Author: Stuart

This week started with our first friendly at Cirencester, the day started with rain but the rain cleared and it was dry all afternoon, although overcast and chilly.

It was 5 rinks of triples, Calne won 2 and the home team 3. However the final score 78-64 was in favour of Calne, with Mayumi winning the spider.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and at times found the green challenging, Cirencester are hoping to send a team to the Gala day and have a return visit next year.

On Monday we are at home to Trowbridge Westbourne in the Monday Mixed, start time 2pm.

In the evening it is another round in the West Wilts Holloway Pairs with Yvonne and David hoping to go through to the next round.

On Tuesday in the WHL Calne A who are at last top of Division 3 are away to Devizes B, Calne B in division 5 and having a run of successes are at home to BOAConstrictors, start time 2pm.  The Ladies in the Seidel league Greens have a free week whilst the Blues are away at Box. In the evening it’s the weekly Tuesday night club night, all welcome, start 6pm.

On  in the MWTL Calne A are at home to the Trowbridge West Falcons, the Calne B team are away to Devizes B, both games start 6-15pm.

On Friday in the BW Ladies Triples league Calne, who are top of the league, are at home to Trowbridge Westbourne start time 6-00pm.

Saturday brings Winsley to our ground on a friendly visit, 4 x 4 rinks, start time 2-30pm.

Bowls Wiltshire have already sent out these details to all clubs in Wiltshire, we are at the moment making contact with our friends outside of the County to make this years Gala Day a little bit special, so don’t hesitate send in your entry form now, we have already received several and we have no doubt there will be more to follow, it is on a first come basis, so don’t miss out!

Please click here for the Gala Day Entry Form

The week started with the Men’s Tourist trophy game against Westlecot, the away side was Les, Paul, Mark and Martin S, it was expected to be a hard game and so it proved, Westlecot ran out winners 30-18, but at 7 ends it was 10-4 to Calne, unfortunately after being all square at 13 ends, in the remaining 8 ends  Calne dropped 17 shots to 5, but it was an enjoyable game, the company was good and the green did bowl terrifically well, the home side at Calne were Steve M, Richard W, Dave G and Ian G, Westlecot played as a team that knew each other’s play very well, they built up tight heads very quickly, but we managed to break into the head time after time and only trailed by a few shots through most of the match, eventually losing 14-17, they were good company and were complimentary on the playability of the green and how well the club looked, especially the flowers.

Meanwhile at Devizes Dave J lost his game in the 2-woods final 16.

On Monday in the morning ASMC are coming to look at the green, whilst in the North Wilts league games, we took on North Wilts in the Monday mixed league, Calne managed to win 2 rinks with a score 52-42.

On Tuesday the Ladies are taking part in the B.W.L.Benevolent competition, the men have 2 games in the White Horse League, the ‘A’ team were at home to Trowbridge Westbourne ‘B’ and won 23-13 (2pts), whilst the  ‘B’ team were away to Chippenham Park ‘B’ games and they won 24-10 (2pts).

In the Seidel league the Blues played Corsham away, start time 2pm. This was an extremely wet match so it was reduced to 15 ends. In the evening Barry W and Paul were playing in the West Wilts Men’s pairs at Avon, a competition they had been successful in before, unfortunately not this year as they lost 17-21. Club night took place  at the Club, with another good turnout, that despite the threatening rain they managed to get 10 ends in.

On Wednesday the Ladies played away to Trowbridge Town in the B.W. Ladies Triples league, start time 6pm. Calne took all 6 points for the first time this season winning 37-19. The match was completed in the dry which is good going this week!

On Thursday both of the Men’s M.W.T.L. teams have games the ‘A’ team is away to Trowbridge Town ‘A’ and managed an 8-4 win, whilst the ‘B’ team is at home to Spencer Melksham ‘B’ and won 49-28 (10-2pts).

The ladies club championship was played on Thursday afternoon. A really good close game. Excellent bowling between Yvonne and Sue. The score was 21-18 to Yvonne who goes forward to the Champion of Champions competition in 2022.

