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CROSSKEYS AND PONTYMISTER ATHLETIC MOURN THE PASSING OF TWO COLLEGES, GORDEN RICHARDS OF CROSSKEYS AND DON WILTON OF PONTYMISTER ATHLETIC, BEFORE TODAYS LOCAL DERBY

Crosskeys Captain Gareth "Jimmy" Bendall called for a minutes silence before the start of todays game in honor of  both Gorden Richards of Crosskeys and Don Wilton of Pontymister Athletic,  two bowlers who sadly passed away last week.
During the post match speeches by the Captains a toast was made in honor of both these respected bowlers and our friends.

Back to this the local derby, which Crosskeys lost by 1 shot at Pontymister's ground last week, they certainly made up for today.  On probably the best looking green around, Crosskeys made a quiet but determined start, on an expected heavy green following all the rain we have had recently.

After the first five ends, things looked like they would go Pontymisters way "again !", with Ponty leading on 3 rinks whilst holding at a draw on the fourth rink. On Rinks 1 and 2, Ponty were up 5 shots to 4 on both. Rink 3 Ponty up 6 shots to 4. Rink 4 holding 3 shots each. What was today going to bring for Crosskeys? More bad luck on the green?

Well, the bowls kept you sitting on the edge of your seat all the day long.  By the end of the tenth, Key's Rink 1 were up 12-8, Rink 2 up 13-6. Rink 3 down 7-8 and Rink 4 up 8-5. Crosskeys up by a small margin, and all still to play for.

Keys' spirit was up by the 15th end, but Ponty were not giving up; only becoming stronger towards the last few ends. The scores across the rinks were; Rink 1 Keys leading 16-14. Rink 2 Keys up 22-10. Rink 3 Keys in front 14-11. Rink 4 Keys up 12-8.

Then over the last six ends Key's started to drop off the pace a little and Ponty could sense collecting a few points here was definitely on the cards.  The scores at the end were:  Rink 1- Keys 22 Pont 23. Just not to be Bushbaby Junior's day today. Again!  Rink 2 - Keys 28 Ponty 15 Bushbaby happy with that performance even though he hates playing on that rink.  Rink 3 - Keys 20 Ponty 18.  I can't say whether "Ginger the Whinger" was whingging or smiling.  He must have wind or something, because nobody has seen him smile yet, but the look on his face was a picture.  Rink 4,- Keys 15 Ponty 15. Tommy perhaps a little disappointed with this result, but that's the game of bowls for you.  Overall Crosskeys 85 shots Pontymister Athletic 71 shots. Points were Keys 11, Ponty a hard fought for and won 3 points.  Well done to all.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster



CROSSKEYS CONTINUE THEIR LOOSING RUN  WITH AN 8 SHOT DEFEAT AT HOME BY CHEPSTOW - SATURDAY 03 JULY 2010

Let me cut straight to the chase. Yes.  We lost again!!!  Some times it gets very hard to find the "right words" to describe a situation, or an occasion, adequately.  Today, is just one of those days.  Well it is 0130 on Sunday morning, the 04th July 2010.  The Yanks may be partying over in the States for one reason, because they dicked the British, many moons ago; and I can not even remember the score from today's game against Chepstow! All I can recall is that Keys lost by 8 shots, one rink up, and one rink drawn. I feel quite disgusted with myself.

To be honest, Chepstow fought hard all the way, and Keys lost it all in the last 7 ends, as we were 21 shots up on Chepstow on the 13th end.  Were it went after that, nobody knows.  Did we run out of steam? Yes.  Did we cock up big time? Yes.  Did we go very quiet? Yes.  Did we give up? No not really. We did loose our collective concentration though? Big style. One rink did drop 12 shots over two ends, and that was my rink. No names mention. We were all at fault on those two. We all know who they are.  The fact of the matter was that we all, on this rink, just lost it: all at once, for no apparent reason. One explanation that has popped into my head, is that the aliens had landed and took over our bodies for two ends. Found that they didn't like this pass time and buggered off again, as quick as they came, they left. Sounds about the only rational reason I can think of at this dull, depressing moment in time. Not to take anything away from Chepstow. They bowled well, and were very sociable, both on the green and off the green, before, during, and after the game. Which is more than I can say about some other team. No names mentioned either, in case I give offense. That is a bit funny really, that when personal opinion and experience, and I suppose the truth, as experienced by many others, can give rise to such offense.  They do say that the truth hurts.  The truth about todays game hurts me as much as every other Keys bowler today. There is no doubt about that. However, that was yesterday's history, and tomorrow, as they say, is another day.  I sure hope it will be a bloody happier day than yesterday. Well!  I have got church to go to, for a good old sing song and thoughtful moments of quiet contemplation and solace. I suppose?

