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CROSSKEYS WEEKEND SPECIAL  MARK II - 15TH AND 17TH AUGUST 2009

Webmaster Reporting. Another good week for Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club, with a good win against a gritty and determined Bedwas & Trethomas side on a very gloomy and despondent rainy day at the "mecca" on Saturday 15 August 2009.  As it turned out, rain coats were off for three ends, then on for three ends. Then the sun would come out for three ends, and the cycle started over and over again. Certainly not what the forecasters had predicted, or what the bowlers enjoyed.  Still battle was conducted and at the halfway mark, there was very little between either side. It was only in the last quarter of the game that Keys became the dominant bowls team, finishing up comfortable winners against this determined Bedwas and Trethomas side.

Monday the 17th August 2009 Crosskeys welcomed our local rivals from Pontymister Athletic to the "mecca" for another local derby in the South Mon.  While the weather behaved herself on the day, for a most welcome change, I might add, Keys took 12 points from the game, and Pontymister 2 points.  We wait to see the current South Mon and MBA Tables.

Blogging.

THE CHASING AND SCREAMING DEBATE BEGINS

 I note the comments from a certain person, "Ian", left in the "GuestBook", which I choose to reprint here, on the "Blogging Page", in full.  Could this be a "first" response to my comments recently about "un-sportsman-like conduct" of bowlers on the green, running and screaming at their woods. Those words of "Ian" are as follows:

"Your comments and views regarding the MBA cup final (shouting and chasing the bowls) are totally biased. BAD LOOSER. Take a close look at your own team first."

I thank him for his response and I reply to those comments thus;

For those bowlers who know me, I am as gracious in defeat, as I am magnanimous in victory. Do those who know this "Ian" fellow, express the same sentiments about him? Whom ever he may be?

I play bowls for the shear enjoyment of the game, the commaradery, the challenge of individuals and skills, and as a member of a "team" of four on each rink, and as part of the larger team, as a whole. Bowls, remember is a team game.  There is joy when your team wins, and there is sadness when your team looses. 

There is also sadness when good manners and good sportsmanship is seen to take a back seat at the un-gentlemanly  and un-sportsmanlike conduct of individuals intent on pursuing their own arrogance up the Rinks after their woods, encouraging their inanimate woods with excessive and vociferous incantations. These somewhat "selfish bowlers" have little respect for the rules of the game, if in deed they do know the rules of the game, as previously mentioned in an earlier blog, let alone have an apith of decorum or respect for the other bowlers around then and on the adjoining rinks.  Be it members of their own team or that of the opposition.  Fairness is a word that they obviously do not understand. Is this behavior a form of intimidation of the opposition perhaps? - certainly not sportsmanlike behavior now is it? Perhaps this behavior of running up the green and screaming at your woods serves another sportsmanlike quality that I, and other bowlers, do not yet understand? If so I would be grateful of your enlightenment "Ian".

To address "Ian's" comment of bias, I repeat, in its entirety the paragraph of concern. And I challenge "Ian" to point out specifically where the bias is?

"One thing did get up my nose on the green that night and that was "A little too much shouting and screaming at the woods and chasing them half way or all the way up the green" for my liking. The rule book states quite clearly how bowlers should conduct themselves on the green.  Senior bowlers should remind themselves of these specific rules,(World Bowls, Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Edition, Rule 36 Position of players, and Appendix A4 para 1 and 2) and conduct themselves accordingly, and "ASK" their own players to abide by these rules and set an example to all other bowlers.  Now these comments should be read and debated by bowlers. We all know bowlers who regularly flout these rules and do nothing about it.  Perhaps it is time to talk openly about this issue, and remind people that no amount of running after a wood or "screaming" at it is going to improve it's performance. Stay on the mat or be at the head when the wood arrives. And PLEASE keep your comments to yourself. Silence is golden. I am sure you all agree?  If not email me with your comments.  I look forward to the debate."

It appears to me that "Ian's" comments are the only words that are biased. Or am I wrong again?

I have discussed this topic with some senior members from other teams and with those members of my own team, who are known to undertake this activity, from time to time, and I am yet to hear of a suitable rational for this behavior and it's justification. So please let us all continue the debate and educate those of us bowlers who follow the rules to help us understand why running up the green and screaming at the woods should be considered an acceptable activity and sportsman like quality?  Many other bowlers would dearly like to know the answer "Ian"? Do you think this behavior is acceptable "Ian"? Or am I still biased?  I await your reply "Ian".  You may continue to use your anonymity via the the guest book entries if you wish, or you could email the WebMaster at  admin@crosskeysbowlsclub.co.uk.

See you all soon peoples.

Webmaster   

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SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER FOR CROSSKEYS MBA CUP SEMIFINAL V MONMOUTH ON FRIDAY 31st JULY 2009 - Mr SIMON BUSHELL - AKA "BUSHBABY JUNIOR"

Heres The Blog From Our Special Guest Blogger Today – Bush Baby Junior.

Special guest blogger Bushbaby Jnr here. I have been asked by the webmaster to provide my thoughts on the cup semi final with Monmouth to ease the pressure on him whilst he is being audited by the ministry of bees. Hopefully my comments will be taken in the light hearted manner they are intended and no-one will take offence. (If they do take offence they need to go through Me First – Webmaster).

So there we were on a gloomy Friday night arriving at Pontyfelin with supporters in tow for probably our biggest game in many a year,( 1975 Keys last won MBA Cup) the semi final of the MBA cup. We were minus a few of our 'stars' including Mr Watkins, a rejuvenated Badly Baldy and Paul 'Mr Overtime' Worthing. Nevertheless excitement was reaching fever pitch as the 'Jack Off ' approached. We were expecting a braveheart style rallying call from our Captain the Ginger Whinger but instead had to settle for the usual 'Come on boys, lets get some bowls in the head'. There were some problems prior to the start when Jimmy 'The Walrus' Bendall & 'Knees Up' Harry Brown both had their bowls turned down by the match official but they soon borrowed some and we were under way.

Fresh from my success in the recent Crosskeys Drunken Driving and Puddle Bowling Championships I was looking for my rink (the Dream Team) to carry on our recent run of good results. I thought we may be in trouble when I looked at the card and noticed we were playing T Skipp and he informed me on the trial ends he was the one true skipp on the green. However, we came out of the blocks like Usain Bolt and raced into a 19 - 0 lead after 6 ends. The 2nd end saw one of my trademark tight driving shots plough a short bowl through the head and take out their shot bowl for 5. The driving champion had struck and Ted Skipp and his boys could only hope that puddles would not start forming or they would really be in trouble!

Dickie Preston was again on impressive form as he continued his unbeaten introduction to the Dream Team way of bowling. Arthur Rowe'Meo', an original Dream Team member, put thoughts of Friday Night Babysitting out of his mind and continued his aggresive style of second play with some stunning Jack Pulls to ensure front end dominance. Teddy 'Bear' Green was debuting for the Dream Team and looked like he'd been there all his life with some cracking bowling while I consolidated with a few turnover shots/lucky wicks to ensure a resounding victory of 43 shots to 3.

On the adjoining rink my big brother survived an early wobble to run out victorious by, I believe, about 14 shots. After a few recent defeats it was nice to see him with a post match smile on his face rather than the usual suicidal scowl. His Mrs will be pleased! The Walrus, with his borrowed Green bowls, was showing signs of recapturing the form we have come to expect over the years. Some said it was the closest those particular green bowls had been for weeks. Reggie 'Reggie Reggie' Bowdler was also rolling back the years with some quality bowling. BJ looked liked a new man now freed from the shackles of the Whinger's rink and he and Bushbaby Snr reformed a previously successful combo from a few years ago to record the victory.

On my other side was the rink skippered by the Ginger Whinger who also recorded an impressive victory by around 12/13 shots. A returning Wayne Davis was paired with the Beemaster and they enjoyed a good tussle with their opposite numbers. The victory was all the more impressive in that we even heard 'well bowled Greek' on numerous occasions as he put in a vintage display. The Whinger was also in fine form as he pulled off some cracking drawing shots when counts against. He was even smiling at the end of the game and looking forward to facing old adversaries of RTB in the final. ( The smiling was just wind, or so I am told - Webmaster)

Finally, we come to the rink of the Fourth Skipper, Tommy Hancock. Tommy was looking to battle back from disappointing recent defeats in both the Crosskeys Drunken Driving and Puddle Bowling Championships. He has found results hard to come by since leaving the much lauded 'Dream Team' and today was no exception. Ably supported by Knees Up, The Pidgeon and Papa Bush, they stumbled out of the blocks again and soon found themselves several shots behind. True to form though, they showed the battling qualities we have come to expect and worked hard to come back only to fall at the final hurdle by dropping 3 on the last end and losing by 1. Hard lines boys. Worthy of mention though, is the fact that Tommy won £75 on the gambler in the clubhouse after the game. Some people expected him to put his hand in his pocket to buy us drinks but that was not forthcoming. We weren't too upset though as I think most people were just happy to see him win something!

