ALGARVE TOUR OCT 2011
The early start got us all together at Pedras in time for lunch and an afternoon roll up on the green, a good preparation for our Regis Shield match the following day.
This match was tied at 3 rinks each, 118 points each and only favoured Pedras B.C. on count back of ends won. The quality of bowling from Pedras has improved as they also took first prize in the Sussex Tourists Invitation Tournament later in the week when teams from Eastbourne and a select Algarve side. Bognor took 3rd and 4th prizes despite being handicapped in the draw our four teams drawn against each other.
Overall we had a mixed result week with some of the greens in poor condition and generally all were soft and heavy due to the necessary watering. Mats were used at Vilverde B.C. and the Tavira County B.C. a new feature for some among us which proved a handicap. We had the satisfaction of winning for the first time at San Antonio B.C. Alvor for the first time.
Ron Bell won top shot difference over he week with Mary Ray the lady winner.
The hotel staff treated us superbly and laid n a barbecue one evening when we were able to socialise with some of the Pedras B.C. and I should mention Peter from their bar who also looked after and prepared one of the better greens.
The hotel also laid on a Gala Dinner for in excess of 120 people enjoyed by all.
Terry’s nephew Peter Rexstrew runs a currency exchange “PremierFX” kindly sponsored and supplied shirts with the Bognor Tourists logo in time for the Tournament. We were together, one united club, representing Bognor.
Amusing asides !..Teds late night scare. Having left his partner Terry in the bar,he returned to their house to discover an intruder inside. With trepidation he crept inside only to find Terry had got back before him. Could only happen to a retired copper ?
The aches and pains story of the week fell to Ron Eastland who could not bowl with a bad back. We all gave him pills and potions that relieved him, well his constipation,
And the sport that he is, he later paraded though the dining room carrying bundles of toilet rolls to great amusement. Unfortunately then the gout returned and he was still immobile.
He only other problem was the evening mozzies which got just about everyone. But one is complaining since it had been a cloudless week of 28 degrees and who could not bowl in that?
Many thanks to Norman for organising it all, we will all return to do it all again in 2012.