On Friday the ladies Green team in the Seidel league played their rearranged game from Tuesday, due to the Benevolent competition, on Friday at 2pm against North Wilts Poppies. Calne Greens had a really good win with 28 – 8 and 2 points. For one Calne player it was her first ever competitive match. The ladies are playing a County senior triples match at Wootton Bassett in the evening.

Saturday morning the final of the ladies 101 club competition was played. This was a very close match and the final score was Mayumi 103 Karen 87.

The week started with a visit from our sponsors, Imagine Cruising.  Although very hot the afternoon went with a swing and a lot of enjoyment was had.

On Monday in the North Wilts Mixed League we were meant to be away at Bradford on-Avon, however after a discussion between the respective captains it was decided to cancel due to the heat. Meanwhile the ladies hosted Stratton Churchway in the BWL senior triples. The game was abandoned after ten ends. The heat on the green was unbearable. Fortunately  the fridge was well stocked with water!

In the evening the Men played Royal Wootton Bassett in the National 4’s competition. It was a hard fought game and our team of Martin S, I Gregory,Dave Johns and Tony Walford did not get the best of luck in the first 8 ends, however after trailing 1-7 they came back and only lost by 12 shots to 14. Well done lads – next year …!

On Tuesday in the Seidal league the Greens are at home to the Chippenham Park Evergreens, whilst the Blues have moved their fixture and will be playing on Thursday against the same team.

On Tuesday in the WHL the ‘A’ team were away to the Winsley Weavers and had a very convincing win 26-3, consolidating their 2nd place in division 3. The ‘B’ team were at home to Corsham ‘D’ and also had a good win 27-3, well done both teams.

On Wednesday the ladies would have had 4 teams playing in the BWL Coronation Triples. Some playing at Pewsey and some at Wroughton. Latest news. All venues have been called off. If rearranged you will be informed.

Thursday had only 1 game in the M.W.T.L. and that was the  ‘B’ team against Trowbridge Town B at Trowbridge, unfortunately, although winning 2 rinks, they lost 39-52 (4-8pts). The ‘A’ team, currently top of the league had an evening off. In the M.W.T.L.Wilson Cup 2 of the Calne teams played each other, the ‘B’ team coming out winners 17-14 after a game that was superb with some great drawing  play, with all 6 players excelling. This now means that we have 2 teams in the final 8. A great achievement, well done to all those involved.

The RHS Calne in Bloom judges visited the club in the afternoon, A big thank you to all those involved in getting the club looking so good, especially Yvonne who appeared to be living up there at times!

Also on Thursday the Seidal Blues played a re- arranged game at home in the afternoon.

To round off the week the ladies took part in the National fours at Supermarine Bowls Club in the evening.

On Saturday the Men’s over 60 triples team of Paul, Dave G and Les visited Supermarine and had a great game but lost to better side, score 21-12 I think, but I didn’t write it down, silly person!

In the afternoon we had a return friendly against Weston B.C. Bath, it was fine afternoon with their green being really good, fast and true. It was 3 rinks of 4 and after a hard fought 21 ends Weston won 2 rinks, however gallant skip Rod’s rink recorded an 18 shot win that enabled us to come out winners 54 – 44. This game was all about what friendliest should be a good bowls game in pleasant company and it was dry.

The week started with a visit to Pewsey Vale to play a 5 rink triples Friendly.  It was an overcast afternoon but we were greeted with great courtesy, as always, by Captain John and his team members. The spider was won by Roy Jennings.  Unfortunately, following a heavy downpour on the 12th end, the captains decided to call it a day. At that time the score was Calne 54 Pewsey Vale 46 – Calne W3, D1 and L1. Both teams had new members playing and they all did well.

Sometimes when it’s raining  you can only sit and wish you were allowed on the green!

On Monday in the North Wilts Mixed Comp we were at home to Chippenham Town.  Not a good day – Calne lost 40-51 losing on 2 rinks and drawing on one.

In the evening the Ladies were playing in the third round of the National Ladies Senior 4’s against Wroughton, Despite the occasional heavy shower our team played very well. The match ended in a 18 – 12 victory for Wroughton. Well done Calne ladies for progressing this far.