Commiserations go out to the Monmouth boys who battled hard and bowled well to make us work hard for the victory. The game was played in a cracking spirit and was thoroughly enjoyed by all of our boys. Thanks also to Pontyfelin for hosting the event. The green bowled well considering the amount of rain we have had recently and was swinging both hands on our rink. The buffet was enjoyed as was the beer which was being consumed at a rapid rate after the game.

All in all it was an impressive performance by the boys to win by 60 odd shots and we can look forward to the final and try and get stuck into RTB. This is not perhaps the final we were hoping for (us vs Monmouth would have been the people's final) but I'm sure if we all work hard and believe in ourselves we can do it and put the trophy where it belongs. In the trophy cabinet built by the beemaster down the Mecca. Over and out. Bushbaby Jnr.

From The WebMaster: Well done Bushbaby Junior, The job of  "Junior" Editor is yours boy, whether you want it or not.  VMT (Very Many Thanks) for your efforts on the green and now on the "big" WWW screen. Very much appreciated.

Readers stay tuned, the MBA Cup Final is on Friday 7 August 2009 at 1800 at the Blaenavon Green.  Be there or be square. May even get the "Ginger Whinger" to say a few words! Those that can printed that is.  Oh yes, one other thing, the man from the "Bee Ministry", he say Yes. That's a load of my mind.

See you all soon peoples. 

Webmaster   

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SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER FOR CROSSKEYS V PONTYMISTER ATHLETIC - Mr PAUL WATKINS

Saturday 25^th July , the great British Summer had returned, if only for the day. Crosskeys had the long trek down the valley to Pontymister Athletic.

 The green had a good pace, if not always true lines, the players immaculatly dressed in the club shirts, white trousers and wearing protection from the sun’s rays with either cream or in most instances some types of headware.

After 5 ends Crosskeys had a slender lead with captain Ian Slade’s rink over David Lewis, Baby Bushell’s rink over Roger Venn off to flying starts. Slower starts made by rinks of Tom Hancock v Andrew Goodwin and Andrew Bushell’s v Nick Harris.

After 10 ends the game was even when the tea bell came into play, the players returned to the pavillion where we were given a salad with hot potatoes and ample tea and cakes. Crosskeys boys are used to Debbie’s delightful delicious buffet after the game, how would they react to this full tea in the middle of the game?

It became apparent in the first few ends after tea that Pontymister had digested their meal and got on top and the two leading rinks edged away from the Tom and Andrew’s rinks.

“ We need better weighted woods, more bowls in the head “ were the cries heard from Crosskeys skips.

After 15 ends losing by 10 shots, after 18 ends losing by 8 shots still fighting back but alas at 21 ends full game played lost by 4 shots.
Two rinks up, two rinks down. 4 points from the game.

I.Slade       24 – D.Lewis      16

S.Bushell   23 – R.Venn       12

T.Hancock 14 – A.Goodwin 24

A.Bushell    9  - N.Harris      22

Total         70                        74

 Congratulations to Pontymister Athletic on their win, hard lines to Crosskeys.

Back in the clubhouse after the game there was friendly banter amongst the players with deliberations on :-

Should we have sought out the treasurer on expenses for bed & breakfast in a nearby hotel and stayed over the night before the game as this was a  long tiring journey down the valley ?

Was the tea break in the middle of the game a tactic to upset the boys who were used to playing through the full game ?

Did jet lag kick in after the tea break ?

With many more questions asked, but in the end we must play a full game and be more consistant in our bowling ability.

Wish Crosskeys the best in the MBA cup semi final v Monmouth on a neutral green at Pontyfelin next Friday 31^st July. There are a few boys missing but we can do it.

From the Webmaster, A Big Thank You to Paul for his Insitefull Report as "Our Man At The Match", whilst the WebMaster was away up in the Highlands of Scotland for a gathering of "The Clans".  I note the dodgey going ons with "Tea" mid-game. Tactics, Tactics. Deplorable stuff this.

We will have another "guest reporter" for the MBA Cup Semi Final this Friday night against Monmouth, at Pontyfelin.  Watch this space.  See you peoples real soon.

WEBMASTER
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NEXT WEBMASTERS REPORT - SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER - will be posted in the middle of next week when the webmaster returns from his sorjourn to "The Highlands". Game report to cover the Pontymister Athletic v Crosskeys game being played Saturday 25 July 2009 at the Pontymister ground.

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Sunday 19 July 2009  Crosskeys Win Today Makes it Four Games On The Trot This Week. Crosskeys 84 Blackwood 64.

On a heavy and well watered green at the "mecca" today, between Rain Storms, Crosskeys played Blackwood in a re-arranged MBA League game.
Most players took to the green kitted out in wet suits, only to shed the rain gear as the sun brook through the threatening clouds just after the trial ends.  The rain gear was never too far away as the sun played yoo yoo with the clouds throughout the afternoon. The game finishing just as the heavens opened.

As is usual for the Keys boys they made a slow start on 3 of the 4 rinks, finally picking up the challenge from Blackwood after about 5 ends. The green played reasonable well, obviously a little heavy first off, but it began to dry out as the game proceeded and ended up swinging reasonably well. Apart from the obvious tussle between Keys and Blackwood, little battles were afoot between the Front Ends (Leads and Seconds) and the Back End boys, on each Rink.  Blackwood were bringing the battle to the Keys Boys at every end.  After a hard day bowling only two rinks for Keys, Ian Slade and Tom Hancock, had a comfortable win, 25 shots to 14, and 23 shots to 15 resectively. The other two rinks where very close up until the very last woods were bowled. With Blackwood wining on one rink; Skip M Bridgway 20 shots to 19, and Keys wining on the other; Skip Simon Bushell, 17 shots to 15. A very good and enjoyable game of bowls for all, played in far from ideal conditions but with good spirit. A quick exit from the the green was needed as the rain started to hammer down, and a long slow debrief over a few pints in the bar imediately afterwards. No hicups with the speeches today just a very grateful band of hungrey men appreciating Deb's Delights; minus a tray full of chicken wings that took flight early on before the game started.  We all know who's fault that was, don't we now? No names mentioned. Just can't get the Staff these days you know! 

A very well done to all the Crosskeys Bowlers, reserves and helpers this week for a really remarkable and sustained effort four games in five days, and all winners. Well Done All, and that comes from Ian Slade. Praise indeed.

Enough from me. Key's next game is Wednesday 22 July, at home, against Newbridge, in the South Mon at 1800.  Team list is on the Team Selection Page.  See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 18 July 2009 - WEBMASTER REPORTING after coming off his sick bed.

Well Well Well!. The amount of stick I have had from my "Fellow Bowlers" in the Club for being off on the sick, after falling out of the attic, trashing a door and the banisters on the stairs on the way down too a hard landing, and being carted off to hospital, is appalling.  "They wouldn't let a man die in peace", would those buggers, I'm sure of it!  Sympathy, they don't know the meaning of it, let along have a single gram of it in their souls. Of that I am sure.  And why all the hassle?  Because the WebMaster didn't right his reports. 'Yeah though I walk in the shadow of the valley of death, I shall incur the wroth of my "Fellow Bowlers" unless I write my blogs', shall be etched on my tomb stone, and hung around my neck as I'm buried at sea. (Retired Royal Navy Man that I am).  I have a good mind to get the buggers to dig my grave,6 feet deep, 6 fathoms down and 6 six miles out off Plymouth Hoe. That will teach them. Yes I did miss writing the blogs. Yes I did miss some matches and NO the Fourth Skipper will not get a mention in dispatches for winning through to the finals of the Under 25's, the Open Singles and the Welsh Under 25 Trials. So don't ask Tom, I am not going to mention your name OK? However, the Crosskeys Rink of Four will get a mention in dispatches for winning through to the Final along with their opponents the Rink of four from Brynmawr, who just so happen to be our MBA opponents today at the "mecca".