With those thoughts in my mind, the aliens can bugger off.  Brynmawr, you have been warned.  We are coming to get you on Wednesday.  Then on Thursday, Pontymister Athletic, your next.  Little green men or not.

There!  Thats a cheery and cheeky note to finish on.  Oh yes! One last thing.  These thoughts and comments are ALL MINE, the webmaster's.  So if you take offense, you know where to find me.  

I am off now to go and take Winston Churchill's black dog for a walk, and have another can of caffeine free, diet coke, and to keep taking the tablets, to purge myself of those little green men. See you all soon.  Webmaster.



CROSSKEYS ARE OUT OF THE WBA CARRUTHERS SHIELD AFTER LOOSING TO CARDIGAN BOWLS CLUB AT CARDIGAN - 86 SHOTS TO 60

Crosskeys spent three plus hours traveling to Cardigan on this fine and glorious summers day to do battle with the Cardigan Bowls Club in this round of the WBA Carruthers Shield. The whole of the Crosskeys Bowls Club plus a few of the "WAG's" and some loyal supporters boarded the coach at 10am, and alighted in Cardigan at 1.45 pm. Obviously the Ladies darted down town straight away, while the non bowlers and supporters made straight for the bar in the spacious and elegant Club House.  Once the bowlers had settled their bags in the changing room, there next port of call was the nearest Fish and Chip shop in town for a solid lunch; mainly cod and chips and mushy peas.  None of those that had lunch in the restaurant were disappointed with the service or the meal, except "Dickie", that is, who had to wait a little longer than most to enjoy his lunch.

Birthday boy and President of the Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club, Reg Bowdler, aged a mere 72 that day, made himself at home in the bar from time of arrival to time of departure, ably supported by our renowned Cider conissiour and expert Richard Ford, who, unfortunately was injured prior to the start of the bowls season when his dog pulled him over on the ice on his way to; or was it from, I can't recall; a local establishment for a pre-season planning and strategy consultation. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery as bar profits are down on what they usually are at this time of the season.

Back at the Cardigan Club House for 2.30pm, the Key's bowlers got changed and eagerly awaited the coating of sunscreen and the start of the match with one ambition, too bowl well and win this match.

 A good crowd of Cardigan supporters and bowlers not playing in todays day dominated the shaded viewing area alongside the green when play started.  Needless to say the Crosskeys Ladies were having a very nice time "down town" at their husbands expense. They only returned to the bowls green when the shops shut. Or so I am told!

The usual social etiquette was observed and bowls started.  After the first 5 ends when Keys began to settle down on, what could be described as "a glorious bit of turf" from the way it looked, but, as we found out, had some "amazing runs", Cardigan were 3 rinks up. These being Rink 7 at 5-2 up, Rink 9 at 9-0 up, Rink 10 at 4-2 up. Keys were 4-3 up on Rink 8.

Cardigan and Keys continued to battle through out the day. After 10 ends The scores on the rinks were as follows:
Rink 7. Keys were up 10 -7. with Tom Hancock skip for Keys. The other benefit of the Keys lead on this rink was that the vocalizations from a member of the Cardigan rink were a little more subdued than that in the first five ends. Sitting right next to this rink, my ears were extremely grateful for this small mercy. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink :-)
Rink 8. Keys were up 9-8.  This particular rink were tooth and nail all the way through the game, with Ian Slade and the boys having to work hard right throughout the game. No quarter ask for or given.
Rink 9. Keys were getting a hammering. Poor old Rucker and his bald head taking a beating from the sun and from the Cardigan boys 20 shots to 3. With the Keys boys getting their first points (3 shots) on this end.  For "Mrs Rucker's" benefit,  I might add that he did wear his sun hat for most of the day, like a good boy.  Hope that gets you out of the "You Know What" (shit) Rucker. You can pay me later boyo. OK?
Rink 10. Keys, with Andrew Bushell (Bushbaby) skip for the Keys boys, he was having difficulty holding the Cardigan boys back with their 10 shot to 3 lead on this the tenth end.

