Bristol Ladies League :Match report 22nd April 2026 ALL 8 points
Our first game back in division 1, away, against Henleaze A team.
Gill with Sue, Karen and Annie won the first two ends, but dropped one on the third , Henleaze didn’t get the mat back until the 10th end , by which time Redland were comfortably ahead 15-1. Henleaze won a few more ends, but Redland coasted in to win 24-7
Wendy with Liz, Carol and Nina took a few ends to settle in , only picking up ones and twos , but winning 11 of the 17 ends won 17-8, A lucky win for us, apparently.
Next week at home to Bradley Stoke who had their rest week this week .
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 29th April 2026 6 points
Great start to the season last week , at the top of division one ( jointly with Olveston A)
This week Gill with Sue, Colette and Annie started well and were ahead until they dropped a 4 on the 9th end, drew level on the 10th end , but unfortunately it slipped away from them and finished 12-15
Wendy with Liz, Carol and Nina started well, only picking up ones and twos , but winning 14 of the 17 ends won 20-3.
Next week at home to Canford
Match Reports: B&D League 1: 30th April: Away Bath Weston.
WON: 47.25 -37: 8 Points
As the song goes, 🎶 Here we are again, happy as can be, all good friends and jolly good company! 🎶 (Although perhaps it will only be a certain generation that remember that particular song?)
Anyway on a lovely spring evening the first League game of the season for the Redland A Team was at Bath Weston so a long trek to a historically “tricky” opponent, especially on their home green.
It was a new look A Team for this season (not only because of the new kit) and I can’t write this report without acknowledging players who are no longer in the A Team such as Kevin French, Trevor Knowles and Mike Ingham. Kevin and Trevor in particular have been stalwarts of the A Team for many years and any successes that we have had in the past have, in no small part, been down to their inclusion and efforts and I salute them. (And on a personal note I will in particular miss Kevin’s past penmanship of reports for the A Team with myself simply acting as editor).
Having players no longer included means that we welcomed Jake, Vince, Bob and Nick to the A Team and I hope that they secure their places on a long term basis 👍👏
Now unfortunately on the evening when Nick picked Will up to go to the game he looked very unwell and the decision was made to take him back to the Club. For any new members the rules state that you can play a league game one short on a rink as the first and second players on a short rink are allowed to bowl three bowls and the skip, as usual, bowls two bowls. There is however, at the end of the game, a 25% deduction from the score of the side with only three players. In addition you can only do this on a maximum of two rinks so no team can compete with less than ten players.
We wish Will a speedy recovery.
So on to the game:
On RKJ’s rink with Bob, Nick and Larry, after 6 ends we were winning 6-2 but then picking up a 5 on the 7th end brought Bath Weston back into contention. Some good steady bowling then saw Redland win the next five ends to take a 14-7 lead and we eventually ran out the 19-11 winners. 👏
on Josh’s rink with Jake, Vince and Mark Powell a slow start meant that after four ends we were 0-7 down. Things then turned around and winning 11 of the remaining 13 ends we ran out convincing 17-9 winners. 👏
Finally on the “short” rink with Jim, Andy and Nigel we started off poorly going down 0-6 after three ends. However a great bowl from Jim meant that on the ninth end we picked up a 5 and we were back in it at 10-10 with all to play for. At twelve ends we took a 14-11 lead (10.5-11 with the 25% deduction). Unfortunately we couldn’t get over the finishing line and ran out 15-17. 🙁. (I blame myself here as with three bowls I really should have found a much better line and length on a consistent basis, but then I guess you can’t bowl well all the time – and before anyone asks if I bowl well any of the time it does still happen occasionally but age is certainly catching up with me 😆).
All in all I am sure the League Captains / Selectors will agree that if you had offered us 8 points at the beginning of the game we would have been delighted and this marks an excellent start to our 2026 league campaign.
The A Team have a free week next week as our opponents, Bristol, have Somerset commitments and the game will be rearranged for later in the season. If A team players aren’t playing next Thursday perhaps they would like to support the NE or B teams? NE are away to Kingswood & Hanham and the B Team are home to Knowle 3rd team. (And if you want to support the ladies they are home to Canford on Wednesday 6th at 6pm.)
Match Reports: B&D League 4: 30th April: Away Severn Vale B.
Won 44-42 6-4
Report from Calvin:
A good start to the season – our first time playing B&D Division 4.
Barry G’s rink with Marek, Colin and Derek were always ahead, finishing very strong, winning the last 5 ends to win 16-8.
(Marek playing a good game at lead).
Calvin’s rink with Steve, Keith Williams and Paul were always behind but never far away, running out 12-16.
Karen’s rink with new member Annie Sykes, George and Bruce were behind 3-12 after 7 ends then came back strongly to go ahead, but sadly dropping a 3 on last end lost 16-18.
A “Big Thankyou” to all the team – marvellous effort 👏
Match Reports: Bowls England Two Rink “B” Team: 4th May: Home Bradley Stoke.
WON 49-18
On a sunny Spring Bank Holiday evening and with the Aussie Pairs taking place on other rinks there was a good “vibe” about the Club last night.
Bradley Stoke are a Club with some very good players but I hope they will not mind if I say that they are perhaps lacking a little in depth and this was reflected in the final score. (Plus of course we had home advantage).
On “Superstar” Josh’s rink with Nick, Larry and Captain Calvin we won the first five ends taking a 6-0 lead. Bradley Stoke then rallied, pulling back to 7-6 at nine ends. Picking up 3’s on end thirteen and seventeen helped our cause and we finally ran out 17-12 winners. 👏
As with the League however the two rink isn’t a case of individual rinks but the overall score and if one rink can dominate it helps the whole team.