Firstly just to update the Readers, if there are any, that Keys won away at Pontymister Athletic on Wednesday in the South Mon. Won away at Abertillery yesterday in the Quarter Finals of the Monmouthshire Cup. Semi Finalists will be Keys, Brynmawr, RTB's and Monmouth. And today Keys won at Home against a strong Brynmawr side, 96 shot to 65. Three Rinks up, one Rink down. Keys 12 points Brynmawr 2 points. Scorecard e-mailed.
But it was not all plain sailing for the Keys boys. Bushbaby Junior's rink had a really good game on probably the worst Rink on the Green.  For those who know the green, Keys were playing North to South down the Valley. And Rink One was the Rink nearest the Rivers. They run out winners 31 shots to 10. Poor Owen Dando didn't have a lot to play with today.
On Rink Two, Brynmawr's Skip Graham Congreve and young 12 year old Joe, played outstanding bowls to beat Tom Hancock's side 20 shots to 18.  That is to say we shouldn't take anything away from Tom's boys who left it just too late in the game to pull back the lead that Graham took from early on.  Tom being 20 shots to 8 down on the 17th end, only to loose 18 to 20 on 21 ends. 
Rink Three with the Keys Skipper Bushbaby Senior, had a good run from the eighth end onwards but were pegged level for those first 8 ends. Running out winers 27 shots to 17. However there was obviously a problem on this Rink. The problem, I am told on the malicious grapevine, was caused by "The Greek", continuously "Digging Up Divits" and blaming it on poor old Ted Green. Maybe not-so-old.  Anyone would think the Greek was on at "The Open" today, enjoying a round of golf.  Easy does it boy.  I hope the Green Keeper reads this. If he doesn't I will have to print him off a copy. Apart from the "wayward Greek", well done boys.
Last but not least, Rink Four, Ian Slade and his boys. They got off to a bad start, 3 shots to 11 down after eight ends. Boy! did we think you were in for a drubbing? Yes we did.  That said, changing tactics and bringing the mat up on the 9th end certainly changed the game in your favour from then on.  Level pegging at 15 all on the 17th, only to drop a three on the next end. Nightmare.  However your nerves held out taking just a single on the last end and wining 20 shots to 18.  Well done to the Brynmawr boys on that Rink under their Skip Mr E George for making you fight so hard for that victory.
A lot was said about that narrow victory of yours today, Ging, and how "it was about time for you to win your place as a Crosskeys Skip".  I think it is just petty jealousy, and mischief makers myself. I think the Selection Committee should steele themselves for a kick up the bum with humorous or more probably humorless comments like that. (snigger snigger) A dam fine win. And I have everyones scores from every end to backup what I say.  Any Takers for a fight when my back gets better next year? Bring it on...
On about "bringing it on", the Crosskeys Captain, Mr Ian Slade, was ever so nearly "R.I.P". today following his customery speech, in nearly forgetting to mention the fabulous effort of "Our Dinner Lady" Debs, and the Men Behind The Bar. Shame on you Captain.  Wash your mouth out with soap.
Well done to the Crosskeys Boys today. A good win.  Don't rest on your laurels just yet, the rest of the season is yet to come. Tomorrow is another day and another game, Blackwood at Home. Again another MBA game, and we have a lot more MBA games to win to stay up in Division 1. So NO SLACKING or the "Tongue of Nine Tall Tails will get YOU" in this Blog, and you will be the victim, and "Flogged On The Blog", so to speak. I do so like these little quips of Naval parlance.  Pity Keel Hauling has gone out of fashion, you were always guaranteed to scratch the parts that never itched.
Enjoy tomorrow boys and do your best.  We will have some fun when its over, as we usually do. Who's turn will it be in the barrel then? If you don't like whats on the blog, email me.
Oh Yes, one other thing, The WebMaster is back. Would you believe it?  See You all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Short interlude whilst the Web Master is off Sick

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Saturday 04 July 2009 - WBA CARRUTHERS SHIELD - Crosskeys At Home to Penhill Cardiff 

On an historical note, Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club, in 1973, progressed to the Semi-Finals of the WBA Carruthers Shield.  The furthest progression ever in living memory, in this competition.  I was a young lad of 14 at that time, and played for Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club, but being young and inexperienced, was not selected for the WBA games. Current Crosskeys players, Arthur Rowe, Ken Trinder, and my father, Dave Howells, remember that run well.  So today was going to be a special day for ALL the Crosskeys bowlers, win or loose. Our hearts hoping for a win, and our experience of reality knowing that this was going to be a very tough day for us Crosskeys bowlers.  We were not going to concede defeat without a fight.

So on a beautiful summers afternoon, Crosskeys welcomed there visitors from Penhill, Cardiff to the "mecca", to do battle on the "lawn", and to enjoy each others company in the clubhouse after the game, win or loose. As is should be.

The green was in fine form, thanks to the efforts of the green keeper. A short back and sides, and a good comb through, were orders for the green on Friday. Then to await a drop of rain overnight, and a scorching sun on Saturday morning, in preparation for Saturday afternoon.

The teams mustered as follows, with the teams lined up on Rinks 2, 3, 4 and 5, playing north to south down the valley. 
They were on Rink 2, Roger Russell, Andy Oliver, Mark Osmond,and skip Wayne Phillips of Penhill, against the Crosskeys Rink of Arthur Rowe, Paul Worthing, Tom Hancock and skip Simon Bushell.
Rink 3 for Penhill were Nicky Davis, Bob Cummings, Steve Jackson and skip Mark Letman, against Crosskeys John Pidgeon, Ted Green, Russell Bryant and skip Andrew Bushell.
Rink 4 for Penhill were Andrew Wason, Paul Simpson, Hugh Davis and skip Neil Collette, against Crosskeys Jim Bendall, Dickie Preston, Mitch Santrwis and skip Ian Slade (Captain).
Rink 5 for Penhill were Mike Hill (Captain), Julian Russell, Graham Lang and skip Ryan Mount-Stephen, against Crosskeys Brian Jarret, Graham Hodson, Norman Bushell and skip Paul Watkins.

It was to be noted that before the game started that Penhill had a very strong side taking the field, with eight international bowlers making up half the side, cunningly fielding a whole rink of internationals to spearhead the attack. Crosskeys managing to field three internationals, past and present, Ian Slade who is Crosskeys Captain this season, Andrew Bushell and Tom Hancock. Todays game was going to be a Battle Royal, all heart, all pride and all skill. No quarter asked for, and none given by both sides. Tape measures at the ready.

On the very first end of the game, after the Leads and Seconds had bowled their two woods apiece, both teams new they had their work cut out for themselves, with perhaps the exception of the Penhill's International Rink, on Rink 5, who only took a four shoot lead at the end of the first end. Crosskeys restricting Penhill to a one shot lead on Rinks 2 and 3 and Keys taking a two shots lead on Rink 4.

After three ends the drizzle and the rain started, off and on for the next hour and a half, before the sun came out again baking the players, and the green dry again by the end of the match.  These changing weather conditions brought a new enemy to both teams, with the green getting soaked, just like most of the players, and becoming heavy, it changed the bowling conditions completely.  Then on the green drying out, conditions were constantly changing, returning to its original starting conditions by the end of the game.  These conditions were well meet by most of the experienced players, but the inexperienced new bowlers for Crosskeys found it more difficult to adapt to these changing conditions of green and weight with every end. A chink in Crosskeys armour.

After five ends, of this game's twenty one ends to be played, the scores were Rink 2, three shots each. Rink 3, Keys up six shots to four. Rink 4, Keys up five shots to four. Rink  5,  Keys three shots to twelve down.  This gave Penhill the lead at  23 shots to 17.  Excellent bowling was being demonstrated by both sides, with Penhill being the more consistent and accurate, even from their front end.  This was going to be the story throughout the game, with Penhill dominating the bowling from Leads and Seconds in their Front End's to the power and accuracy of the Back End pairs.  This is not to say Crosskeys made it easy for them, far from it, Crosskeys were three of the four Rinks up until the tenth end.

On eleven ends the scores were; Rink 2, Crosskeys down nine shots to eleven. Rink 3, Crosskeys up fourteen shots to eight. Rink 4, Crosskeys up eleven shots to eight. Rink 5, Penhill up twenty four shots to four. Crosskeys trailing Penhill 38 shots to 50.  The spearhead tactics working well for Penhill.