The trend that had developed continued for the rest of the match.  After 15 ends the scores on the rinks were:
Rink 7 Keys ahead 15 shots to 8, and silence was golden :-)
Rink 8 Keys ahead 13 shots to 11 :-)
Rink 9 Cardigan storming ahead 31 shots to 3.  After this end, the storm abated somewhat :-(
Rink 10 Cardigan leading 13 shots to 9 :-(

The scores after the final end was played were Cardigan 86 shots Crosskeys 60 shots:
Rink 7 Keys won 19 shots to 13.
Rink 8 Game drawn at 16 shots each.
Rink 9 Cardigan won 34 shots to 12.
Rink 10 Cardigan won 23 shots to 13.
Well done to Cardigan on your win today, and best of luck with the remainder of your games in the WBA and for the rest of the season.  Also best wishes from all the Crosskeys boys goes to Kevin James and his selection for the Welsh team.  For Cardigan's Captain Andrew, a special thank you from the webmaster for reading his blog page.  Hope you enjoyed this one. For the other Cardigan players, I offered your Captain the opportunity to stitch you lot up, but he declined the offer.  What a sport he is!  :-) A special thank you also goes to the "post men" on your team who hosted all us Keys bowlers until the transport left at 8.30pm. Thank you from the "post men" from the Keys side.

Well that you might think this is the end for this weeks blog, but... I had another 3 hours of fantastic social entertainment on the coach trip home.  Anyone would have thought that Keys had won the day? Which from the social context associated with the game of bowls in the valleys, we did win. Non stop humor, stories and songs until the last men got off the coach.

Whilst there is nothing more for me to say about the great time we had on the way home, I will endeavor to land one of the boys in it, as I do, by saying, and I quote, "A farmer's wife has a fat arse and rosy cheeks".  Now I will duck out of the way for a few days until the storm clouds pass. Hopefully.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster.
 

CROSSKEYS SUFFER SERIES OF LOST GAMES IN A BAD WEEK FOR KEYS

It's a bad week for bowls with Crosskeys this past week.  We lost to Beaufort by a few shots in the MBA league at home. Then again lost to Beaufort, big time, in midweek game away at Beaufort in the Monmouthshire Cup. Then on Sunday 20 June away at Machen we lost by 3 shots, with Machen taking 13 points out of 14.  The result does not however, show how tight a game it really was.  Keys drew on one rink, and each of the three remaining rinks lost by one shot each.  Give Machen due credit they worked hard for the victory, and well done to them for sticking at it.

While we may be a little down in the mouth with the recent losses, we are certainly up for it on Saturday, away at Cardigan in the WBA competition.


CROSSKEYS AND BEAUFORT BATTLE FOR HONORS -  SATURDAY 12 JUNE 2010

Firstly let me congratulate "The Ginger Whinger" Ian Slade on his return to the Welsh Team, and "Rock-on-Tommy" Tom Hancock on getting into the reserves.  Well Done to both of you, and to the others who made the trials and the team.

On a glorious summer's Saturday afternoon Crosskeys and Beaufort battled long and hard for victory in this MBA game, with both sides well matched for most of the game.  The green, which was manicured nicely for the "Green Flag" inspection team's visit the day before, proved to be bowling heavier than normal, and was of very little advantage to the home side. However, it still had its "little quirky runs" despite rotating the central pins, as is normal.  While the green looked a pretty picture it bowled awkward on one or two of the rinks. Such is bowls, but no excuses for the Home side.  Take the green as you find it, not as you remember it. Here endith the lesson. As for the Sermon to be preached with hindsight, as the Webmaster was just a reserve for todays game, I know I would not have made any difference to the end result, other than given Beaufort a few more shots I expect.  Driving seconds were not required on todays green, it was all about drawing shots with the right weight today, as was Beaufort's game, which Crosskeys couldn't quiet match.

