Club News

Well, we have just played our last friendly match of the season and now we must wait until April until we start again. The season seems to have flashed past and in its course we have played matches, home and away, with more than 20 other clubs. All the results are on the Club Hub section of the website but we fell short of an overall success, having won 18, lost 23 and drawn one. However, this reflects the fact that many of our bowlers were relatively inexperienced at the start and it was good to see that their skills, and our win rate, improved significantly in the second half of the season. This augurs well for the future.
I would like to thank all our members who responded so enthusiastically to the call to participate in matches, and I hope they have all enjoyed the season as much as I have. I very much look forward to playing with you again in 2024, a very special year as we celebrate the Club's 100th anniversary.

Paul Stickney, Club Captain

The finals day for Club competitions was held on Saturday 26 August. The weather forecast was unpromising but at the start of proceedings, the sun was shining and there was a good attendance of Club members' friends and families who were able to watch a series of closely contested matches in the Mens, Ladies, Novices, Pairs and Handicap finals. All matches were hard- ought and the winning margins were small, all players emerging with credit.
The weather remained fair until a heavy thunderstorm at 4.00pm flooded the green and play had to be abandoned. The remaining two finals, the Two Woods and the 91’s, have now been played though it was disappointing that they couldn’t be played on the day.
As usual, the finals day was brilliantly organised by Geoff O’Dell and many congratulations to all the 2023 Champions, who are listed below.

Winner: Anthony Shelton
Runner-up: Gus Romero

Winner: Claire Smith
Runner-up: Sue Holden

Winner: Mike Holden
Runner-up: David Rich

Winner: Gus Romero
Runner-up: Claire Smith

Winner: Gus Romero
Runner-up: Keith Pollington

Winner: Paul Stickney
Runner-up: Clive Stevens

Winners: Sue Holden & Geoff O'Dell
Runners-up: Jan Koehli & Keith Pollington

On 23 July, we played the second leg of our annual match with Walton Bowling Club competing for the Derrick Plummer Cup. In the first leg on 12 July, Walton won with a lead of 9 shots which was carried forward to this, our home leg return. In fine, warm weather and in good spirit, Oatlands quickly erased the deficit and surged onward to achieve substantial wins on three out of four rinks with the final score being Oatlands 75 - Walton 53. Oatlands' captain, Paul Stickney, duly took possession of the cup (pictured left). Walton asked us to take good care of it because they plan to have it back next year. We have an alternative view.

A great turnout of 24 members gathered to contest the annual club Triples Tournament on Saturday 1st July. Eight teams played each other over 7 matches of 3 ends with a win scoring 2 points, a draw 1 point, and a loss nil. The weather was kind and the competition close. No single team dominated, with all achieving some successes and only marginal defeats. So much so that when the final scores were tallied, the lowest score was 5 points, five teams were equal on 7 points, one on 8, and the winner on 9 points. A very close run thing. The winning team was that of Geoff, Penny and Ann (pictured L-R), who picked up the Triples Trophy and a bottle of wine each. Win or lose, everyone enjoyed the afternoon immensely.

Last night our mixed team was back at West End to play their ‘A’ team. Having just managed to beat the ‘B’ side there a few weeks earlier, we were expecting a tougher challenge this time. The match was once again played in a cloudless sky and our team looked in good form winning the first end by four shots.
Back came our opponents with a three shot win on the next, so all looked set for another close match.
Oatlands looked up for the challenge, winning four of the next six ends, with everyone contributing to lead our hosts 10-5 after eight ends, then winning the ninth end by five, which proved to be a defining moment in the match. West End ‘A’ never recovered, as Oatlands won seven of the last nine ends, to win the match 28-9. This was by far OPBC’s best team performance of the season. Congratulations to Jan, Gus, Chris and Mike.

After a convincing midweek win against Byfleet, Saturday's weather remained gorgeous, the setting was splendid, and the company convivial at our away match with Esher. The match had been reduced to 3 triples from 4 at Esher’s request. Rink 1 won comfortably 28 – 9 but rink 2 fell short losing 15 – 22 on a difficult green. On ronk 3, the battle was closer with Esher leading all the way up to end 11 when they led 11 – 7 but on end 12, Oatlands won an incredible 6 shots! Plain sailing from then on, winning the rink 18-12 and an overall match score of 61-43. We look forward to the return match with Esher in September.

Well it was never going to be easy away to Bishop Duppas, where recently Oatlands have not had the best of records. And so it proved, in a highly absorbing match for the mixed team last night. Oatlands took an early lead to 2-6 after 5 ends, 6-6 after 7 and then 8-8 after 11 ends. We then went 8-9 up only to give away 4 shots on the twelfth end. Was this the turning point? No - back we came and with one end to play we led 12-14. On the final end, BD hit the jack with an almighty crack, which could have gone anywhere. We lost 15-14 on a measure but gave it everything and and never gave up against very good opponents. So we now know what Division Two is all about. We’ve played two and lost two, but both games could have gone either way. We just need to find the steel to finish games off, when we take the lead.