Over the next few ends, as the green was drying out and the sun shone, like a bright summers day, Penhill continued applying the pressure to the Crosskeys bowlers. The scores on the Rinks after 16 ends were; Rink 2, Crosskeys down eleven shots to seventeen. Rink 3, Crosskeys down fifteen shots to seventeen. Rink 4, Crosskeys up sixteen shots to eleven. Rink 5 Crosskeys down five shots to twenty eight.  Overall the scores were Crosskeys 47 shots, Penhill 73.

A little phased by the Penhill score on Rink 5, the Crosskeys boys on that rink, continued to battle through, against the odds and finished up scoring a further six shots over the next five ends, scoring more shots in these last five ends than they did in the previous sixteen ends.  On twenty one ends the scores for Rink 5 were Crosskeys eleven shots, Penhill thirty three shots.  Well done to Paul Watkins and his Crosskeys boys for their valiant efforts on trying to hold Penhill's spearhead "International Rink".  A well done to Penhill's skip on Rink 5, Ryan Mount-Stephen, and his boys for such an engrossing display of bowls today.

Well done to all the Crosskeys bowlers on Rinks 2, skippered by Simon Bushell, and Rink 3, skippered by his brother Andrew Bushell, on their valiant efforts to stem the flow of shots from an "aggressive onslaught" of bowling from the more experienced Penhill boys lead by Rink 2 Skipper, Wayne Phillips, and Rink 3 Skipper Mark Letman. Results after twenty one ends were: Rink 2, Crosskeys 12 shots, Penhill 25. Rink 3, Crosskeys seventeen shots, Penhill twenty one shots.

As for Rink 4, a very well deserved win by Crosskeys Skip and Team Captain, Ian Slade, twenty shots to fourteen, against Penhill skip, Neil Collett and his boys.  Well done to the Penhill  boys on this rink for pushing the Crosskeys boys so hard.

The overall scores at the end of todays game was Crosskeys 60 shots, Penhill 93 shots.  Well played to Captain Mike Hill and the Penhill boys and good luck in the rest of this competition.  The Crosskeys boys knew they were going to have a hard game of bowls today, hopefully we can take away some valuable lessons learnt and progress forward with our own standards of bowls from todays game.  On the personal level, I know it wasn't a push over for you today, despite the final scoreline, but I do hope you enjoyed your visit to the "mecca" after the match as well as on the green, and perhaps we can meet up for another friendly as some time in the future.  Good Luck to the Penhill boys, commiserations to the Keys' boys. Good effort today boys, but today was just not your day. We all need to be more accurate and more consistent with our bowling.  Practice makes perfect.

See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Sunday 28 June 2009 - Crosskeys away to Blaina - MBA game.   I will certainly look forward to Friday's game, at Blaina again. This time in the Monmouthshire Cup.  No doubt the team selectors will be looking at the rink compositions, following this match, to field their strongest rinks and team. So, much against my doctors instructions, and those of my good lady, I will come off my sick bed, and put up with the flack, and the pain, to see all you boys at Blaina, yet again, for a 6pm start.  Be there or else...! 
 My apologies to to Mr Simon Bushell and Ian Slade of Crosskeys, and Mr P Wheeler and D Cording  of Blaina,for mixing up their Rinks in the original Report. I hope and trust that the above last Rink details are now correct. If not email me with your version of events.
See you soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Thursday 25 June 2009 - MBA Singles Champions Game at Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club.  Tonight at the "mecca" the young Tom Hancock (The Fourth Skipper) played Jeremy Griffith's from Bedwas in the MBA Singles Championship Competition.  The conditions were even better than last night's game at the "mecca" (see below). Tom even managed to turn up tonight in the right rig (Rig meaning Dress code), with Club Shirt, which was a nice change from Tuesday's night sloppy sports shirt (See article below). Tut, tut. Standards boy. Standards. You know what I mean?  I don't know, the youth of today? Well, little did we, the spectators or the players, know we were in-for a treat on the bowling front.
Talk about tension. With four ends played Jeremy was 6 shots to nil up. Mitch "The Greek" summed it up in his usual flippant manner by stating, quiet vocally, (as he does), and I quote; " I would like to stop for a pint, but the way this game is going, I won't have time for a half !" Needless to say there was an element of truth in that statement.
Obviously Tom took exception to that comment and pulled three shots back on the fifth end, and was now down 3 shots to 6. Not content with that Tom took 4 shots on the next end and the game was now on. After ten ends, the Greek still did not have a pint, and the scores were, with Tom leading 13 shots to Jeremy's 7.
The marker for this game was "Jim" Bendle, who was  deemed to need new glasses after chaulking up the wrong wood. He did however correct the error, but not before taking some friendly flak, and getting a mention in the WebMasters log book for good measure. Mind you, I have to be honest and own up to breaking one of the clubs plastic chairs, whilst shifting my ballast to achieve a better trim and a more comfortable position ( Navy slang for moving my centre of balance under the effects of gravity). I might add, "much to the humour of the club spectators." Just can't get the right plastic chairs these days. Can you? Self deprecation over, now back to the game. 
After fifteen ends the score was Tom 17 shots Jeremy 11. The next end (16th) saw Jeremy take three shots to pullback to be 17 to 14 shots down. Tom took only one shot on the next end, the 17th. So on the 18th end, young Tom was clearly not going to get a comfortable win as Jeremy continued to pull back and give Tom a hard time. On this end, Jeremy was lying 3 shots up after his four woods had been played, and Tom had one wood left to play. The spectators thought that Tom would provide a nice, quiet, dead weight draw, like most of his shots tonight, but he went for a drive, and missed the head by miles. Another three shots to Jeremy. The scores being Tom 18 shots Jeremy 17. Definitely no time for a drink for the Greek. 
With a measured short length jack (24 meters), and two shots on the 19th end ,Jeremy took the lead for the first time since the 5th end. Tom 18 shots, Jeremy 19 shots. Not a "pin drop" could be heard. I think even the gnats stopped flapping their wings at this point of the game, waiting to see who would win, and who would be the looser, and be their next blood meal.
The twentieth end was another short jack, with Jeremy pulling a beautiful draw onto the jack for one more shot. Tom was trying hard but was now 20 shots to 18 down to Jeremy. 
The twenty first end saw the mat come up a bit and a 3/4 length jack sit 2 meters from the ditch. After Tom had bowled his last wood, he was lying 3 shots up.  Jeremy bowled his last wood, just a little too wide, to give Tom the very three shots he needed to win tonights competition, by the very narrowest of margins.  Well done to both players for providing the best game of bowls the spectators have seen all season. Entertaining, nail-biting and a thriller. Well done again to both players and congratulations to the winner, young Tom Hancock.  Commiserations to Jeremy Griffith's, but what a game of bowls!  Bravo Zulu to both players. You won't get a better game of bowls than that in the final I bet? 