This was the case for Redland as Jim with Andy, Nigel and Keith took a 5 on the first end and then really dominated the game winning ends eight to sixteen and running out 32-6 winners.
It was a good performance by all players (even me when Jim decided to go for a shorter jack!) but I think special mention should go to Keith as on a couple of occasions Jim commented that it was like having Steve Ford back on the team! 😃. For those who may not know Steve was a member a few years ago and had a habit of occasionally being a little “heavy” into the head when a draw or yard on bowl was requested….. but as Keith pointed out, Steve left us and went on to be a National Semi Finalist, so not a bad player to be compared to? 😁
I would also like to make special mention of the opposing lead, John Gallagher who is playing only his second season and had a really terrific game 👏
We have historically had a good record in two rink competitions and the next opponents for the “B” team will be away to Kingswood & Hanham C or Avonvale B.
Finally thank you to Wendy, Dave and Bob “Cheddars” Stone for the support on the evening which is always greatly appreciated 👍
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 6th May 2026 6 points
Still at the top of division 1,
Gill with Sue, Karen and Annie, just couldn’t get it until the 7th end picking up a 5 put them right back in it at 6 all, but Canford kept the pressure on and finished 22-8 .
Wendy with Liz, Colette and Nina were in control of the game (and the jack) from the get go, winning 13 of the 17 ends won 28-5.
Thankyou to those who came to support /spectate Jim , Derek, Ian, Carol Phil Mike W and Mike R.
Next week away against Olveston A at Olveston , who are only 4 points behind us.
NE Match report 7th May 2026 week 2
Rick with Nick Pete and Alan: stormed away and commanded the game from the get go, winning 13 of the ends and finishing 22-8.
Gill with Sue Dave and Phil: looked to be an easy win leading all the way picking up a 5 on the 10th end giving them a comfortable lead 12-5 . Kingswood and Hanham fought back , going in to the last end just two shots behind us ( 15-13) . They picked up a two resulting in a draw 15-15.
Vince with Jake Wendy and David: were nip and tuck all the way trading mostly single shots , going into the last end 13 all. Despite Kingswood’s best efforts “David’s dapper” stayed on the jack resulting in a 14-13 win.
9 points to Redland who are 3rd on the table this week , next week at home to Avonvale Blues .
Match Reports: B&D League 4: 7th May: Home Knowle C.
WON 52-34: 8 Points
Report from Calvin: ✍️
Another good start with a 8-2 win.
Calvin’s rink with Dave E, Keith W and Mike H, who had an excellent game at lead, were in complete control of the game winning 26-4 (with no help from their skip!) 😳 👏
Barry’s rink with Kev, Derek and Marek were always in control and finished very strongly, winning 20-12. 👍
Karen’s rink with Colette, Angela and Bruce, started well, winning the first five ends but then Knowle won an end and brought the mat up and Redland struggled on the short length running out 6-18.
Big thanks to all the supporters who cheered us on, on a very damp evening. 😃
Also a big thank you to Mike R who managed the bar. Much appreciated 🍻🍷
Match report Ladies League : 13th May 2026 away @ Olveston
25-30 2 points
Our luck has run out ! We won’t know ‘til the results are all in where we are on the table, but there is a chance we will stay on top.
Gill with Sue, Karen and Annie won the first end picked up a two on the 3rd end to draw level , another two on the 4th put them ahead where they stayed finishing 15-8.
Wendy with Liz, Carol and Nina just couldn’t settle, Olveston commanded the game throughout and we finished 10-22.
Match Reports: B&D League 1: 14th May: Away Olveston Ospreys
WON 47-45: 8 Points
When playing any League game it is always important to understand that you are part of a team. That means not just the rink that you are playing on but across all three rinks and that is what Redland did last night (although, to be fair, Olveston seemed to be playing to the same play book).
On Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith C, a good start picking up a 4 on the first end was followed with some very good consistent play from Redland with further 4’s on ends eight and fifteen, This rink ran out 24-8 winners.
Unfortunately on Larry’s rink with Charlie, Rick, playing I believe his first, first team game and Mark P, it was the opposite story. After losing the opening end, Olveston dominated the rest of the game with 3’s on ends two, four, six, eight, eleven and fifteen. The important thing however was that Redland never lost hope on the game overall and kept plugging away so when this team lost 8-24 the overall scores were tied and all eyes turned to the final rink.
On RKJ’s rink with Phil, Pete J, playing his first, first team game this season and Vince they went 0-8 down after four ends. Picking up a 3 on end six however steadied the ship and by end nine the score was 7-8. It was then “nip and tuck” up until end fifteen with the score 12-13. At this stage the other rinks had finished and therefore Redland were trailing by one shot overall, not just on this rink.
On the sixteenth end Vince bowled a great bowl to secure shot and then with his last bowl (and dare I say it a little luck, but in bowls sometimes you make your own luck), Roger managed to sneak through the head with a small wick to secure the second shot and go into the last end with Redland now leading on the rink and overall by one shot.
Playing the last end Phil started well securing the shot but Olveston played some great bowls so that when Roger went to deliver his bowls Redland were 2 down. With everyone watching from around the green and the tension palpable Roger delivered his first bowl and with a number of short bowls in the way again managed, with a wick, to somehow find a way through to secure the shot! The Olveston skip then had an opportunity to promote one of the short bowls but failed on his first attempt.
Roger then, in consultation with Vince, very sensibly stayed well away from the head covering behind with his second bowl so the whole match came down to the very last bowl. (Amazing to think that after 407 bowls this was the case, but in bowls it happens much more often than you might imagine).