At the end of the game Crosskeys found themselves with one rink up and one rink drawn and two rinks down. I know that tales were told in the bar afterwards of lucky shots and wonderful wicks, but then that applies to all bowlers, on all rinks at some time or other. I works both ways, for and against teams, so comments passed are just that, comments on what was observed.  Now, if bowlers had little fairies inside their woods, exerting some kind of controllable dynamic force that was affected by comments shouted at the woods, then that would be a different thing. But as that is pure fantasy, then take life as you find it. Beaufort fought long and hard, as did Keys, and I did not observe any fairies.

What I will comment on and say is that Bowls is a team game, divided into Rinks, and again, divided into Front end and Back ends.  Each individual has his part to play in bowling his woods and supporting his other team mates on that Rink and on that Green. It's all about team work and the team spirit, and some of that team spirit was perhaps missing on Saturday. But what do I know?  I was only an observer. To save any one from trying to read between the lines, what I am saying is, support your fellow bowlers, who may be having a bad day, and don't "*iss them off". They in turn will support you when you have a bad day. Well thats the idea anyway. Got it? Good.

At the end of the day Beaufort proved to be slightly the better team. Well done to all who played.  Final score Crosskeys 73 Shots Beaufort 79 Shots.  Beaufort winning two Rinks, Drawing one Rink and loosing one Rink. The return match will be another game to watch.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster the Philosopher.




ABERCARN AND CROSSKEYS DUEL - WEDNESDAY 09 JUNE 2010

It was going to be "One of those nights" for the local derby between Abercarn and Crosskeys, at the Abercarn ground.
Despite the Abercarn Club House being broken into last night and the loss and damage caused by "person or persons unknown", a warn welcome was extended to local rivals Crosskeys, despite your troubles, in this, Abercarn's 90th Anniversary year.  Thank you very much for the warm welcome and sorry to hear of your troubles.

Abercarn, got off to a flying start on the green. Keen as mustard to address their loss at the "mecca" in the Carruthers earlier in the year.  The weather soon put a dampiner on the proceedings, from a glorious summers' evening to sun-shower and then heavy rain soon had the rinks taking an early break, until most off the rain had passed working its way up the valley towards Newbridge. There was some talk from the boys about the state of Abercarn's green looking "a bit moth eaten". I thought the green had been attacked by "Apachies" with some scalping here, there and everywhere. Only "dried blood stains" (bare soil) marking the areas that had once been lush green in colour. Now to be known as "Apachy (a patchy) Green" by the webmaster; for literary flair and furvere purposes, and somewhat touge-in-cheek; it was obvious that the green had taken a bit of a "battering and scalping", but seed has been sown and was begining to root. I hope that it works out for you boy's at Abercarn.

Back to the game.  Once the rain passed and players returned to the green, the game was on.  Abercarn were determined to redress their ill-fortunes from earlier in the season.  They did of course win this game on their home turf, but only by 3 shots in the end.  

Crosskeys, early on, looked like they were going to get a "stuffing" on two of the four rinks. "Big Time".  However, the Crosskeys "Cowboys" did well to circle the wagons and put up a stiff ressistance to the the Abercarn "Apachies". Rink four "Cowboys" under Bushbaby Junior, were well and truely scalped by  "Apachy Driscoll and his tribe" 24 shots to 12. No Seventh Calvery for then tonight.  Rink one "Cowboys", under Bushbaby, fought hard and long to pull back a flanking manourver by the "Apachies" that seen them 12 shots to 1 down on the sixth end, right at the time of the rain storm. However, " Bushbaby's Cowboys" fought back, only to loose 19 shots to 20, despite pulling a 2 shot win on the last end.  So close, yet so far.  Good effort boys.  The "Cowboys" on Rinks 2, Sheriff Watkins and his possie, and Rink 3, Bushbaby Senior and wranglers, fought off the "Apachies" with a 20-12 and 15-13 shoot out respectively.  The Abercarn "Apachies" winning the match, and two rinks, to collect 10 points, while the Crosskeys "Cowboys" rounded up two rinks and  collected 4 points before they hit the trail home.  A good game had by all, except the usual miserable buggers. We all known who they are ... don't we?  

I think it is is only fair to wish Abercarn all the best for their 90th Anniversary Season and hope that the damage done on "The Raid on your Ranch House"  is soon rectified and that you regain your "spirits" real soon.  I think that sentiment is expressed by all the "Cowboys" at the "mecca".

