A team made up of 14 young bowlers from the Dorset Youth Bowls Academy and Dolphin IBC had a weekend in Bristol over the weekend of 5/6th March to play against Bristol IBC. The match consisted of singles, pairs, triples and rinks matches with each youngster playing in at least 3 of the disciplines.
The match started on the Saturday morning with 5 x triples matches. The Dorset youngsters found the length and speed of the rinks different to ones they were used to and took some time to adjust as would even an experienced bowler. When the triples matches were completed Bristol had won 3 matches with our youngsters winning 2.
The afternoon was dedicated to 9 singles matches. By now the youngsters were more familiar with the rinks and started to demonstrate their strengths. Halfway through the matches it looked as if the teams were pretty even but the end result was 8-1 to Dorset. Tom and Aimee both played exceptionally well pulling back from what looked like impossible positions to win their matches 21-20. Their determination, concentration and nerve were obvious for all to see and both left the rink to an ovation from the enthralled spectators.
Sunday morning was pairs with 12 bowlers from each team taking to the rinks. Dorset continued with their winning ways taking 4 of the matches to Bristols 2. The last session on Sunday afternoon was the 4’s (Rinks) matches and it was obvious to everyone watching that the exertions of 2 days bowling was starting to take its toll on the young bodies. But there still was excellent bowling and close matches for the parents, grandparents and friends of the bowlers to watch. The strength of the Dorset youngsters held out and they won the 3 matches.
The weekend concluded with the Steele/Kite trophy being presented to James Roe the captain of the Dorset team by Lydia Sheldrake the captain of the Bristol team.
A huge thanks to Thomassina and her team of helpers at Bristol for a memorable weekend. The young bowlers will have learned more over these 2 days than weeks of coaching.
A massive thank you to all the coaches and parents for all the support and help in making the weekend possible and such a success.
Penny
Many congratulations to all the youngsters on a fantastic result.
And to Sid, Julie and all the families, friends and supporters for what sounds like a weekend the youngsters will never forget.
Kindest regards
Carol
Sounds like a great time was had by one & all with a good result.
My thank's to one & all for enabling such an event.
Kind regards,
Tony
DYBA Chairman
It was an absolute privilege to observe the youngsters in action and delighted with the discipline, enthusiasm, and perseverance they all showed. Well done everyone and keep up the good work! You are all Champions! 👏”
Julie LEAKE