Despite playing a good bowl into the head luck was not on Olveston’s side and Redland had secured the rink and the the overall match with 8 points in the bag – a great result and many congratulations to the whole squad. 👏 🥳
Next week is another tough challenge at home to GBBs. 👍
Match Reports: B&D League 4: 14th May: Away Greenbank
Lost: 36-53: 4 Points
Report from Calvin: ✍️
Our winning start came to an end on a very wet evening.
Barry’s rink Richard, Kev and Marek continued their winning ways winning last 4 ends to win 18-15.
Special thanks to Richard who played his first game and excellent game it was! (Barry demanding a large transfer to keep him). 😁
Calvin’s rink Mike, Keith and Paul, all played well against a strong team, especially their skip who saved so many ends. Winning by 1 shot 12-11
Karen’s rink, Collette, Maggie and Bruce struggled in wet conditions to start with, but did improve as the game went on. Losing 6-27.
CAPTAINS COCK- UP!
The Greenbank captain did not have any idea of sending in results so as I do I offered to put them in giving us the win 6-4, hopefully I have corrected it…….
Editors Note: An example of the “dark arts” being employed in bowls? 😂
NE Match report 14th May 2026 home v Avonvale Blues
8 points 42-22
Despite the weather forecast we started at 6 in glorious sunshine , however the heavens opened half way through, the captains agreed that we should stop as 30 ends had been completed.
Gill with Liz, Colin and Mike W were in the lead up to the 6th end but dropping a couple of fours put them behind , and they ran out after 12 ends 10-15.
Ian with Sue, Bob and David only let Avonvale win one end , finishing 19-3 after 9 ends, almost a hot shot picking up 7 on the 6th end .
Wendy with Dave E, Derek and Nina , let Avonvale win just two ends finishing 13-4 after 10 ends.
Match Report: Gloucestershire Fours Semi Final: 20th May: Cotswold Bowls Club
LOST 12-23 16 ends.
I have delayed this match report due to being very, very disappointed 😢
I understand that it is the Championship Play-Off Final this weekend (I am not a football fan) and that is described as one of the most important games in football? Well in bowls terms the Semi Finals of qualifying Gloucestershire competitions are, to bowlers at least, no less important? This is because a win in this game means that you qualify for the National Finals at Leamington which is the very top of outdoor bowls in England. 🏴 🏆
After playing a number of games to get to this stage and as a team playing very well, it was therefore disappointing that on the night myself, Nigel and Keith simply did not turn up! We all found the green much faster than Redland and we all failed to play at a level that we have in previous games. Having said that Jim had an excellent game saving shots on numerous ends and turning over a number of ends to get the shot or multiple shots by trailing the jack 👏
The Cheltenham team we were playing were good but I think that if we could have brought our “A” game to this match we would have had a chance but it was not to be and all credit to Cheltenham 👍
I do not have the score card but I do remember that after 4 ends we were 1-7 down and at this level you just can’t give a team a lead like that. As I have said however Jim constantly kept us in the game and on end 16 we were holding four with the score 12-20, so if we held on to those shots we were still in with a chance. It was however not to be with the Cheltenham skip playing a great bowl to trail the jack and turn a deficit of four into Cheltenham holding three and that was it. 😢
I have had a number of kind messages from bowlers all over Gloucestershire and Bristol saying that to get to the Semi finals was a great effort and I accept it was but to lose at that stage is still a very bitter pill to swallow.
Having said that I do have a song in my head: 🎶 We get knocked down, but we get up again! 🎶
There are still many Gloucestershire, Bowls England and other competitions to play in and as ever we will do our best and this team of four will be back next year to play again in this competition. 👏
All I say in conclusion is good luck to Cheltenham at Leamington 🏆
Finally best wishes to Will and Josh and hoping that they both make a speedy recovery and thanks to Wendy, Jill, Calvin and Karen for the support on the night. 😃
Match Reports: B&D League 1: 21st May: Home GBs
WON 48-47 7 Points
Playing GBs is always a challenge as they have some excellent players in their squad and have been winners of League 1 of the Bristol & District League a number of times in the past, so winning the match and getting 7 points was definitely a great result (especially as we were without players such as Will and Josh due to illness – get well soon lads). 👏 But at the same time it shows the new strength in depth that we are developing at Redland. 👍 I hope that in the future everyone will be fighting for their place…….
On Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith what a difference 24 hours made!!! Following the devastating loss at Cotswold BC the night before this rink had one of their best games of the season with all players playing at the top of their game. This rink ran out 21-4 winners and set the stage for the other rinks.
Unfortunately on RKJs rink with Charlie, Nick and Larry, falling behind 4-15 at 11 ends things looked grim but picking up a five on end 12 revived spirits and was to prove crucial for the overall end result. This rink ran out 10-26.
At 16 ends across the rinks Redland were winning 47-36 and some players thought it was all over……how wrong they were 😳
On Mark Powell’s rink (skipping for the fist time in League 1) with John, Vince and Calvin, dropping a 5 on end eight meant that they trailed 3-12 but you can never keep Redland down. Some determined bowling meant that at end 14 we trailed 11-15 and then we picked up a five on end 15 to take the lead 16-15. Picking up a single on end 16 extended the lead to 17-15 but as well as this rink all focus now turned to the overall score which due to Redland dropping shots at the end of the other two games was 48-45, so all to play for!
With the GBs skip left with the last bowl Redland were holding shot and he sent a great wood down to move the Redland bowl and the jack but only managed to pick up two shots which meant that this rink was tied, but most importantly the overall match was won by one shot 👏
Many of you will be aware of the bowls adage, “Line, Length and Luck”. Well I would argue that in many cases you make your own luck but it is games like this, where you win by only one shot that can make an absolutely massive difference at the end of the season as to where we finish in the final table.
Well played the whole squad and next week a challenge that we have not had for a number of years, away to Knowle.