Speak to you all soon peoples.  Webmaster Cowboy


CROSSKEYS HOST THE PEMBROKESHIRE CIVIL SERVICE BOWLS CLUB - SUNDAY 6 JUNE 2010
On a marvelous green at the "mecca", Crosskeys hosted the Pembrokeshire Civil Service Bowls Club for the day, engaging in a Seven Rink thriller. As such it was the taking part that counted and not the shots scored at the end of the day that was important.  And yes seven rinks were squeesed onto the Crosskeys green leading to some remarkable tracking of the woods when played.  From the Key's boys point of view, it was all club members to "man the pump" in order to get the numbers into the team.  The only two excused were the "Ginger Whinger" and "Rock on Tommy" Handcock who were up for the Welsh Trials.  Good luck to them both.  The rest of us made do with a pint or two before the game started, and ensured the pints were available at both ends of the green.  On such a hot summers day, it was important that "fluid replacement thearopy" was strictly adheared too. Before, during and after the match. Nobody had a problem with that today. Despite Crosskeys losing by one shot at the end of the day, that score didnot really matter.  Good bowls and good company was the order of the day, along with a good pint.  At tea time Debbs and co had provided a most excellent spread, which was commented on by all present.  Well Done Dedds and girls on such a feast, such variety.
 As is so often the case, time flies bye too quickly and our visitors or off back on the bus, homeward bound, merry full and content. And Dedds still has food let over. More food was consumed by eager Crosskeys bowlers to save the others from collecting a few fine words of wisdom  from Debs here self.

We do wish all our visitors a safe journey home and look very much forward to our return match next year.  Thank you all for making a good day so much better.

See you all soon again.  06 June 2010  Vice Captain, Webmaster.



CROSSKEYS WIN MBA GAME AWAY AT BLACKWOOD - SATURDAY 05 JUNE 2010

Webmaster Reporting  Firstly let me apologies to my readers and team mates for failing to report on a couple of games in the last 2 weeks. I have been a little under the weather lately, but am getting better quietly.  Enough of me. Let me get the bad news out of the way and say that Crosskeys lost to Pontymister Athletic away on the "slightly bumpy" Athletic ground on Thursday evening last week, in the first round of the Islwyn Cup. Three rinks down one rink up. A couple of things to note were that; Tom Hancock recorded his first failure to win a rink this season, and yes he has had some stick for it folks.
The one thing of particular note that I heard was that when Pontymister's "Tricky" was asked, by his "Friends" from Crosskeys, which football team he now supports, we had a list as long as the number of days in the year. "Tricky" obviously has all his bases covered  here in the UK and in every Foreign League known. He sure does know "a sure thing" when he sees it. "Allegedly". What happened to the single minded, one fan, one club for life philosophy?  Perhaps that's why they call him "Tricky"? Who knows?

Now to the better news from this Saturdays exploits, away at Blackwood and their "Well Known" green. In the second of Crosskeys's MBA games this season, they came away with a hard fought-for victory today, much to everyones surprise.
The "Ginger Whinger" and his boys,on rink two, got off to a really bad start dropping a total of 7 on the first two ends, and were ten shots to two  down on the fifth end. However, Blackwood's D Witchell, did not have it all his own way.  Whilst Ian and the crew fought back, winning 12 ends in total, they did not manage to regain all the shots that they dropped. Blackwood's rink 2 finished with a 24 shot to 20 win. Keys were one rink down.  

"Rock on Tommy" managed to overcome his first "Lost Rink this year" disappointment, and along with his "boy's" gained a hard fought for win over Blackwood's Mal Bidgway and co, to win 21 shots to 13. Winning 14 of the 21 ends.

Andrew Bushell and co had a more comfortable win over his opponent, A Witchell and boys, 24 shots to 12. Again winning 14 of the 21 ends. I take a bit of pride here folks when I give my "old man" Dave Howells, a plug for having a darn good game.  That comment comes from his rink mates.  Not bad for a "Spring Chicken" at being 81 this year. That makes me feel like an "Old Mother Hen". Enough of that.

"Rucker" Bryant had a bit of a rough game with Blackwood's H Jenkins, loosing out to the home side 18 shots to 13. Winning only 7 out of the 21 ends.  Needless to say there were a number of fine performances from the Crosskeys bowlers today on this "Well Known" and difficult too play green.  Every green has it's odd peculiarities, some more than most. "Allegedly".