Tuesday in the WHL the ‘A’ team were at home to Spencer Melksham ‘A’ and won 20-13.5, whilst the  ‘B’ team were away to Broughton Gifford ‘A’ and unfortunately lost 6-26. The Ladies Seidal teams have postponed their game until Thursday and start time for both games is 2pm.

On Wednesday the Wiltshire Masons entertained Berkshire Masons in their first friendly at their Calne “home ground”.  There were lots of people renewing friendships and plenty of banter.  Unfortunately your reporter has lost the final score but that is probably immaterial as everyone appeared to have a good day, going home happy and well fed (and definitely not thirsty). Here are some photographs of the day.

At the same time the Ladies’ triples were away to Box resulting in another win for Calne. The score was 6 – 4 to Calne. Our team remain undefeated so far this season. For some of the team it was their first visit to Box B.C. Well done to all the players.

Thursday saw the rearranged Seidal game with the Calne Greens at home to the Calne Blues, start time 2pm and an enjoyable afternoon’s bowling. The Greens coming out the winners at 31 shots to 5. Well done you greens!

In the evening in the MWTL the ‘A’ team (who are top of the league) were at home to Corsham and won 50-44 (10-2pts), whilst the ‘B’ team (who are second in the league) are resting, having no game. Thursday morning Yvonne took part in the Champion of Champions competition. She played away to J Hallard (3rd encounter in this year’s competitions) playing at Wroughton B C. Yvonne enjoyed her trip to Wroughton and after a game lasting two and half hours the result was 21 shots to 15 against.

No other League games for the week, although competitions, both club, County and National are still continuing.

On Saturday 17th Captain Yvonne attended the BWL North 2 wood singles competition at Westlecott BC. Yvonne won her first match 17 – 6, second match 15 – 6 and was unfortunate to lose her third match 14 – 17. After 51 ends on a very hot day she missed the last 8 by 3 shots. You did yourself and our club proud Yvonne. Very well done.

On Monday the Mixed team was away to Blue Circle over at Westbury and unfortunately lost 39-43 only winning 1 rink skipped by Barry K.

On Tuesday the Calne Ladies blue team are at home to Chippenham Park Evergreens (Chippenham Park have now cancelled this match). In the WHL the men’s ‘A’ team were away to North Wilts ‘B’ and won 22-11 (2pts).The ‘B’ team were at home to BOAl’s and also won by 18-9.

On Tuesday evening in the West Wilts Holloway mixed Pairs competition Yvonne M and Dave J took on previous winners Alfie Maslem and Sandra Bartlett, in a very enjoyable game with some good bowling the Calne pair came out winners 22-7 and now move on to the next round.

Wednesday the Ladies Triples team were at home to Box start time 6pm. A good win beating Box 4 – 2 on points and 40 – 27 on shots.

On Thursday in the men’s MWTL, the ‘A’ team were away to Devizes ‘B’ and won convincingly 82-28 (12 – 0 pts), They now lead the table with Calne ‘B’ in second place, The ‘B’ team were at home to North Wilts ‘B’, unfortunately North Wilts could only field 6 players, instead of the normal 9 as a result they lost 25% of their score, the final result was 43 – 31.5 (10 -2pts)

To round off the week, Calne ladies, comprising of Martha, Mayumi, Ann C and Yvonne played North Wilts, skipped by Ann Roberts-Phare, in the National Ladies Senior 4’s and won 16-10, so onto the next round which is at Calne on Monday 6pm.

During the week members have been playing a lot of competitions as we now enter second half of the bowling year.

The first game of this week was on Sunday in the MWTL Imagine Cruising Trophy, Calne ‘A’ played Trowbridge Town ‘B’ away and won 12-0, so now play Trowbridge West Eagles in the last 8.

On Monday the 3 rink mixed team was at home to Trowbridge Town and managed a win 45-42 shots (8-2pts).

On Tuesday the Ladies in the Seidal Leagues had 2 games, the Blues were away to Chippenham Park Evergreens, After a very pleasant afternoon the match ended in a 21-12 loss, whilst the Green team were at home to Corsham, the score was a 10 – 24 loss.

The men in the WHL have also got 2 games the ‘A’ team were at home to Devizes D and won 17-12 (2pts). Whilst the ‘B’ team were away to Chippenham Town ‘D’ and had a fantastic win 25-13, congratulations to Barry C, Martin G, Dave D and their skip Les.

