I S S U E 4 AP R I L 2017
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CONTENTS: 4. 6.
9. 10.
12. 14.
16. 18.
22.
24. 26.
28. 32.
34. 36. 37. 38.
CRAMPING YOUR STYLE Ruth Compton ALMERIA AT POTTERS Andy Cooper GOLF COMPETITION Win 4 green fees with buggies SPIRIT OF THE FOUNDERS Mojacar Bowls Club birthday BENITACHELL BOWLS CLUB BBC WINTER RINKS Pam Coombe LEADING FROM THE FRONT Ruth Compton ALMERIA PAIRS FINALS TEAM ALMERENCIA Vic Parsons BRINGING PEACE OF MIND Ernie Pope NATIONALS PREVIEW Bob Donnelly COMPETITION HOTEL EL PUNTAZO 3 nights accommodation for 2 people LEVANTE FED 4 FINAL Bob Donnelly SPORTING CHAMPIONS Commonwealth Medallist Johnny Caiger CANCER AWARENESS DAY Phil Taylor at Mojacar Tenpin Bowl NATIONAL SQUAD REVENGE Caroline Micklefield COMPETITION RESULTS EDITION 4 STAYING SAFE Ruth Compton INDALO INVITATIONAL Caroline Micklefield DYER CUP Vic Parsons WINNERS ENCLOSURE Selection of competition winners L’INVASION FRANCAIS Keith Porter TRIPLE WINNERS AT JAVEA Alan Phillips LEVANTE & CAA CALENDARS BBC CHAMPIONSHIPS Pam Coombe WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Featuring Tony Pilling
League winners Quesada Swallows
The Spanish Squad, victors over Malaga at Indalo Editor: Advertising Bowls Espana: Advertising Levante Sport: Design by: Office: Editorial Content: Editor Email:
Kevin Reardon 600 228 616 Jill Cooper +34 676 686 902 The Leader Media Group +34 600 228 616 office@bowlsespana.com office@bowlsespana.com
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Cramping your style
CRAMPS & THE BOWLER
We have all experienced that excruciating pain of involuntary muscle spasm that make you hold your breath and wonder what to do next. As the hot weather approaches we bowlers are more likely to experience this highly unpleasant muscle spasm. What trigger a cramp? Nobody really knows the complete answer, but it does seem that they occur more often with age. It is suspected that the most common cause of cramp is dehydration or poor blood supply to the muscles, heavy sweat losses can cause significant salt (sodium) losses and with so many of use suffering high blood pressure and the instructions from the GP to reduce salt in the diet the prob-
lem is compounded. So what can we do to improve this situation? Most of the answers to the problem lie in your own hands; I have enclosed some guide lines to help you all.
[17oz]) Practice drinking throughout the normal day. In warm weather, aim to be able to drink 800 ml (27oz) or more each hour. Don't miss an opportunity to drink. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Thirst during a game means you are very dehydrated. Become a loo gazer, just what is the colour of your urine (pee). You are aiming for a pale ‘straw to clear’ colour, the darker or smellier it is the more dehydrated you are. By following these simple guide lines you could just be saving your life. After a particularly hard game in hot conditions you might need to choose sports drinks, fruit juice, cordials or soft drinks. Drink non-alcoholic fluids until you are properly hydrated before you consider drinking any alcohol. Drink fluids until you pass clear urine. If you take vitamin supplements, your urine is likely to be a darker colour anyway. In that case, drink until you pass copious urine frequently.
GOOD HYDRATION HABITS FOR BOWLERS It's easy to lose 1lt or more of sweat during each hour of exercise. Sweating is a very good cooling mechanism.
Only you can work out the amount of liquid you need in a given situation, so plan ahead have sufficient water and sports drink with you, carry it in small bottles so only one is open at a time, this makes it easy to check on liquid drunk over a game.
Try to replace sweat losses during a game. Grab that drink. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Thirst is not a good indicator of fluid needs during exercise. Drink before, during and after exercise. Be well hydrated before you start training and playing in a competition. Before: 300 to 500 ml (two to three glasses) in the 15 minutes before a game During: 150 to 250 ml (5 to 8oz) every 15 minutes, ( every few ends) After: Replace all lost fluids (you'll probably need at least 500 ml
Bombing Middle England
This part article is taken from the nutritional work book that the National Squad use, if you want to view the whole article e-mail me and I will send it to you. rthcompton@gmail.com
It
could be cheaper than you think with EBay prints starting for as little as £9.99. Alternatively you could, of course pay much more. And the print that would be most appropriate - ‘Bombing Middle England’ which portrays English pensioners bowling with bombs. The picture shows three pensioners at one end and three bombs at the other end. It is made from acrylic and spray paint on canvas. Banksy is known for his anti-war stance and this picture lays emphasis on his perspective. Bombing Middle England is a very thought provoking piece of work. He takes a dig at the political system as well as the politicians. The original was sold for a record price when iIt was last auctioned 6 or 7 years ago at the
Sotherbys Auction House in London with the winning bid reaching £102,000, over double its estimated price. At the time this was a breaking record for his work. Banksy, whose true identity has never officially been revealed, became famous for creating politicised stencils on the walls of public buildings. His high-profile stunts have included painting "I want out" inside the elephant enclosure of London Zoo and a painting of a ladder on the partition wall in Israel's West Bank. His images and comments on the walls of buildings are known for both their satirical humor and social and political content. However there is another side to this famous guy. He is not just a graffiti artist; he is a studio artist too!