Finally good luck to Gareth Hall of GBs who after 30 years of bowling has, at last, been selected for a Middleton Cup trial on Saturday – play well Gareth 👍
Match Reports: B&D League 1: 28th May: Away Knowle
LOST 46-51: 2 Points
On a sunny evening we visited Knowle BC for the first time in a number of years and it was great to see the number of “young” men in their squad (who says bowls is just for old men?) 👍
It was also good to have Josh back bowling although I believe that technically he was advised not to with a fractured foot? 🦶
On Josh’s rink with Charlie, Vince and Calvin they started off dropping a four and a three to go 0-7 behind, but then picked up a single and a three to recover to 4-7. Unfortunately three 3’s from Knowle during the remainder of the game meant that this rink ran out 14-20 😢
Across on RKJ’s rink with Jon, Nick and Larry, yet again Redland started poorly going 1-8 behind after four ends….. Some good bowling by Redland however meant that of the remaining thirteen ends they won eleven, running out 17-11 👏
So with the overall scores all tied all eyes turned to Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith. Unfortunately perhaps it was the fact that we have not played on this green for some time but the pattern of Redland going behind early was also followed on this rink with a deficit of 0-10 after three ends 😱. Redland did however then rally managing to tie at 11-11 after ten ends but dropping a four on end eleven and then a three on end thirteen was simply not good enough. With the score 13-18 on end fifteen Redland still had a chance but unfortunately dropping a single on end sixteen meant the task was more difficult and a great final wood by the Knowle Skip meant this rink ran out 15-20, with an overall loss for the team as a whole.
This just goes to show that sometimes it can be very few shots overall that can make a huge difference (we won by one shot against GBs last week!) so it is vital to try and keep any deficits down as much as possible and dare I say try not to go massively behind at the start!
Having said that 2 points is not the end of the world and 2 points can make a huge difference at the end of the season. 💪🏆
On to Page Park at Home next week 🤞
There are various games this week such as Gloucestershire Triples, BE Two Rink and Gloucestershire Two Wood day on Sunday at Barnwood and Wooton-Under-Edge, so good luck to all playing these games/competitions 🍀
Match Report NE League 28th May home v Yate A
49-42 6 points
With temperatures returning to normal for May, sun shining and Yate A in second spot on the tables this was never going to be easy.
Looking across the green at the 9th end , it didn’t look good for a win as we were trailing on two of the rinks, (15-4: 2-13: 3-12)
Wendy with Pete, David and Phil were in control from the start only losing 5 ends, finished 22-10.
Rick with Mike R ,Derek and Nina had pulled back to 14-17 by the 17th end and,
Gill with Sue, Barry and Marek were at 11-15 , finishing the last end holding two so we were fairly sure of 6 points.
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 29th May v Kingswood and Hanham 2026: 0 points
Slipped down to 4th Place this week, but it was always going to be a difficult game against the Kingswood and Hanham ladies .
Gill with Sue, Karen and Sally Batt (on loan from Avonvale) traded shots up til the 11th end then started to fall behind , picking up a 3 and a single on the 14th and 16th ends put them right back in the running 10-11 going into the last end. K and H picked up a two ending 10-13.
Wendy with Nina and Liz tripling were 14-5 down at the 10th but picking up a 6 on the 11th end put us right back in the game, we kept the mat for the remaining ends but finished 19-15, but with the 25% off our rinks score, the final result was 14.25-15 .
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 3rd June v Olveston B 2 points
The forecast rain arrived at 6:20 and we all got a soaking , but it stayed dry for most of the rest of the evening .
Gill with Sue, Karen and Colette struggled to beat the Olveston ladies, and were beaten 8-26.
Wendy with Liz, Carol and Nina were able to hold their own and finished 17-8 .
Next week Portishead A , who are now top of the league and so far have won all their matches .
Match Reports: B&D League 1: 4th June: Home Page Park
WON 67-39: 8 Points
This was a game that beforehand we felt we really should win, but ultimately that is a very dangerous mindset as Page Park do have some very good players and sometimes in bowls, as we all know, the underdog can have its day…….
On Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith they are building a reputation for securing good results on rink 6 and this game was no exception. All of our players had a good game and with a five, a couple of fours and several threes they ran out 29-6 winners to secure the points for this rink and looking across all three rinks the points for the overall win, but ultimately we were hoping for at least 8 points or even 10! 👍👏
On RKJ’s rink with Jon, Nicky and Larry, picking up a four on end two seemed to indicate good things ahead but unfortunately we then lost three ends in a row to fall 4-9 behind. A good fightback with a three on end nine and a four on end ten saw us go 14-12 ahead. Unfortunately trading shots on the last ends meant that this rink ran out 17-18 but it was a great effort from Redland 👏
So the remaining 2 points rested on Josh’s rink with Calvin, Vince and Mark P. Having held a very strong 16-3 lead at end ten, Page Park made a valiant comeback to stand at 19-14 after end fifteen. On end sixteen Josh went to the mat to bowl and was four down, but with his first bowl managed to pick up the jack to turn this deficit into holding the shot. 👏👏 This rink ran out 21-15 to secure the final 2 points 👍
This was a very pleasing result and means that, although due to Somerset commitments several teams in the first division have not played all their scheduled games, Redland are at this point in time top of the division 🏆
Elsewhere we have interest in a number of competitions including the Gloucestershire Men’s Triples, Gloucestershire Senior Fours and we have several entries in the Portishead Pairs on Sunday, so good luck to all involved in these games and any other outside competitions that I have not mentioned. 🤞
Next week yet another home game, this time against Canford.
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 10th June v Portishead A 8 points
This match was a very important game for the Redland women’s team. We knew we had to come away with at least 2 points to
preserve our current mid table position and we were facing top of the table team Portishead A, frequent overall winners of the league.