One other club competition was played earlier in the evening with "BushBaby Junior" Simon Bushell beating "Teddy Bear" Ted Green 21 shots to 13. Of particular note for this game was, and I am sure he will get some stick for this, was the "Failed to Show" marker young Justin Maddocks. "Justin (NO SHOW) Maddocks". Obviously this young mans diary has double entries for some reason or other. Such are the youngsters of today. He now has a nickname of NO SHOW for his efforts. Never mind. Some you win, some you loose.  See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Wednesday 24 June 2009 - Crosskeys at Home to Henleys - South Mon.  On the warmest evening of the summer to date, Crosskeys welcomed their friends from Henleys Bowls Club to the "mecca".  Playing on a much improved home green; drying out nicely in the summer sunshine, the green took on its familiar swinging swing hand, and a reasonable and predictable bending straight hand. Not that Keys took much advantage of the home green for the first 14 ends, it looked as though they were going to loose this game.  However, Keys managed, I don't know how, to snatch victory over the last four ends and run out victors with a 64 shot to 58 win; with two Rinks up and two Rinks down.  It was such a nice night that a number of the bowler's wives, family,  friends and visitors gathered at the "mecca" to spectate, and support both teams in this local duel. It might not have been the prettiest game of bowls to watch, it certainly had the bowlers teetering on the edge of the mats, with the result always in doubt right up until the final ends.  Well done to all the bowlers from both sides, a hard slog.  Keys taking 10 points and Henleys taking a well deserved 4 points.  As the "Ginger Whiger" was unable to be at the game tonight we all await his comments. Yet again Crosskeys are loosing out in the early stages of the game when they should be making a good impression on the game, from second one, especially on their own green.  Come on the Key's boys, buck-up. That is all I have to say. See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Tuesday 23 June 2009 - MBA Rinks Competition - Quarter Finals.  On a very pleasent summers evening at the "mecca" the Crosskeys Four's played the Rink from Beaufort, in tonights Quarter Final of the above competition. In the first 6 ends honnors were generally even. On the ninth end Beaufort dropped a four, and their heads went down a little, but they continued to battle on and ensured that the Keys boys had to work very hard for every point there after. From the spectators point of view it was an entertaining display of good bowls with the head changing almost after every wood had been delivered.  Of special note this evening was that only a few midges were out and they were only interested in mating flights, and not a blood feast like at some other clubs recently. Not being distracted by the mating flights of the midges, Crosskeys won through, 22 shots to 12 after twenty ends, to the Semi Finals.  Commisserations to the Beaufort Boys, who bowled very well.  Congratulations to the Crosskeys boys, Andrew, Simon, Tom (reserve for Norman) and The Ginger Whinger. A special mention also goes to Simon who is through to the Semi Finals of the Champion of Champions, Well done. See you soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Monday 22 June 2009 - Crosskeys away to Pontymister Athletic - Caerphilly Cup.  On the best green that Crosskeys have played on this season so far, Crosskeys lost by 5 shots to a battling Pontymister Athletic team.  Despite Keys winning three of the four rinks by a few shots, one rink lost "Big Time", and not a tantrum or baby toy in sight. That said a huge lead on one of the Keys Rinks 16-1 up, was whittled
away to just a 19-17 win for keys, (and all because Big Jim kicked over Cidermans pint. Some sloppy foot work at play here.) Some sloppy bowling from Keys and an aggresive fight from all the Pontymister Rinks provided spectators with some entertaining bowls despite some threatening clouds early on. Of note tonight was the lack of midges and mosies, so no excuses or distractions, just a hard fight from two equally matched and determined teams. Well done to the Pontymister boys. Good luck in the next round.  Hard lines to the Keys boys. Time to knuckle down, plenty more games still to come.
See you soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 20 June 2009 - Crosskeys at Home to Parc Llewellyn - WBA Carruthers Shield.  We welcome our special visitors  from Swansea, to the "mecca" today in this round of the WBA Carruthers Shield. The weather started off nice and sunny but as time passes the sky's have clouded over, and with the radio on in the bar, the British and Ireland Lions have scored another try and are only one score, and 2 minutes away from the Lions winning the First Test.  However, The First Test at Durban, the Lions lost 26 points to 21. Cele-a-ve Lions. Better luck next time. 

Here at the Mecca, after the first five ends the scores are: Rink 5 - (Bushbaby Senior skip) Keys 2, Park 4. Rink 4 - (Bushbaby Junior skip) Keys 3, Park 4. Rink 3 - ( The Ginger Whinger) keys 11, Park 4. Rink 2 - (Mr Watkins) Keys 1, Park 7. Totals being Keys 17, Park 19. As time continued to pass Crosskeys were down 32 shots to 33 on the tenth end, but were up 49 shots to 48 after the fifteenth end. Off note on Rink 4, "Junior Bush baby's" Rink, was a remarkable deliberate "dead end" play by young Tom Hancock on the 14th end, with the Jack flying well away across the rinks, so much so that I am sure the Crosskeys Cricketers had to catch the Jack. I suppose I exaggerate slightly on that, but you get the drift. On completion of 20 ends the scores were even with 64 shots each and one end to play, two Rinks up and two Rinks down.  On completion of all 21 ends the scores were Crosskeys 68 shots and Park 65.  "A three shot win is a win", as the Ginger Whinger said. He was also noted as stating that Crosskeys were not helping themselves at all by failing to get a number of woods into the head early on, (take note Leads and Seconds), unlike the Park's strategy, they were doing that. He explained that "Keys really needed to get more woods within a 2 foot radius of the jack" in order to form a tight head, against which the opposition would find it difficult to counter.  This also applies as a counter to our own 3rds and skips, but a sufficient early head of woods would make their removal that more difficult for the opposition. Point Noted. Now I was learning something new today, even as an observer. This was a very tight game from start to finish, and I think I would have been less nervous if I had been playing on one of the rinks as opposed to watching.  Well done to the visitors for pushing us to the limit.  We wish them all the very best for the rest of their season, and would be more than happy to play them again, at any time. We enjoyed your company and enjoyed your bowls. Have a safe trip home boys, to Swansea, from the boys at the Mecca.

For Keys business it was nice to see that our unsung hero, the "Dinner Lady", received a nice bunch of flowers from the Skipper to mark this remarkable Lady's Birthday and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" from the bowlers on both teams.  Happy Birthday Debs from all of us. See you all later peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Friday 19 June 2009 - Crosskeys away at Ebbw Vale Welfare - Monmouthshire Cup.  Once again a good game of bowls conducted in very good sunny conditions at Ebbw Vale Welfare ground.  Crosskeys got off to a slow start once again with 2 rinks up, and 2 rinks down after six ends and remained so after 12 ends. It was only in the last six ends that Crosskeys really started to play bowls. Of note was an alleged "temper tantrum" by one of the bowlers, who once Junior had his toys put back into his pram, decided to join the grown ups, playing bowls properly. Good for him, who ever he might be. The rational for the tantrum I found out, was shear frustration at turning over a few shots.  It later transpired that Junior lost his unbeaten Rink Status because of those few shots he lost on that frustrating head. Such is life as a bowler.  Some you win, some you loose. Better luck for the long run, next season.  The green it's self bowled heavy early on, but on drying out, started to swing in a predictable fashion later on.  Unfortunately the midges spoilt the evening on the last three ends by taking numerous blood samples from all the players. Little blighter's. They were not as bad as at Rhymney the other week. Crosskeys run out winners with a 101 shot to 68 win. That said Crosskeys were pleased to win through to the next Round of the Monmouthshire Cup. The "Ginger Whinger" remained quiet post match, which is a good sign from him, but no doubt we could have done better in the early stages.  Something we must work on as a team. Well done to Ebbw Vale Welfare for making Crosskeys play for every shot.  We wish Ivor Parry and his bowlers at Ebbw Vale Welfare all the best for the rest of the season.

WEBMASTER
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Wednesday 17 June 2009 - Crosskeys away at Henleys at Oakdale.  South Mon game played despite an afternoon of rain and drizzle, unlike some games the were called off today because of the rain. No names mentioned. Needless to say Keys got off to a bad start - again!  The "Ginger Whinger" will not be best pleased! However after the first six ends progress was being made by two of the rinks that were well down. The other two rinks doing well on this "most testing of greens for this season, so far". For me, I was bowling like "a three legged hemiplegic Crab", good on the swinging hand and bloody useless on the straight hand.  Not one of my best days of bowls this season. But then all of us on this "Rink of Death" struggled with the straight hand, but I did much better on the swinger, on both long and short heads.  Even "Baldylocks" our skipper, managed a couple of fingers of "KitKat" tonight (touchers sitting on the Jack). Despite being 10shots to 2 down on the 6th end, Ritchie "The Ciderman" ( not Spiderman), me "The Geek",  Mitch "The Greek" and Russel "Baldylocks", managed to draw level on the 17th end with 16 shots each, dropping two shots on the last end to their skip, who bowled very well though out the game, with a little help from the odd wick, or two, or three. (You know what I mean? snigger, snigger, snigger.)

"Bushbaby Junior" continues to maintain his winning streek on his rink, from the start of the season, with a 20 shot to 13 win, but could not quiet get the shots needed for an overall Crosskeys win tonight. The last two woods from Henleys Skip, R Preece, on that rink secured overall victory by four shots for Henleys. Well done the Henleys boys.