Thank you to our hosts today Blackwood. A win today for Keys by 11 shots overall.  Well done Keys. Now to move on and concentrate on the next game.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster


WBA CARRUTHERS SHIELD COMPETITION - CROSSKEY'S FINAL SECTION GAME AGAINST YNYSDDU SATURDAY 22 MAY 2010

Webmaster Reporting  It was a hot, sunny, sticky day on the Ynysddu green this afternoon. No cases of sun-stroke but the "Ginger Whinger" is now a "Pickled Beetroot", and "Rucker's dome" is a shinning, highly polish and sculptured piece of mahogoney. Just for his good Lady, "Yes he had his cap with him, and no he did not wear it much". Certainly a day for sun tans and a good day for bowls.  It was a nice change for me to be sat on the side lines, getting crispy in the sun, along with Arthur Rowe, and watching the drama's unfold across all the rinks.  Ynysddu's green, was looking a little patchy, but it is quietly getting its green colour back following some "very close shaves" it received at the start of the season. That said it was a fast green, with one or two rinks having the "odd" funny runs, or so I am told. Actually they were a bit obvious from the spectators point of view, and very frustrating from the bowls. This led to some absolutely marvelous feats of bowling and some stunning "howlers". No names mentioned here, but some people just did not have a good day today, while others did. (It's all in my little black book fellas. Nudge , nudge. Wink, wink)

Crosskeys's Captain "Jimmy" Bendall got the proceedings off to a good start by wining the toss, even though he had to be fetched from the Crosskeys Club House to get the transport for the game. Keeping the other bowlers waiting for 10 minutes past the muster time.  What is it they say, "Skips must be up", and probably on time as well, I should imagine.

The Crosskeys Skip's on Rink's 2 and 3; Andrew Bushell and Ian Slade, both had a really marvelous start to the game, continuing to dominate the game on their rinks, with the full participation and support from their front end duos, as well as their Thirds. They ran out rink winners by: Rink Two 30 shots to 9. Rink Three 31 shots to 11.

The more interesting games where closer fought battles of Rink 4, with Paul Watkins and co; and Rink 1 with Simon Bushell and co.  Rink 4 managed to keep ahead of their opponents until the 12th end when Ynysddu drew level on 11 shots each. Ynysddu then took the lead on the 17th end, 16 shots to 14.  Keys regained the lead on the next end (18th) 17 shots to 16, and maintained that lead to win 22 shots to 16.

For Rink 1 skip, Simon Bushell and co, it was a very hairy game. Sorry about the pun Rucker, (Simon's Third), it sort of just come to me in a "blindingly" obvious moment of witticism. Any way, this Rinks game, was always closely contested, and included one dead end. Keys never took the lead in this game until the very last end, when Simon took 3 shots on that last end to take the lead and the Rink's victory 19 shots to 17.  In fairness to Ynysddu, their Skip, and Team Captain, Lyatten Jones, bowled his socks off, and out played the gallant efforts of Rucker, as Key's on-form Third, and Key's Skip, Simon Bushell, who was having a "bad hair day". Very unusual for him. Needless to say, however, Ynysddu were always leading from the off. This was mainly down to the efforts of Ynysddu's skip, and his last two woods. Excellent bowls Sir. Well done.

When all was finished, Crosskeys had won on all 4 rinks (just), the final total was Ynysddu 53 shots Crosskeys 102. Rink's scores were Rink 1 - Keys 19 Ynysddu 17.  Rink 2 - Keys 30 Ynysddu 9.  Rink 3 - Keys 31 Ynysddu 11. Rink 4 Keys 22 Ynysddu 16.  Well done to all concerned.  A most enjoyable game to watch.  A thank you must also go the Ynysddu ladies for the cake and sandwiches, much appreciated, and to the Lady behind the bar in the "Club House" and to the gentleman who brought the cold drinks to the green;  marvelous idea sir; and kept us up to date on the scores between Cardiff and Blackpool match.  Pity about the scores really.  Never mind. A good day had by all, with one or two exceptions.  Well done "The Keys". On to the next leg of this competition and the start of the MBA games next Saturday.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster


CROSSKEYS LOCAL DERBY AGINST ABERCARN IN WBA CARRUTHERS COMPETITION
SATURDAY 15 MAY 2010

Webmaster Reporting  Mr Len Morgan of Abercarn described their loss today against Crosskeys as "a bad day for Abercarn."  This local derby today was something special for both clubs. Both teams are in the same section of the WBA Carruthers competition. Both teams had played and won two others games in this section, and Abercarn were leading the table with just a six shot advantage.  Well! that was before the match began, so the pressure was on both clubs to perform well today.  There was an atmosphere on the grounds of the "mecca" this afternoon.  A little tense maybe, but not turgid, no animosity, just a sense that this was "a must win" game for both sides and everyone in those sides.