To add to the above success in the MWTL Wilson Cup Calne ‘A’ visited Chippenham Town to play their ‘A’ team (the Bluebirds) and were trailing on the 17th end 15-16 and picked up a 4 on the last end to win 19-16 to go through to last 16 where depending on tonight’s game they could be playing Calne ‘B’.

In the evening, to the background noise some football game it was Club Night, with a good number of bowlers enjoying bowls whilst listening out for when England scored.

Wednesday the Ladies were away to Chippenham Park. Another superb win with Calne scoring 4 points and Chippenham Park 2 points. Very close on shots at 28 Calne and 27 to Chippenham Park. Whilst at home we have 2 of our teams in the MWTL Wilson cup.

On Thursday in the MWTL, the ‘A’ team were at home to Spencer Melksham ‘B’, report awaiting, whilst the ‘B’ team were away to Trowbridge West Falcons and came away after with a win after a very close game by 48-37 shots , 12-0 in points.

The week ended with 2 items of good news Dave J won his National 2 wood competition and is now 1 game away from progressing to the county finals, well done Dave, good luck in the next game.

On Saturday in the Bowls Wiltshire mixed 4’s, Calne played North Wilts, both the home and away teams drew, Yvonne M led the home team and Rod was at North Wilts, there was a deciding end that had to be played at North Wilts which Calne won by 2 shots, so on to the quarter finals, well done to all.

The week started with the Bowls Wiltshire Ladies Top Ten competition against Wanborough on Sunday at Calne. It was a very enjoyable game with a win on one rink and the singles game went to 20-20, Wanborough getting the win on the very last shot. The match ended in a 3-1 loss. Despite a very wet afternoon the match was well attended, supported and enjoyed by both clubs, photos below.

Ann B looking very concerned, even though she was the winning skip!

On Monday afternoon the Mixed team were due to go to Warminster in the North Wilts, however it was cancelled due to rain. The Ladies were involved in the National Triples competition and unfortunately lost 25-9 to Chippenham Town and 3-2, after the minimum 5 ends had been played (rain stopped play) to Swindon North End, better luck next year.

On Tuesday all 4 teams were in action, first the Ladies in the Seidal League – Blues were at home to North Wilts Poppies and lost 5-26, whilst the Greens were also at home to Box and won 18-7.

In the Men’s White Horse League the ‘A’ team were at home to top of the league Trowbridge Westbourne ‘A’ and lost 10-23, whilst the ‘B’ team, who do not have a game, had a roll-up!

On Wednesday the Scouts were unable to visit having had to revert to virtual scouting  due to Covid restrictions. We hope to host them later in the year.

After the excitement last week, Thursday found the men’s MWTL teams in action against Trowbridge Town.  Calne ‘A’  were away to Trowbridge Town ‘B’ and won 65-45 (10-2pts), Whilst Calne ‘B’ were at home to Trowbridge Town ‘A’ and won 48-40 (10-2pts).Well done to both teams.

To round off the week on Friday the Ladies in the Triples League were at home to, yes you’ve guessed it, Trowbridge Town! The ladies had yet another win in this match, Calne 4 points Trowbridge Town 2 points (37-30 shots). Very well done to both rinks.

Monday started with an away game in the North Wilts Mixed, against Trowbridge Westbourne, due to the heat only 15 ends were played, final score was 47 – 43,, although only winning 1 of rinks.

In the evening it was the 3rd round of the National Pairs Competition, the Ladies Yvonne and Sheila unfortunately lost at Purton 10-15. The result of Barry W and Dave J. game against Steve Heseltine (Chippenham Town) ended in a 12-20 defeat for our lads, so better luck next year.

In addition there was a rearranged game for Calne ‘A’ in the MWTL away to Corsham, Calne winning 83-37 (10-2 pts), which puts them top of the league.