"Bushbaby Senior" came back from a slow start to win 16 shots to 11. While Crosskey's other skip, Paul Watkins, had a rough night, with a 5 shot to 19 pasteing by Henleys J James. Tonights winner was obviously the The Henleys green and the Henleys team.  Well done to them on their deserved victory.
 We look forward to meeting them again next week on our green, which does swing bothways on either hand, just to let them know. See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 13 June 2009 - Crosskeys away at Beaufort.  Our first MBA match to be played this season was away at Beaufort.  The webmaster was not available for this game, and is unable to give the viewers a full report, other than to quote the "Ginger Whinger" that this was a poor game for Crosskeys. Not his exact words, but printerble, if you know what I mean!  What he said (in translation) was that we lost by 10 shots overall, 3 Rinks down and Baby Bushell Junior, keeping his un-beaten record this season, was the only winning Crosskeys Rink.  Well Done Bush Baby Junior and his boys. Mind you, the Whinger did say that the scores could have been worse, for the Rinks that lost, were well down early in the game, but did pick up towards the end, but did not make up for the points difference from early in the game. Hard Lines Crosskeys, well done Beaufort boys.  See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 05 June 2009 - A Round Up of Events From This Week  - Well todays local derby match, on Epsom's Derby day was against our friends at Blackwood Bowls Club. However, thunder, lightening, hail and torrential rain has put paid to that idea for today.  Match being canceled.  That said we have had a busy week this week with two games being played in mid-week.  The first was against Pontymister Welfare on Wednesday 3 June starting at 1800.  What a lovely evening that turned out to be.  The weather was at it's best, and the green was a pleasure to bowl upon with two nicely swing hands and a fast surface. The "Ginger Whinger" was still in a plaster cast. "Gordy" had his first game of the season for us with his bad hip. "Dave H" returned to the bowls green despite an ongoing shoulder injury - not bad for a "young spring chicken" at 80, this year.  I have to be nice to him, because he's my "old man", and nobody will tell me his nickname. The newcomers to the side this year, "Keith W", "Johnny P" and "Dicky P" continue to bowl very well.  That means I have some competition at the front end to contend with to get a game, which can only be to the good of the club and to the player's concerned to raise their game to get in the side.  The "Back Enders" can't sit on their laurels either, and they have to work on their game to get the post of Rink Skipper. The scores at the end of the Pontymister Welfare game was the home side with 53 shots and Crosskeys with 69 shots; 3 Rinks up and one Rink drawn.  Pontymister 1 point and Crosskeys 13 points. "Bushbaby Jr" hanging on to his unbeaten run this Season as Skipper of a Rink score. Not that there is "much" competition between the "Bushbabies - Jr and Snr".  The only thing missed that night by all the Crosskeys bowlers was the usual "Faggots and Peas"  Pontymister Welfare are famous for, but they made up for it with some equally delicious home made "Ice Slices".  Well done Ponty a very good effort on the green keeping Crosskeys pegged close, and a big thank you for the hospitality graciously given.

The Second game we played this week was last night, Friday 05 June at Rhymney Royal's ground, the War Memorial Ground, Rhymney. First order of the day was to navigate to Rhymney Royal Ground.  Not a problem for this Old Navy boy, they only needed to mention what turning by what pub and it was simple like! Secondly was the donning of the water proofs, as drizzle kept us company for most of the evening.  The real down side was the irritating mosquitoes that sucked our blood all night long.  Being a bit of a nerd and bee-keeper I collected a number of these mosquitoes in my chaulk tube and took them home to examine under the microscope to determine what species they were.  They turned out to be the very common Culex pipiens.

This species is common around the world, but not found in Antarctica.  It is also responsible for spreading a number of viral infection around the world;  as well as taking blood meals from humans, it also feeds from other mammals and avians (birds). These diseases are very rare in the UK but are endemic in other parts of the world. Of note for this species of mosquito is that only the female takes a blood meal.  It could be said that "I pulled" a number of girls last night, only there were too many to remember, but don't tell the wife.  I think when I spoke to Dave the Rhymney Royal Webmaster last night, he was going to write up last nights game with the title, "Rhymney Royal Beaten and Eaten". If it wasn't for the mosquitoes it would have been a good night's bowling, despite the drizzle.  Crosskeys run out winners 95 shots to 47.  Simon Bushbaby continues his unbeaten skips run. Both Bushbaby Snr and Mr W had good wins, and the Ginger Whinger played a cracking game with his cast now off. Well done all.  I even have to give "Mitch The Muggar" a mention in the blog for his part in our Rink's 23 - 9 win. Additionally today, Saturday 6 June he is at his daughters wedding and I think  we should wish his daughter and her husband all the very best for their married lives.

I must end on a sad note for this blog today, our oldest member and one hell of a character, Mr John Brown, know as OXO has been taken into hospital, at the ripe old age of 89.  We do not know which hospital he is in, and if any body does know, please get in contact with me ASAP so that some of the club members from the Over 60's side can visit him and help him out in anyway they can. Thinking of you OXO Boy in my prayers.

The other sad duty is to let you know that our Mr Brian Jarrett, has suffered a bereavement in his family on Wednesday the 03 June 2009.  Our condolences to him and his family at this very sad time.  Our prayers are with you and your family Brian.

That is about it for now, only to mention the new addition to the web site, that being the addition of the "GUEST BOOK" at the top of this page and the top of the main web page.  I hope you viewers will use it sensibly and NOT abuse it.  See you all soon peoples.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 30 May 2009 - Crosskeys Club Competition - Jack Betty Pairs

WebMaster Reporting - What a glorious afternoon in which to play bowls.  Todays Club Pairs competition got off to a rip-roaring start with the absence of,  and "bloody late arrival" of "Mitch the Muggar" ( I won't tell you what "MUGGAR" really means, you must guess, but the "R" stands for Rascal), one of the Competition Secretaries. Fortunately all the work and preparations were done by the other conscientious and hard working Secretary Andrew Bushbaby.  What a lovely reception Mitch got when he eventually graced the club's bowlers with his presence. NOT!.  Could he have been saving his strength for the "Trundellers Tour" tomorrow to Babbacomb? I wonder?

Anyway, 16 Club Members put their names down for the Clubs Pairs Competition, and following the draw, we all set about doing battle, with our pints in the shade, as close to the green as is possible.  Thirsty work this Pairs stuff. Well the competition was a Round Robin of seven ends in each Section, making us all play at least 21 ends, this afternoon, or 84 woods each.  The winners from the two Sections then played a further seven ends to determine the Winners of the Jack Betty Pairs Competition. 

The green was its usual "heavy self" with both hands swinging on all the Rinks played. Competition was fierce but with the usual friendly banter amongst the bowlers and "Mitch".  honors for bowling the "Wrong Bias" go to Harry Brown, Dickie Preston and Johnny Powell.  Well done to them all for such inspiration and a good laugh. Me, I bowled liked crab today. No use to my partner, "The King of the Rink of Death Skipper" poor "old Rucker", who had a much better game than I did, fortunately for us. Rucker, you must get those eyes of yours tested again, real soon! He was caught this week using a pair of binoculars to watch the heads from inside the club house.  I mean, come on, glasses yes, but binos?  Really?  Get a life or in this case an Optician.

The Final was held between Richard Ford (last Years Winner) and Paul Worthing; and Dickie Preston, a new member to the Club and Andrew "The Senior Bushbaby" Bushell.  At the end of the seven ends the Winners for 2009, of the Jack Betty Pairs were... Dickie Preston, and Andrew Bushell.  Well Done to the winners and runners up, and a big thank you to all the other participants (except Mitch, SNIGGER, SNIGGER) and our spectators who took shelter in the cool shade of the Club House and had a break from the "Welsh Worm Charming Championship" and "Welly Wanging Competitions" being held in Waunfawr Park, again this afternoon.  Nice to see so many people in the park having fun. On about people having fun, take a look at the photos of the Finalists and spectators on the Main Web page and spot the "MUGGAR".

As was pointed out to me today, I owe an apology to Ian Slade for spelling "The Ginger Wingger" wrongly. I am not too big to say sorry. So in future it will be the "GINGER WHINGER" or something else bigger like that, or even worse. I am told his plaster cast comes off on Thursday. So much for six months out of the game. What a bummer!  Looks like I won't be making selection for the South Mon any time this century. Never mind.

The Team Selection for Wednesday 03 June 2009, South Mon match against Pontymister Welfare, is displayed on the Team Selection Page of this website. Watch this space  for more scintillating news from the Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club, peoples.  See you all soon.

WEBMASTER
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Tuesday 26 May 2009 - Crosskeys Competitions

WebMaster Reporting - Tonight both the Crosskeys Rink (Fours) and the Crosskeys Over 60's Rink (Fours) played another round in their respective competitions here at the "mecca".  Unfortunately the Over 60's Rink - ( Arther Rowe, Reg Bowdler, Ted Green and Brian Jarret )-lost by 3 shots to their opponents from Machen, 19-16; a close game throughout. The other Crosskeys Four - (Tom Hancock, Simon Bushell, Norman Bushell and Andrew Bushell) beat their opponents from Rhymney Royal 22-16, again in a closely fought, and entertaining game.  With both games the standard of bowls was very high and a pleasure to watch. 

