to give as much help to officials as you can, support your club andcommittee by keeping things tidy, attending events and playing where you are picked. Most importantly though, don’t moan about my performance on committee or selection.

With the weather throwing what I hope is the last of winter at us, we wrapped up warm and took the short trip to Cradley. The green was wet but considering the time of year and the recent weather bowled really well. Scotty was the first to the green against a top level Shropshire player and found a good weight on the longer marks to finish winning 17. While happy with the performance the thought of battling through another game with man flue wasn't an exciting prospect.

My first game was against tony Moore from the RABL, which I won after a nip and tuck game to 18.

The rewards for our first round exploits were top ladies well actually top anything bowler Lynn Pritchett for Scotty and ex county star and multiple merit winner John Evans for me.  Scotty started like an ill man while Lynn was on fire but Scotty showed his mettle fighting back to challenge before succumbing  to Lynn's consistent brilliance 15-21.

Against John  I had a slow start and was always chasing the game until a good run put me level but a couple of loose ends and it was over 16-21. Super supporter and new division one starlet Simon Totten was suitably  impressed but he is an Albion supporter so you have to take it with a pinch of salt.

Lynn went on to qualify beating Simon Clinton in the qualifier and John Evans lost to bowls superstar Callum Wraight. With Warwick and Worcester county stars Tom and John Palmer qualifying on the afternoon it goes to show the quality of these comps. I would encourage our players especially the younger ones to start putting their names in the hat, it's wonderful experience and you get to meet some great people.

Thanks to Mandy and all our friends at Cradley for providing such a fun friendly and quality competition for all.