Reflection on the 2024 season

We had mixed fortunes during the season, with varied results in both friendly and competitive games. A highlight of the season was again winning the Dacorum Shield – for a team of six women and six men – for the second year in a row, securing a £1000 prize to be distributed to local charities of our choice.

One of our biggest challenges was the weather, with a damp start to the season and a wide range of conditions throughout - wet, dry, hot and cold - over the unpredictable summer. However in the end we only had to cancel two or three games because of rain, and the green held up very well in a challenging year. Our win-loss balance over the season was pretty even in friendly fixtures, with a slightly higher win rate and many close games. In our competitive matches we had some very pleasing results both for teams and individuals.

Our ladies’ league team won their divisions both at local and county level, going on to win the overall West Division title, and only losing the County title in a close fought final. In all we played 18 games and won 17. We increased the number of ladies playing in friendly Watford and District games, meaning more qualified for the Jubilee Cup matches. Although we were knocked out of that competition this season, we now have a promising squad for next year and hope to have more ladies join us. In Watford and District competitions several members reached quarter finals in various formats and Gill Hooper, our ladies’ singles Champion, reached the semi-finals of the West Division Champion of Champions competition. Three ladies now play for the County in friendly games and one, Lyn Boniface, plays both in County and the higher ranked Johns team in competitive fixtures.

Our men also reached the play-off finals of the West Division league. In addition, a range of players entered Divisional and County competitions with several reaching latter stages. One, Bob Kerry, won the Watford and District Officers’ Singles, while two men played in County matches.

Finally, in mixed competitions we reached the quarter final stage of the Tony Allcock competition for two mixed pairs, and won the Dacorum Shield – for a team of six women and six men – for the second year in a row, securing a £1000 prize to be distributed to local charities of our choice.

Overall, therefore, a successful and productive season, and hopefully evidence that whether you want to play social bowls for fun, take part in friendly competitions or enter more competitive matches at a higher level, there will be plenty of opportunities and support available at Tring Bowls Club. Come and join us – you won’t regret it!