On rink 3 Karen with Gill, Sue and Annie started calmly and confidently, as did Portishead, finding us 1-4 down after 4 ends. An impressive five from Redland in the fifth end changed the tone of the game. Although our opponents immediately responded with a strong 3, our confidence grew
further and we picked up a 3. Annie as lead matched their 1, Sue playing strategically, moving the jack to us as needed, Gill drawing some beautifully
calculated shots and Karen playing a very secure skips game. Portishead were lacking answers and end 15 saw us 18-12, finishing our game first on
the green as 21-12 winners.
On rink 2 Wendy with Colette as lead, Angela 2, and Liz as 3 began steadily and after 4 ends were 4-1 up. Steady team performance in this first half including excellent shots from Liz brought Redland 12-7 up at the eleventh end. Portishead chipped away to come back to 12-11, Redland clinging on to make it 14-12 going into the final end. It should have been so easy (!) but Wendy delivered her first bowl knowing there were 3 shots in Portishead’s favour, missed !! those precious 8 points were almost slipping away. With everyone on the bank holding their breath, Wendy calculated that whatever happened we had 6 points “in the bag” and delivered a “hit and hope” final bowl successfully moving the jack to our back wood. A 15-12 finish, giving us 8 points overall, fantastic result!
We are now in third place, but with K&H and Henleaze hard on our heels.
Match Reports: B&D League 4: June 11th Home SLATs
LOST 35-58. 4 Points
Report from Calvin:
Coming up against a very strong Slats team who has not yet lost a game was always going to be difficult, so losing 4-6 was really a good result. First time they have conceded two rinks this season.
Calvin’s rink with Angela, Keith and Paul all having a exceptional game (apart from their skip) nip and tuck game getting over the line, winning 14-13.
Mark D rink with Derek, Colin and Mariano. Mark playing his first game as skip and leading his rink to a great win coming from 5-13 down to win on last end 15-14 👏
Dave E team Colette, Bruce and Karen. Were playing against a very strong rink and were under pressure from start, dropping an 8 on 1st end 😢Team didn’t give up and was still playing some really good bowls. The score was a bit harsh losing 6-32.
Ladies League :Match report 17th June v Portishead “B” [6 points]
Half way mark for this season. Taking all the points of their “A” team last week gave us confidence that we should be able to pick up some points this week.
On rink 3 Karen with Sue, Kath and Annie started calmly and confidently, 8-0 after 6 ends, RBL started to fightback but Redland were always in control, a solid confident team performance. Karen playing a very secure skips game, Annie and Kath nearly always up and behind the jack enabling Sue to play the conversion shots, final score 14-11
On rink 4 Wendy with Liz Carol and Colette began steadily, after 8 ends were 8-6 up, a steady team performance in the first half. Portishead chipped away to come back to 12-11 at the 12th Redland clinging on to make it 15-12 going into the final end. Portishead picked up a 4 on the last end and we lost 15-16.
6 points kept us in third spot, but with K&H in 4th place with the same number of points
NE League match report 18th June lost[3 points]
St Annes Spartans are top of the league: played 8 games won 8 games, it was always going to be a battle . Looking across the rinks at the 9th end Redland was winning on all rinks……
Rick with Dave S, Barry and Bob were in charge from the get go, at 14 ends they were 17-9 and looked like they would secure 2 points, the spartans picked up two 3s and a single on the last three ends final score 17-16
Ian with Pete, Alan and Mike W were holding their own up to the 10th end dropping a 5 putting them 11-7 down. Getting back to 10-12 by the 13th , dropping a 6 on the last end finishing 10-23 .
Wendy with Mike R, David M and Marek , traded shots all the way a very tight game at the 15th end we were 11-7 up and the other rinks had finished. The audience gave their skip a new lease of life and he picked up the only 3 of the game on the 16th end. Going into the last we were 11-10 , they picked up a shot so we drew 11-11, giving us the other point .
Redland are now 5th on the table playing St Andrews “B” (away) next week who are 2nd in the league but only 5 points ahead of Redland .
Match Reports: B&D League 4: 18th June Home Begbrook Elms.
WON: 56-52: 6 Points
Report from Calvin ✍️
A stressful afternoon,/evening with Charlie stuck on the motorway coming back from Devon and Will’s train cancelled – I was not sure where I was playing!!!
But the stress soon went on the green with all three rinks running away and looking good for all 10 points, but sadly games change and we scraped through with a good 6-4 win. We are now 3rd in League 4 which we should be very be proud of. 🏅
Bruce’s rink with Karen, Colin and Richard started very well going 9-1 up after 6 ends but then losing the last 8 ends ran out 11-20. (I am told that the opposing skip had a brilliant game.)
Calvin’s rink with Colette, Keith W and Martin again started very well going ahead 18-8 after 9 ends. We then lost concentration on two ends dropping a 5 and a 6 and then a 3 on a very tight measure on last to lose by 1 shot 19-20.
Finally, Kev’s rink with Paul, Steve and Gerry all had an excellent game, were in command throughout winning 26-12 securing 6 points for the team.
Match Reports: B&D League 1: June 18th Away Olveston Kestrels
LOST: 42-50: 2 Points
Sometimes in bowls at the end of the game you just have to shake your opponents hand and say “Well played”. This match was one of those.
I would have hoped that we might have beaten Olveston Kestrels but on the night they simply played the green better than us on two rinks and secured the match, but winning on one rink means that we secured what may prove to be, at the end of the season, a valuable 2 points.