Club members enjoyed glorious weather and equally wonderful bowls at the annual Pairs Tournament on Saturday afternoon. Emerging victorious were the pairing of Keith Pollington and Sue Holden. Many congratulations to them both.

The long-awaited first match of the new season arrived yesterday, away to Horsell, where we very seldom win. Would things be any different this time? The weather was dry but so much recent rain slowed the greens and Horsell were soon into their stride, winning two of the first three ends, to lead 10-5. Oatlands came back winning the fourth; was this going to be their year? Apparently not: the home team won the next three ends to stretch their lead to 28-15. However, Oatlands won the next two ends to reduce the deficit. Half time score Horsell 33 OPBC 23. Horsell extended their lead to 51-30 after thirteen ends and despite a late Oatlands rally, the damage had been done and the final score was Horsell 63 OPBC 46. Horsell once again proved excellent hosts, with after match drinks in their splendid Clubhouse being enjoyed by all!

Oatlands Park has announced two Open Days where you can come on down, meet the members and give bowls a try for free. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an occasional player, you are guaranteed a warm welcome. So why not come along at 11am on Sunday 23rd April or Saturday 20th May, say hello and give bowls a try? Just be prepared to enjoy yourself!

As March comes to an end, everyone is looking forward to the start of the new season and the first roll-up session of the year on Tuesday April 18th. Everyone is welcome - even if you have never played before! Come on down at 5pm and see what you've been missing!

Saturday Night's Quiz Night was another great success raising a total of £730 for the Club. Top honours this year go to 'The Quizzables' team, comprising Jenny, Penny, Sarah, Anthony, Mike and Roy, while runners-up in joint second place were 'The Cottagers' and 'ThePolyGodlyDukes'. Congratulations to all and big thanks to the O'Dell family for excellent organisation.

On 20th March, a party of 14 representing OPBC converged on the Potters Five Lakes Resort, near Tiptree, Essex, the attraction being a 4 day break, including a bowls tournament, enticed by those magic words, "All-inclusive". One big snag though: hardly anyone had played indoor bowls! Knowing this, within two hours of arrival, the party found themselves at a roll-up. What followed can best be described as 'interesting', but well worth the experience.

The bowls tournament, packed with experienced indoor bowlers, was always going to be a learning curve for the three OPBC teams entered. Nevertheless one of them made their way to the knockout quarter final stage, before losing a close- fought match. Not daunted, the OPBC bowlers turned up to practise even after the tournament ended. All improved their indoor skills and many gained valuable assistant from Gary, the resident coach.

With regard the rest of the Potters attractions, the group were unanimous in their praise for the accommodation, food, drink, other activities available and the first class professional entertainment each evening.

Over 80 guests attended our Race Night last night at Whiteley Village. A huge thanks to Tony and David for sharing the MC role and for doing such a great job. The tote did brilliantly and the Club very much appreciated the efforts of Victoria, Chris and Mike in taking the money all night. All in all, a great night had by all - and as a fundraiser, it puts us on a 'stable' footing for the year ahead... See you at the Quiz Night in March!

Wishing all our members, friends, supporters (and Bowls opponents!) the warmest compliments of the Season and looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year!

On Friday evening, the North West Surrey Bowling Association (NWSBA) presented the league trophies for the 2022 playing season, including the Men's Division 1 league title. This went to Oatlands Park for the first time since 2016, who won seven of their 12 matches in 2022, drawing two and losing three, ultimately winning the league with sixteen points. Collecting the award on behalf of the Men's team, and pictured left to right, are: Barry Judd, Tony Pollington (Captain), Geoff O'Dell and Paul Stickney.

The North West Surrey Bowling Association (NWSBA) presented the 2022 Mixed League Division 3 title to Oatlands Park Bowling Club on Friday. Entering the competition for the first time in several years, OPBC won nine of their twelve matches and lost three, with a shot aggregate of 222 to 160, winning the league with eighteen points. Pictured left to right are: Claire Smith, Mike Farris (Captain), Gus Romero, Jan Koehli and Patti Stevely.

Oatlands Park held its Annual Awards luncheon yesterday at the Toby Cottage restaurant in Ripley. After a superb meal, all attention was focused on the presentation of awards to the winners of the 2022 Club competitions. Full details are below.

Men’s Champion: Barry Griffin
Runner-Up: Paul Stickney

Barry Griffin (L) receives the LH Seccombe Cup from Club president, Barry Judd (R)

Ladies’ Champion: Claire Smith
Runner-Up: Penny O'Toole

Club president, Barry Judd, presents the Ron Steward cup to Claire Smith

Novices’ Champion: Chris Koehli
Runner-Up: Patti Stevely

Club president, Barry Judd (L), presents the Dubber cup to Chris Koehli (R)

Pairs Champions 2022: Paul Stickney & Gus Romero
Runners-Up: Tony Pollington & Linda Headon

Paul Stickney (L) & Gus Romero (R) receive their cups from Club president, Barry Judd

Handicap Champion 2022: Gus Romero
Runner-Up: Mike Farris

Gus Romero (R) receives the Langdon cup from Club president, Barry Judd (L)