With all the goings on in Waunfawr Park today, with the local Green Festival, bands,music, crowds of people, marquees, meerkats, worm charming and skreeching parrots, the pressure was on to concentrate on the task of bowls at hand.  Just when you need the Monty Python cast to appear and to run the old "dead parrot sketch", nothing happens, except for three more hours of a skreetching parrot. Come back Monty Python all is forgiven. Whatever next, Lumberjacks?

Any way the game got underway with the visitors winning the jack, and the battle royal began.  On a relatively dry green that bowled well all day, Keys got of to a slow start on three of the four rinks. For a welcome change we had a good number of visitors sitting out side the club house as well as inside. All keeping our barman as busy as the bowlers on the green.  Some say busier.  Well done Johnny Powell and co.

With the green bowling and swinging well, Key's slow start continued to pick up pace on all four rinks.  Between periods of gloomy clouds and sparkling sunshine, Keys kept applying the pressure; right from the first wood's of the Leads to the crippling finneese of the Skip's last woods crawling or crashing throught the pack to be shot wood.  Keys were hungry for the win, with no quarter asked for and none given.  The Rinks scores were as follows:  Rink 1, Simon "Bushbaby Junior" Bushell (Keys) 32, K Driscol (Aber) 5.  Rink 2, Ian "The Ginger-Whinger" Slade (Keys) 37, N Ransome (Aber) 16. Rink 3, Andrew "The Butch Bushbaby" Bushell (Keys) 23, J Beecham (Aber) 15. Rink 4, Tom "Rock-on-Tommy" Hancock (Keys) 23, R Peart (Aber) 14. The gloomy totals, from Abercarns perspective were Keys 115 shots, Abercarn 50 shots. A clean sweep and 4 Rink win for the Keys. The only Abercarn bowler with a slight, rye smile on his face after the game was Len Morgan, who gleefully explained that the mantle of the Captain who has lost by the most number of shots to Crosskeys in the past; he lost by 50 shots sometime ago, now passed on to todays Captain for Abercarn, Mr R Winstone, and the total now stood at 65 shots. How easy is it to please somebody?  Probably just as easy to upset some, I imagine. Glad I could help you out there Len, sorry about that Ron. Don't mention it Len. Any time!

With the game over, all the pressure evaporated, and both sides enjoyed the excellent food provided. Provided by the good Ladies of Crosskeys off course. That along with a few beers and some good humor, for good measure.  That is it for now, until the next time then...!

See you soon peoples!  Webmaster.


CROSSKEYS SOUTH MON GAME HOME TO HENLEYS WEDNESDAY 12 MAY 2010

Webmaster Reporting  Despite the unseasonably cold and drizzly weather at the "mecca" a warm welcome awaited the Henley boys. Keen and eager to get started the bowlers from both sides, like Formula One Racing Teams, adopted a mix of "Slick and Wet" for the start of the game. The sensible "Wet Suites" proved to be the most comfortable at the end of the game, whilst the "slicks" complained of the cold and damp conditions. Two weeks away from "Summer" it was more like playing outdoor bowls in October.  That said, both Debs and Mary, won the hearts and minds of all the bowlers with a couple of  Hot Dogs and Onions each in the after the match snack. Definately the best tactic on this cold and damp night. Thank you Ladies.

The game itself got off to a tit-for-tat start on the first 5 ends, with all sides being equally matched, on a heavy and wet green. So much so that the "mats" were down to provide some physical protection to the green. As the evening progressed, or should that be "dragged on" in these conditions, the drizzle eased off and the green began to dry out a little bit and some swing returned to rinks. I think Crosskeys had the home advantage as the green improved and they took full advantage. Johnny Powell took advantage of the improved conditions and lifted everyones spirt with a "Wrong Bias", which was broadcast for all to hear.  Thanks Johnny. With that said Keys seemed to take control of the game from that point onwards.  Henleys boy's continued to battle on with two rinks running head to head.  At the end of the match, Keys won out with a 4 rink win, 75 shots to 51, but Henleys could so easily have taken two rinks away from Keys had the weather conditions not improved.