On RKJ’s rink with Charlie, Jon and Larry and Charlie having had an eventful journey from Devon during the day he had a great game laying the foundation for good bowling from the rest of the team on a number of ends 👏 Dominating the first nine ends and taking a 13-2 lead there was a slight hiccup on end ten, dropping a 5, but from there we maintained the momentum running out 18-12 winners 👍
Unfortunately on Josh’s rink with Phil, Will and Mark P despite taking a 9-5 lead on end nine, Olveston then won ends ten to fifteen and we ran out 11-16 😢
Finally on Jim’s rink with Andy, Vince and Keith C we went into a 7-1 lead on end five but then some very poor bowling by Redland (or perhaps I should say some good consistent bowling by Olveston) meant we dropped a 7 on end six and from there on this seemed to reinvigorate Olveston who on the seventeenth end were 18-13 ahead.
This was not however the end of the match as the other rinks had finished and a 4 from this rink would secure an overall tie. With the skips going down to bowl we were holding four and Jim bowled another to take the overall lead! Their skip however sent his bowl down, got a wick off one of their short bowls to secure shot (I am not complaining, just stating a fact, wicks are after all part of the game). Jim then tried to fire the Olveston wood out but caught another Olveston short wood which went into the head to make it two to Olveston and that was it. 🙁
A very disappointing evening for Redland but congratulations to Olveston Kestrels and as they say, we get knocked down but we get up again!
Next week Home to Willmott Park 🤞
Ladies League match 24th June 4 points
The met office declared a red warning . League committee instructed ALL matches to be rescheduled , this will be played 19th July
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 1st July v Bradley Stoke 2 points
A week off last week due to the heatwave, match rescheduled for 19th July.
On rink 4 Karen with Gill, Sue, and Annie started calmly and confidently, 11-4 after 8 ends, always in control a solid confident team performance. Karen playing a very secure skips game, Gill, Sue and Annie all contributing. The final win was never in doubt 16-10
On rink 5 Wendy with Liz Carol and Colette a different story, after 8 ends we were 5-9 down, we kept trying but ran out 11-19 .
2 points for us , so we are now in fourth spot, but, only one game was played last week so there is a chance to regain third position
NE League match report 2nd July lost [2 points]
Rick with Dave S Barry and Bob on rink 3 were in charge from the get go but lost their way, on the 12th end they were 11-9 down , Page park won the remaining ends final score 9-20
Ian with Vince David and Marek on rink 1 finishing 8-23, it was just one of those nights .
Wendy with Sue Alan and Mike W on rink 2, traded shots all the way a very tight game, but managed to hold on to the lead to the end finishing 14-9
Redland are now 6th on the table playing St Andrews “B” (away) next week (4th on the table ) in the postponed match and Kingswood Royals (7th on the table ). Until all the postponed games are “caught up” positions in the league are at best a guide !
NE League match report 7th July won 10 points [50-36]
Postponed from 25th June (Red warning heat wave)
Still very warm even at 6 p.m.
Rick with Dave Alan and Marek, took a few ends to get into the game but they caught up on the 7th end , keeping it tight trading shots ‘til finishing 17-15
Ian with David, Bob and Mike W , careful not to drop a big count ran out 13-10
Wendy with Sue Steve and Phil were 6-2 on the 3rd end and kept hold of the lead running out 20-11
On to Thursday playing K&H Royals at home
NE League match report 9th July won 8 points [ 49-48]
Only 28 degrees at 6 p.m , but by 7p.m. it was a pleasant temperature.
Wendy with Gill, Barry and Phil traded single shots , 7-3 at the 10th the end, staying ahead and picking up a 5 on the 15th end, finishing 16-13 .
Ian with Mike R, David and Mike W took the lead on the 10th end and didn’t let go, a 5 on the 11th end confirmed it and they finished 21-13.
Rick with Dave S, Alan and Marek dominated the game for the first half but the Royals kept plugging away catching up on the 11th end . Dropping a 5 on the last end didn’t help, finishing 12-22. Just managing to pick up 4 points for the overall win (by one shot)
We are now 4th on the table same points as Yate but their shot difference is better, next week we play Avonvale Blues at Avonvale in the league . We are also playing NE Knock out on Monday at Bradley Stoke.
Ladies League match 10th July 4 points
With an amber health warning in place it was decided to split the points
Bristol LL :Match report 15th July v Olveston A 0 points
On rink 2 Karen with Sue, and Annie tripling just couldn’t get going, losing 6.75- 24
On rink 3 Wendy with Liz Carol and Colette also struggled 12 all at the 12th end, we kept trying but ran out 12-18 .
Gill was playing the Gloucester senior fours semi-finals, unfortunately she also lost .
0 points for us, so we are still in fourth spot, Henleaze are hot on our heels, we are resting next week . There are a couple of catch up matches scheduled over the weekend, so the tables will make more sense after that.
NE League match report 16th July lost 0 points [ 34-62]
Wendy with David, Mike H and Phil struggled to “get “the green and lost 22-11
Rick with Dave S Barry and Bob struggled to “get “the green and lost 21-11
Ian with Vince, Alan and Marek struggled to “get “the green and lost 19-12
To be fair some of their own players also struggled with the pace, but a couple of experienced hands on each rink were able to cope with it and ensured the Avonvale Blues had a good win.
We are holding on to 4th place just 2 points behind Yate “A”. Next week we are at home to the Olveston Harriers .
Match Reports: B&D League 1: July 9th Away Bristol
LOST 38-58 : 2 Points
After two weeks with no league 1 games it was nice to be back on the green on a lovely summer evening – unfortunately our good mood was not reflected in our bowling/the results!