Of particular note was the fact that the "Ginger Wingger", with his right arm in a cast, due to a fractured thumb, was unable to play for the Crosskeys Four,( he is shortly to qualify for the "Over 60's" squad) and "the fourth skipper" the young Tom, had to take his place and play as Lead. The Bushells were, as usual, unphased by the "loss" of their skipper.  However, the "Wingger" was unable to stay at the "mecca" to see the competition through to the end, and duely got "some stick" when he was informed, on completion of the game, that "HIS" Rink had lost - which they had not.  His comments over the phone were very short and very succinct, and totally un-printable.  Needless to say those of us who remained at the club had a good laugh at his expense. Thank you.

Well done to all the participents for taking part and providing the spectators with a delightful evening of bowls and good company in the bar afterwards. Thank you all.

Just a reminder for the Crosskeys Boys, this Saturday, 30th May, is the Club Pairs Competition.  Weather forcast is glorious Sun.  Be at the "mecca" for 1330 (1.30 PM) for the draw. Bowling commenses at 1400 (2 PM) sharp.  Rig (clothing) is Grays and Club Shirt. Enjoy the day everyone.  See you all there.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 23 May 2009 - Crosskeys Versus Blaenavon - Friendly

WebMaster Reporting - Crosskeys Social Welfare Bowls Club were away today at Blaenavon. In unprecedented scenes today, this friendly bowls match was played in bright sunshine, blue sky's, and to top that, no wind or rain. Global Climate Change has found Blaenavon. It was even warm enough to take your woolly jumpers off.  Better weather could not of been asked for.  Factor 30 sunscreen all round was needed. A big thank you goes to the Blaenavon boys for a ,literary and metaphorical, warm welcome today, and a bloody good green to bowl upon.  It was for me, anyway, a delight to bowl upon;  to ease the woods down and watch them swing was blissful.  I wish our Crosskeys green was like it.

Needless to say, for the stick I have given to some of the Selectors, well most of them anyway, on these my Blog Pages recently, my punishment awarded to me, this day, in the Year of our Lord 2009, I am sorry to say is, I was doomed to play with...., Yes you have guest it, the Rink of Death Skipper, "the Bald Headed Baddy". But as the Sun beat down upon his fevered skull, low, an Angel did appear and whispered some thing in his ear, and took away all his badness.  Not permanently, but only for 21 ends. The proof of divine intervention was that this skipper could now draw some remarkable shots and score points.  Hallelujah!!!  He bowled like "a little devil (sometimes)", and he drew, and he won lots of shots. The rink went wild, and the skipper won 5 Finger's of a Kit Kat  for his efforts today.  I exaggerate of course, but even I, the lowly Webmaster, must admit he did bowl well today, and not a driver insight.  In fact all of us on Rink 3 bowled well today as did most others.  Crosskeys did themselves proud today with, I think, 4 Rinks Up at the end.  Well done everyone.  I know at the half way mark 2 Rinks were up and 2 were down, but I was inspired by the Bald Headed Baddy.  OK that is a slight exaggeration but..! Well done Rucker, and Well done to the other Skips (the Bush Babies and Mr W ) and everyone who supported them.  They are not all bad are they?

It was nice to see that one member of the Crosskeys Bowls Club today, managed to stay on his feet for the whole of the match, and not tear up any of the Blaenavon Pubic paths on his way to and from the bar. Whilst the last I saw of him today was when he got out of my car, both feet flat on the ground, standing up, straight-ish.  I left him by MO's Chip Shop. What he has done to himself since then, I have no idea.  I was tempted to ring the Gwent to find out if he had "popped in" again, but, well, you know, sometimes you don't want to appear to be too nosy. Or due you?  Sleep well Richy. See you, hopefully unscathed, real soon.

I like to think that last weeks message of pulling together as a team worked.  The Wingger hasn't said a lot today, and may be, just a little maybe, he had a little smile on his face, but only of a nano second or two.  Me, I think it was just wind. I think he got the wind from walking Richy's 20 cans of Strongbow up from the local Spar, 6 miles away.  I think that is what the Wingger said?

Anyway, News Flash, Next Saturday, 30 May, the programmed match against Blaina has been postponed and will be re-arranged. In it's place the Club will be holding the Club Pairs Competition. Members interested in taking part are to be at the Club House for 1330 (1.30 PM).  Rolling will start at 1400 (2 PM). Don't be late.  Have a good week people. See you all soon.

WEBMASTER
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Friday 22 May 2009 - Crosskeys Versus Penyrheol - Friendly


WebMaster Reporting - A very warm welcome awaited our Friends from Penyrheol.  As always with this annual fixture it is played in the most "Social and Friendly Manner" of any bowls game going.  That is too say that whilst on the green, competition in bowling is fierce, and even more friendly than any other game. So much so, I can't remember which Rink won the prize for the most empty glass stacked or crushed beer tins at the end of the game.  You now get the image that this is always a very light hearted and friendly game.  The result doesn't matter, only the taking part and enjoying yourself is important, both on the green and in the bar afterwards.  The result was a draw on the green, and Crosskeys lost in the Bar afterwards.  Our visitors were most disappointed with their Transport Manager, who booked the bus to pick them up from the "mecca" at 2130 (9.30 PM) some 1 and a half hours TOO EARLY.  I heard him being called all sorts of things, none of witch could be published, and some things I have never heard of, especially as he didn't play in todays game or attend the fixture.  What a shame!  I think he could definitely feel his ears stinging last night, where ever he was in the world. I am sure a Plastic Surgeon's skill would be needed once the Penyrheol boys have finished with him.  I still wince at the thought of some of the suggestion that were proposed, and I'm a hardened Royal Navy man of 28 years suffering.  Too the Penyrheol Transport Manager, I hope you get better soon.  Too the Penyrheol Boys, thank you for your company and a marvelous evening as usual.  See you all next year.

WEBMASTER
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Saturday 16 May 2009 - Crosskeys Versus Chepstow - Third Game in WBA Carruthers

WebMaster Reporting -Well!  What a Saturday!!  It seemed that Autumn and Winter had come too the "mecca" uninvited this afternoon. Thunder and lightning, hail, rain and drizzle, and 30minutes of sunshine. And boy! didn't that hail sting when it hit exposed skin?

The visitors, our friends from Chepstow, certainly were entertained by the weather this afternoon, and not by "our lackluster performance" on the green today.  I think "Our Dinner Lady" won the day for us again,off the green. A well done goes to "Jimmy Boy" our Vice Captain for stepping up to the GAVEL in such fine form and a dam good "put down" too.  The words "lackluster performance" are the very words, and only words, I am able to print from the "Ginger Winger". Who this week, and for a few more weeks (stroke MONTHS - wishful thinking perhaps) to come, will be sitting on the side lines with a fractured Right Thumb.  "Oh what a pity", I hear you all cry! Bets will be taken on the amount of time off bowls he will have:  currently the minimum stands at six months. Any more bets on a longer duration will be duly considered and odds posted.

I must admit my performance was not at all good. I would print the word "crap", actually, if I could use that word on this blog, and only the likes of the back pair, bowling very well, overturing at least 15 shots, brought a draw to our rink. I think "Uncle A" would agree with that comment?  Well done to the back pair for stepping up to the mat and doing so well. Chepstow's Lead and Second, carried their rink today, with a good display of bowls, despite the ever changing green conditions, influenced by the bad weather. Well bowled boys.

At the halfway mark Crosskeys were two rinks up, with a ten shot margin, or more, on each of those rinks, while the other two rinks were taking a bit of a pasting. One of those rinks, "Mr Watkins", did very well to pull it back to win. The other one "Badly-Baldy" really had a good old hammering. No names mentioned "Rucker" OK?  But to be honest to "Winger", he is right, that today was a lack "Luster Performance", and "NO", I am not "Brown Nosing"  in anybodies orifice.  At Home we should have done much, much better.  Today I don't think we all played as well as we have done, or even should have done.  "Individuals carried the day, instead of the combined efforts of everyone."  There is a team game going on, on each rink; and each rink is playing for the "Team".  The Game of Bowls is a "Team Game", and WE ALL HAVE OUR PARTS to play.  Today, some of us, myself included, did not play our full part.  You all know who you are, and we must not rely on others to carry us, on our Rinks or on the Team. Enough said.