The hot food and cold beer were most welcom in the Club House after the match, and I think everyone was glad to get in out of the cold and damp.  I wish Henleys bowlers all the best for the rest of the season, and hope that the summer weather arrives PDQ.  Well done to all who played and to the spectators who braved the weather to support us all.

See you all soon peoples.  WebMaster


CROSSKEYS WBA GAME AWAY TO NEWPORT DOCKERS SATURDAY 08 MAY 2010

Webmaster Reporting.  An early start and a warm welcome awaited Crosskeys Bowls team today on a heavy, wet green at Belle Vue Park, against Newport Dockers.  The weather was cold and chilly, blustery winds and drizzle. So the dress code for the day was long sleeve pullovers, fleeces, jackets and waterproofs; any thing to keep warm and dry.  So much for the Spring weather in May, never mind the fact that Summer is almost upon us!  Despite the poor weather, spirits were kept up by both sides with the usual commeradery and friendly nature that the game of bowls brings.

Newport Dockers got off to a flying start on the first few ends, on a green that was really heavy and difficult too play. I don't think anybody had a printable comment from todays game, on both sides, that would accurately describe the playing surface. "Tricky" really does not have the depth of feeling or sentiment to cover it. Still, you had to be there to experience, and survive it, to know what we mean by the word "tricky".  However Crosskeys took it all in their stride and by the time it was our tea break, after 10 ends, Keys were two rinks up and two down.  However, the tea break, sandwiches and walnut cake seemed to make all the difference. It was certainly most welcome to come in from the cold and wet for a few minutes just to warm up.

Play resumed, all too quickly after tea, with Keys making a determined fight back on all rinks.  I think the highlights for the day were the two wrong biases from Johnny Powell and myself.  I have no excuse other than to say I was concentrating too hard to worry about which way the the wood was sitting in my hand. All I wanted it to do was get up the green into the head. On which rink the head was, was another matter.  Needless to say "WE" all had fun with the green, so no real advantage there.

At the end of the day Keys dominated most of the play in the second half, pulling back in front on two of the rinks they were down on; strolling away with the one rink that was well up, and a very courageous fight back on the one rink that was down very heavily before tea, only to loose by a few shots.  Well done Keys, and well done to the Dockers who pushed us so hard today.  Final scores Keys 101 shots to Dockers 66 shots.  Crosskeys Skips were: Paul Watkins 19 shots, W Tait -  Dockers 17 shots.  Keys - Andrew Bushell 29 shots, J Desmond - Dockers 7 shots. Keys - Tom Hancock 33 shots, Peter Collins - Dockers 20 shots. Keys - Simon Bushell 20 shots, A Lewies - Dockers 22 shots. Keys with 3 rinks up and one down.  We wish the Dockers well with the remainder of their season. Now onto the next game.

See you all soon peoples.  Web Master



CROSSKEYS SOUTH MON GAME AWAY AT PONTYMISTER WELFARE 05 MAY 2010

Webmaster Reporting.  A very warm welcome awaited the Crosskeys Team at the Welfare Ground this evening, including a council notice "No Running on the Green". As if anyone would dream of it!!!

On a "very spirted bit of turf" as one Crosskeys character called it, Keys managed a good start to their exploits in the South Mon League this year, with a comfortable 4 Rink win at Pontymister Welfare Ground.  Needless to say they lost out on both prizes in the raffle. Such is the life and fortunes of all bowlers.  The traditional "Faggots and Peas" supper was graciously recieved and most welcome by all the bowlers. Just what was needed on a slightly chilly night. However, Captain Jim Bendall thought that the Icing on the cake had to go to the "Ice Slice" that followed.  No arguments from the Crosskeys Boys, who revelled in such after care from the Ladies and Bar staff of Pontymister Welfare. Well done all concerned.

See you all soon peoples.  Webmaster


CROSSKEYS WBA GAME HOME TO RHYMNEY ROYAL 1ST MAY 2010

See you all next week perhaps, depends if I am picked after these comments.