On RKJ’s rink with Charlie, Jon and Will unfortunately they never really seemed to get going on what was a very fast green and ran out 6-28 ☹️
On Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith. they made an excellent start going 8-0 up after 5 ends. Unfortunately the wheels then came off and losing the next five ends fell 8-10 behind. We were however still very much in it and picking up a two on end 14 meant the score was 11-12 so everything to play for. Unfortunately we then dropped a three on end fifteen and despite winning ends sixteen and seventeen ran out 13-15 which was very disappointing 😢
On Josh’s rink (should he really be bowling with the injury to his foot????) with Jake, Larry and Mark P they also went into an 8-0 lead (after four ends). Then went 8-10 behind after eight ends but picking up a six on end nine made all the difference and they ran out 19-15 winners 👏
With the league in a little bit of disarray with the various unplayed games everything is pretty close and in the second half of the season we need to make sure that we do not take our eyes off the ball 🏐 🎾 (do you see what I did there with the tennis and football currently on 😃)
Next week home to Olveston (not sure which one) but it would be nice to get back to winning ways 🏅
On an outside competition note, good luck to Jim on Monday evening when he will be playing in the Over 60’s Singles Gloucestershire section final 🤞
Match Reports: B&D League 1: July 16th Home Olveston Ospreys
Won: 51:35 (8 Points)
These days you never know who will turn up to play in the various Olveston teams but they put out a strong team against us on a sunny summer evening at Redland Green.
On Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Keith with Andy having a great game (I know I am writing this but I did!) the rest of the team also played some great bowls with Jim saying after the game that he didn’t really have a lot to do when he bowled. But as the saying goes (I think from Kevin French), the lead and second decide if a rink is going to win and the three and skip decide by how much. On the evening this rink ran out 24-6. 👏
On Josh’s rink with Calvin, Roger and Will they were always behind and despite winning 9 of the 17 ends ran out 12-15 having dropped a 5 on end 7 😢
So on the night all eyes turned to Mark Powell’s rink with Charlie, Jon and Larry. Picking up a 3 on end 16 brought this match level at 14-14 so all to play for. After some great bowling on the last end and the shot changing hands, Mark bowled his last wood, which was a great wood, drawing the shot! Mark of course celebrated and turned round to shake his opponent’s hand who pointed out that he still had a bowl to bowl……
Unfortunately/fortunately this last bowl was wide and Redland picked up another 2 points on the night 👍
Although it is difficult to tell with the various delayed games, the League Division 1 table is all very close and there is certainly all to play for in the rest of the season 🏆
With the Men’s Triples competition on Saturday good luck to all competing.
Next week away to GBBs – always a good challenge.
Match Reports: B&D League 1: July 23rd Away GB Britons
Lost 26-67: 0 Points
I honestly can’t remember the last time we got 0 points?
As a result there really isn’t much to say (for once).
Congratulations to GBBs 👍
Redland – there is still a chance we could be relegated if we get more results like this – so as they always seemed to say in my end of year school reports, “Must concentrate and do better!” 😳
Mark P with Charlie, Jon and Larry lost 5-24
Josh with Jake, RKJ and Will lost 7-22
Jim with Andy, Nigel and Keith C lost 14-21
Next week home to Knowle.
Match Reports: B&D League 4: 23rd July Away v Begbrook Green
Lost 41-58: 2 Points
Kevin French ✍️
With apologies for bring a bit late with the report…..we travelled to Begbrook Green for the second time this season and suffered our second defeat!
With Karen and Calvin away enjoying themselves it was going to be slightly more testing than normal, although with our squad we have enough useful players to put out a good team 👍
On Dave Edward’s rink with Colette, Mike Humphrey and Steve, went behind early on, got back to 9-11 down, but couldn’t push forward and ended 11-21.
On Keith’s rink with Barry, Richard Owsley and Angela went well behind early on being 4-16 down, but struggled back to reduce to 11-18 at 14 ends and there was still a chance on the whole game, unfortunately couldn’t keep adding and finished 11-23.
On Kev’s rink with the usual crew of Paul, Bruce and Colin had another competent week, always in front and eventually the count they were threatening to pick up came on end 16 getting a 5, that would have been ok but on the last end they dropped a 6!!
Lots of excuses were forth coming (not all valid), but by this time the game was lost overall, so not the end of the world…
On to home next week v Bristol Arrow.
NE League match report 23rd July won 8 points [ 53-47]
Wendy with Sue , Dave S and Phil dropped a 6 on the second end, taking ‘til the 8th end to get back level we had a few rest ends keeping them to singles each time and then picking up 9 shots on the remaining 4 ends, finishing 19-14 .
Ian with Mike R, David and Mike W took the lead on the 8th end and didn’t let go, they finished 18-16.
Rick with Nick, Vince and Marek dominated the game almost all the way. 15-16 on the 15th end and 16 all going in to the last end finishing 16-17.
We are now 3rd on the table ,next week we play Yate “A” at Yate , who are just 3 points behind us
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 29th July v K & H “A” 6 points [32-28]
On rink 2 Gill with Sue, Colette and Carol, raced away and were 13-0 up after 6 ends, Kingswood and Hanham fought back winning the next 7 ends almost catching up but Redland picking up a 5 on the 16th end cemented the win finishing 19-12.
On rink 3 Wendy with Nina, Maggie and Annie struggled to get going 2-12 at the 8th end we almost caught up, 13-14 at the 16th end, but an excellent bowl from their three gave them 2 shots , final score 13-16 .
Those 6 points put us back in 4th place with three games left til the end of the season .
Match Reports: B&D League 1: July 30th Home Knowle
Lost 41-48: 2 Points
Unfortunately the second half of the season is proving to be a lot less successful for us than the first half 😕
Knowle are a good tight knit team with a number of younger players, which is great to see 👏
At thirteen ends across the rinks the scores on the various rinks were 11-11, 11-11 and 9-9 so all to play for, but sadly it was Knowle who pushed forward from there.