"BRAVO ZULU" ( that is "Very Well Done" in civy speak ) to those who raised their game today, to achieve a result that will take us through to the next round of this prestiges competition. I am told by "The Youngest BushBaby" that it has been "Twenty Years" since OUR CLUB has progressed this far. If we are to go any further we have to pull our fingers and "thumb" out.  Todays result was as follows:  Two rinks up, one rink drawn, one rink pasted by twenty two shots. Lost the game by 11 shots overall.  What a bummer, considering our previous form.

OK, that is off my chest. Now, let us get on with the practice we all need, before the next match, be it friendly, South Mon, MBA or roll ups.  "Winger" looks forward to seeing you ALL on the green for practice, when ever you can make it.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if he is going to enjoy his time off the Green more than he does on the Green, selecting and evaluating us all. Rightly so; as that is the Skipper's prerogative.  If you haven't got "thick skin", now is the time to go get some!: and that includes EVERYONE from Leads to Skips. Just remember however, his turn will come soon enough folks. So let us put our all into it, from now on, and make him eat "humble pie", when he has the chance to step up to the mat later on, after his "little break". Snigger, Snigger.  See you all on the green.

PS  I forgot to mention our forth skip for today. So to correct that omission, the skips were Badly-Baldy, BushBaby, Mr Watkins and the forth skipper.

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Wednesday 06 May 2009 - Crosskeys Versus Ynysddu - Second game in South Mon League

A short report this rainy, overcast, windy, damp, Wednesday evening, at the "mecca". I am unable to comment on the match as I was taken ill just before the game started, and returned home for my tablets and a nice quiet dark bedroom, to sleep off my cracking headaches and nausea.  Needless to say the score card and Rink cards were posted through the front door to copy and e-mail to George Turnbull. Which has been done.

So the result was a win for Crosskeys with 95 Shots and three rinks up and Ynysddu with 40 shots and a one rink win. Points are 2 for Ynysddu, and 12 for Crosskeys.  Well done to all for playing in such difficult weather conditions. "Ginge" will not be happy, as his rink lost 11 shots to 13.

Catch you the "readers" later on the weekend, hopefully with another "blogged" game.

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Saturday 02 May 2009 - Crosskeys Versus Sixbells - First Game of the Carruthers Cup WBA Competition

This sunny Saturday afternoon saw our rivals for the Carruthers Cup, from Sixbells, Abertillery, as our welcome guests at the "mecca".

Last year saw Sixbells winning this game at their home green in Sixbells, Abertillery.  So this match at Waunfawr Park, gave us the opportunity to reverse last years loss, and hopefully try and progress on in this prestigious competition.  While there was a little tension in the air, it was only felt from the start of the bowling on the green, until completion of the game.  The atmosphere was, as always with Sixbells, friendly with a fair amount of joking and banter in the club house before, and after the game, dispersing all tensions when the players returned to the club house.

The green, needless to say was it's usual pushy-self. Although I did manage to surprise myself, and my skip, by getting two ditcher's in this game.  It must have been the weetabix I had for breakfast. Being a retired Royal Navy man, the green could have done with a "hair cut". Next time perhaps Mr Green keeper?  But the green was definitely playing better than the previous Saturday, despite the rain it had in the intervening week, and the swing was beginning to show. Good.

A long afternoon was ahead with two trial ends and the game of 21 ends on top.  Some of the Crosskeys rinks, no names mentioned, you known who you are, if you don't the other skips will tell you, needed the full 21 ends to deliver a result for the team. In saying that, Sixbells ran 2 of the Crosskeys rinks very, very close from start to finish. The other 2 rinks did reasonably well.  Some people said we did well because the "Bushell's" had jetted in from sunny Florida, just for this match. There might be an infinitesimally small element of truth in that, but who knows? As is usual in the game of bowls, impossible shots seem to appear from thin air due too special circumstances, such as the time of high tide in Newport Docks, and the pull of lunar gravity on the bias of the rolling woods as they  exhibited " gravitational assists" from glancing blows to woods in the outer orbits of the head. Who would have thought that so many astronomers played bowls?  Although repartition of such events was, thankfully, a rare event on most rinks.  Some people will argue that it was skill and judgment by the individual bowlers?  I give them the benefit of my doubt. Jealousy will get me no-where. I just need to practice more, that is all.

Following a beautiful sunny afternoon; support from the Reserves and other team members, Bar-men and Dinner Lady, family and friends, and an entertaining 3 hours of bowls, the result went in favour too Crosskeys.  Our commiserations to Sixbells on this occasion. See you all next year at your place, and good luck for the rest of the season.

I thought worthy of note on this, my "Blog Page", to tell you a story about my opposite number on my rink, from Sixbells, a gentleman called Ray, who I have known for 32 years. Ray happens to live directly opposite my Mother-in-law.  My condolences to him. I can talk about her, here on the net, because she doesn't have a computer.  No doubt Ray will read this and tell her. Anyway, coming back to the story, I was advised by Ray that, because I had a reasonable game of bowls against him today, that should I venture so far afield in future, from Crosskeys, and visit my Mother-in law, in Sixbells, he would let all the air out of my tires.  I cannot, for the life of me, find a more valid reason, backed up by my Mother-in-law's direct neigbour, for postponing my "annual" visits to the "in-law's".  If you want to use this valid excuse for not visiting your-in-law's, have a word with a friendly bowler, Ray, who may live next door to your-in-law's. Good luck. Thats the truth. I wonder how long we can drag it out for. See you all back here next year for an update. OK? Good.

As you can tell, some bowlers have a sense of humor. I'm not one of them, really. What this does go to show is, that despite bowlers competitiveness and a desire to win, that a balance can be found between individuals, opponents and teams on the bowls green, despite the stresses and strains of the game of bowls.  Crosskeys, at the end of the day, won all 4 rinks. The total scores were, Crosskeys 115 shots, and Sixbells 53. That should keep the "Ginger Wingger" happy until the next game, though I doubt it.  Hopefully we will do well against Belle-Vue on Saturday 09 May 2009, our next game in the Carrathers Cup. Watch this space, Crosskeys would dearly love to have a good run at this cup. See you all next week perhaps, depends if I am picked after these comments.

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Saturday 25 April 2009  - Crosskeys Versus Machen  -   First Round of the SouthMon for 2009

Our good old friends from Machen Bowls Club were our very welcomed guests today at the "mecca".

On a Saturday afternoon which had bright warm sunshine, a brief shower of rain, good gusty winds; ideal for sailing, and a cold biting wind - when the clouds blotted out the sun. It made a change for ALL the green to have remained green, with long green grass, and a really "pushy" game of bowls to look forward too. We were not to be disappointed as it turned out. Having said that, the green is still very soft and fragile at this time of year. With good weather, hopefully, it will harden up for later in the season.

The bowlers were not at all surprised by the heaviness of the green.  But after a number of ends the green was mastered as best as anyone could and began to run a little faster and began to swing a little more. An ever changing field to play up-on.  Mats were being used, as is normal custom these days, for the first month of this season anyway.

As with all games, friendly banter criss ed crossed up and down the rinks, inside the rinks, and occasional across the rinks. Hon ours looked very  even at the half way point with the Machen team up on two rinks, and Crosskeys up on the other two rinks. This is the time when things start to change in bowls. Skips from both sides constantly looking at their own scores, as well as everyone-else's, and doing the maths. Looking to improve their own sides chance and to mitigate against scores by there opponents. I am sure those maths Professors on the American program "Numbers" would have a good old field day coming up with their multiple number theories on how to conduct the game of bowls. Where as the bowlers, just get on with the job in hand, scoring more shots than your opposition.

At 18 ends the results were close. One rink drew 20 shots each. That was close. One Crosskeys rink losing out by 14 shots to 15. Another very tight finish. Yet another Crosskeys rink with a tight 21 to 16 result. The last rink came in as a 17 to 8 shot win for Crosskeys.

Final scores Crosskeys 72 points, and good close behind, Machen 59 points. The honors went with 11 points for Crosskeys and 3 points for Machen. Game over. Time to retire to the club house for food and sustenance. Living those oh-so-close wicks or edges that should have been there or there abouts.  Sighs about things that could have been, but are things that are not. Relax and enjoy time with Debbie's excellent spread of food and a few pints in preparation for the football results. I even had a chat with George Turnbull who compiles all the bowls results and produces the tables. Not a job I would like to do. Never a dull minute in the "mecca".