On Tuesday all 4 of the teams were in action – in the Ladies Seidal League the Calne Blues were at home to Corsham and secured their first win 18-13, whilst the Calne Greens were away to North Wilts Poppies and lost 12-14, but a win is getting nearer for them. In the White Horse League Calne ‘A’ were away Trowbridge Westbourne ‘C’ and won 20-11, whilst Calne ‘B’ were at Devizes ‘E’ and unfortunately lost 11-21.In the evening the ever popular Club Night, which had 3 visitors from Imagine Cruising, trying their hand at bowls.

On Wednesday the Ladies had a trip to Trowbridge Westbourne, for their second game in the Ladies Triples League and came away 36-28 winners and 5 pts, well done Ladies.

Thursday in the M.W.T.L. Calne ‘B’ took on Calne ‘A’ , it was an interesting game, which ended in a tie 49 shots each, however Calne ‘A’ won 2 rinks so the final points distribution was Calne ‘B’ 5pts – Calne ‘A’ 7pts

The first game of the week was in the North Wilts mixed league away to North Wilts which ended with a win for North Wilts 54-50, (2-8pts) – the only winning rink being that with Rod Amor in command!.

Round 1 of the Men’s county Pairs match between Chippenham Town and Calne comprising of Barry W and Dave J played at Chippenham Town and Calne won, so onto the round 2 where they play another team from Chippenham Town, not surprising as of the 14 teams in Area 2 they have 9 of them. Well done to our pair.

On Tuesday in the WHL, the men in Calne ‘A’ were away to Trowbridge Town ‘A’ and managed a 17-12 win, whilst the Calne ‘B’ team were at home to Corsham ‘B’ and unfortunately came second, going down 13-15.

Seidal League News. A new venture for our lady members. Two teams in action. The Greens travelled to Chippenham Park in an attempt to conquer the might of their club. Alas we were unable to achieve that and the match ended 31 to 9 down. A great try on a very hot afternoon.

At the same time the Blue team was in action at home. Although a very enjoyable afternoon the score was 33 to 9 against Calne. All of the players gave it the very best and enjoyed playing against a team from another club, some for the very first time. It was good to see a ladies away team on our green. Something we missed last season.

On Wednesday our entry in the Men’s National Club 2 fours visited Chippenham Town to play against a very strong ‘A’ team and our 4s, skipped by Paul M and Martin S, lost 10-24 and 13-16 respectively – hard luck lads, try again next year.

On a happier note, our bee houses arrived, courtesy of the Cherhill Scout Group, so if you have any solitary bees, who do in fact make up 90% of the bee population and are very important pollinators, that need a holiday let us know.

With grateful thanks to the Cherhill Scouts Group.

On Thursday in the men’s M.W.T.L. Calne ‘A’ were at home to North Wilts ‘B’ winning 74-49 (10-2 pts) and Calne ‘B’ were away to Corsham and in a very close game lost 40-47 (0-12pts)

On Thursday the Ladies started their games in the Ladies Triples League, with a visit to Blue Circle where they won 32-30 shots (4-2 pts).

l-r  Ann B, Yvonne, Ann C, Josie, Sue and Mayumi.

Friday found our pairs duo of Barry W and Dave J at Chippenham Town (again).  They ran out winners 19-10 and now face another Chippeham Town Pair led by Jeremy Haselton on Monday evening at Calne, good luck lads !

There were mixed fortunes for our Ladies in the National Pairs Competition.  Both were drawn at home , the results being Yvonne and Sheila won 24-9 against Wroughton, whilst Martha and Mayumi lost 13-25 13-25.  The other entrants, Sue and Ann C, were away to Chippenham Park and lost 9-24. Well done to them all and good luck to Yvonne and Sheila in the next round.  A lot of experience was gained, so roll on next year.

To round the week off, on Saturday we entertained 18 members of Weston Bowls Club from Bath to play 6 rinks of triples in a mixed friendly.  They were full of praise for our green, saying it was as good as any they had in Bath or Bristol and felt that our club was very friendly and inclusive. We broke at 10 ends for tea and biscuits, however the rest and refreshments appeared to prove beneficial to our visitors as they went on to win 5 of the 6 rinks and we lost 82-131 – our only winning rink was Rod, Allan and Gill, so well done to them.  The afternoon ended with drinks and a lot of friendly banter

We make a return visit to them later in the season and hope to get our revenge.