On RKJ’s rink with Charlie, Jon and Larry, having been 6-10 down they rallied to 11-11 but then lost three ends to go 11-16. They did however win the last end to finish 13-16.
On Josh’s rink with Nick, Jake and Will it was nip and tuck at the start but picking up a 4 on end 14 the future looked bright! Unfortunately storm clouds then appeared as we dropped a 2, 5 and 2 on the last three ends giving a final score of 13-18.
Finally on Jim’s rink with the usual crew of Andy, Nigel and Keith despite Jim saying throughout the game that he couldn’t find a line some good bowling by the other three (and Jim towards the end) meant they went into the last end 2 up. There was a very remote possibility that Jim could have moved the jack to pick up a 6 and potentially tie the overall game but with the opposition skip having last bowl and the losses on the other two rinks securing the two points for a win on this rink was deemed to be the priority and that is what we achieved ending 15-14.
We potentially have three league games next week with the rearranged games for Willmott and Bristol on Tuesday and Wednesday and Page Park on Thursday. We really need as a minimum to aim for at least 14 points from these games 🤞
PS. Last week I forgot to mention that Trevor came up to GBBs for an hour to support us and it was great to see him up and around – I am sure we all wish him a continued recovery 👍💪
NE League match report 30th July won 8 points [ 47-42]
Wendy with Dave S, Barry and Nina won the third end by putting the jack in the ditch , winning 8 of the remaining ends guaranteed a win 17-11 .
Rick with David, Mike W and Bob almost caught up on the 10th end but it was not to be, they finished first 10-16 down. At that point we were overall 18 points ahead, the other rinks had two ends to play .
Ian with Alan, Paul and Marek took the lead on the 1st end and didn’t let go, dropping a 6 on the last end was not ideal, but they finished 20-15.
We are still 3rd on the table ,next week we play GBB “B” who are just 5 points behind us.
Only 4 more matches to go ‘til the end of the season.
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 5th August v Olveston B 2 points [29-45]
On rink 3 Gill with Sue, Colette and Carol, raced away, but Olveston fought back and took the lead, which they steadily increased finishing 12-22.
On rink 2 Wendy with Nina, Angie and Liz struggled to get going 8-8 at the 8th end then we lost momentum, 8-12 at the 12th end, we picked up a 3 on the 13th end bringing us back into the game, final score 17-13.
Those 2 points keep us in 4th place with just two ( home )games left until the end of the season .
Match Reports: B&D League 1: August 6th Away Page Park
Won 50-45: 8 Points
At the end of the last match report I said that with the additional rearranged matches against Bristol and Willmott Park this week we needed a minimum of 14 points. The results from the additional games were a loss against Bristol 37-59 with 2 points and a great win against Willmott 43-35 with 8 points. So a total of 18 points and our position in League 1 next season pretty much assured – and as Keith C kept telling me last night we do still have a chance of winning the League……
I don’t have match reports for Bristol and Willmott but at Page Park my advice to them, if they wanted any advice which I am sure they don’t, is that they need to stop watering their green so much – which was one of the slowest I have played for ages (not a complaint as it was the same for everyone, merely an observation). 🤔
On Josh’s rink with Charlie, RKJ and Mark P going 8-3 up at end four all looked good, but dropping a 6 on end eleven brought Page Park back to 12-12. Some tight bowling from both teams resulted in a loss for Redland 16-17. ☹️
With Keith C making his skipping debut with Phil, Larry and Calvin in a tight match Redland were always ahead running out 15-12. 👏
So finally on Jim’s rink with Andy, Nigel and Will going 13-16 down on end fourteen was not ideal and with Page Park holding several shots on end fifteen Jim fired into the head and to be frank got a very lucky wick to secure the shot and this was really the turning point in the game. Picking up a 4 on end sixteen meant we went into the last end two up but more importantly with the other rinks having finished four up on the match. Some good tactical play/instructions from Jim on the last end meant we picked up 1 to finish 19-16.
The end of the season is now on the horizon but we must keep pushing on.
Next week away to Canford 🤞
NE League match report 6th August v GBB 2 points [44-46]
Gill with Wendy Dave S, and Marek stayed ahead all through the game until the last 3 ends when they were overtaken losing 13-15 .
Rick with Vince ,Mike W and Nina commanded the game from the beginning, picking up a 5 on the second and winning most of the remaining ends winning 20-10
Ian with Mike R, David M and Bob started well and were in the lead at the halfway point , but they lost 11-21
We are now 4th on the table, GBB are just 1 point ahead of us Next week we play Avonvale Dragons who are in second place. Only 3 more matches to go ‘til the end of the season.
NE League match report 13th August v Avonvale Dragons 0 points
The Dragons are in second position in the League.
Wendy with Gill Alan and Mike W started well and were just ahead until the 9th end , dropping a 5 put then on the back foot, despite winning all but 2 of the remaining ends, lost 16-18.
Vince with Dave S, Liz and Nina just couldn’t get into the game losing 5-22
Ian with Mike R, David M and Marek started well and were in the lead but dropped a 6 on the 5th end, never quite recovered losing 13-19
Still in 4th place with 80 points GBB are third with 83 points
Next week St Annes Park Spartans who are top of the league .
Bristol Ladies League :Match report 12th August v Portishead A [2 points]
Portishead (RBL) A team are top of the league so this was going to be a tough one ,they were hoping to get all the points and secure their position, as next week half the team are competing in the fours at Leamington .
On rink 5 Gill with Sue, Colette and Carol, just couldn’t get into the game, sadly they lost 5-29
On rink 2 Wendy with Liz, Angie and Nina were trading shots all the way 11-11 at the 13th end picking up a 5 on the 15th took us ahead 16-12, we managed to stay ahead final score 17-13. Those 2 points keep us in 4th place with just one home game left until the end of the season