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Almeria Area victorious on Potters tour
O
ur trip to POTTERS RESORT in Norfolk was the most enjoyable bowls holiday ever. Although open to all clubs in the Almeria area just 22 made the trip from Spain with 3 of us already in the UK. We flew from Alicante to Stansted to arrive at Potters Sunday afternoon at 4pm in time to book in and rest up before a Sunday Gala dinner at 6.30pm A four course dinner with wine included. The waiting staff have that wonderful combination of friendliness with efficiency. After the Gala Dinner we saw Frankie’s Guys in the Theatre, a take on Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. There is a different show every night after dinner. There are a number of bars in which to enjoy a drink, all at reasonable prices, as well as lots of different activities other than bowls for bowlers and non-bowlers alike to immerse yourself in. (See the ad across the page for more information). The bowling, which is, of course why we went, had some 200 bowlers from several clubs throughout the UK taking part in a round robin rinks tournament, started Mon evening at 8pm. Basically one game per day, of 12 ends or 90mins with the last 16, quarter and semi finals on
S PAI N TOU R TO P OTTE R S S E PTE M B E R 2017
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here is another tour taking place in September from Sun 3rd (or Mon 4th) to Fri 8th. We suggest that if you are flying in from Spain you go from the 3rd to 8th, whereas those driving to the resort in the UK can arrive on Mon 4th. Everybody from every club in Spain is welcome. We have 60 places reserved so the more the merrier. People are welcome to join the tour in England as well as flying from Spain. Closing date for this tour is Wednesday 10 MAY 2017 with a £40.00 holding deposit, which includes £5 cancellation insurance. Please see your club noticeboard or contact Jill Cooper by email on: jillandycooper@hotmail.com
or call 676 686 902
Thursday afternoon and evening consisting of 8 ends or 1hrs. The big final was on Fri morning at 9am, again 8 ends, then the prize giving for all quarter, semi, runners up and winners collecting trophies. There is also a Top Team Trophy which was won this week by our 24 bowlers from the Almeria area. This now gives us the opportunity to send a representative rink - our quarter finalist - to the Champion of Champions in December, later in the year. The semi finalists and finalists then get to play during the Potters World Bowls Tournament in January 2018.
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True to the spirit of the founders
M
ojácar Bowls Club has recently celebrated its third birthday. Situated adjacent to the Hotel Servigroup Marina Playa the club opened its doors to other local bowlers who arrived en masse to take part in a friendly competition. Also present were the Councillors for Sport and Tourism, Ana García and Emmanuel Agüero as well as the director of the Cadena Servigroup Hotel Marina Playa, Ricardo Escudero. The club was first opened by the Mayor of Mojácar, Rosa María Cano, three years ago, on March 7, 2014. It consists of an artificial grass mat, 25mtrs sq and has 6 rinks which enjoys a capacity of 48 bowlers at any one time. It is complimented with a club house, bar, terrace, toilets and everything else that you might need to enjoy a day of good sport with friends.
The Mojacar Bowls Club was originally founded in 1994 with approximately 25 members at a facility located in the "La Mata" area. When this old establishment was closed, with the co-operation of the Town Hall and the Hotel Servigoup, the current resource was built which is now in operation and in it’s third year of life. Ana García, Councillor for Sports, expressed the satisfaction of the Ayuntamiento at the wide range of sports offered by Mojácar, an undertaking in which they are working to consolidate existing sports and to expand them even further with new activities. The Mojacar Bowls Club has been growing in recent years and currently has 65 members. Alan Bramble, President of the Club, said that he is very pleased with the new additions that they continue to enjoy which he insists will remain true "to the spirit of the founder members.”
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By Pam Coombe
Benitachell Bowls Club The Costa Blanca’s only Independent Club enitachell Bowls Club, affectionately known as the BBC, was founded in 1988 by a small group of forward-thinking individuals, as a club owned entirely by its members - and almost thirty years on it remains the only such club on the Costa Blanca.
B
Northern League, of which one, the Lions, have been league champions for the last seven years, a truly extraordinary record. The Winter League team achieved a very creditable second place last season. BBC are also the current Valencian League Champions.
Beautiful and peacefully situated near the small town of Benitachell with views to the Montgo mountain, the club boasts an excellent synthetic green of eight rinks, first class spectator facilities, and a large air-conditioned clubhouse where members and their guests can enjoy a drink or a meal.
As well as three weekly clubdays and a variety of in-house competitions, BBC hosts an open Australian Pairs League and a Triples League in the summer, a Winter Rinks League, and three further major open competitions, in April - BBC Open knockout , September - BBC Masters 4-1, 3-2 and November - Open Mixed Triples.
There are currently around 150 bowling members of all standards, from complete beginners - for whom qualified and friendly tuition is available - to international level. The club enters 3 teams in the
Benitachell Winter Rinks By Pam Coombe On Saturday the 4th March, Benitachell held the final game of the Annual Winter Rinks competition, sponsored by Direckt Optic and Prudential On a cold and breezy day, with two teams in the running to win, the Mavericks managed to keep ahead against Great Expectation, both Benitachell teams, and won with a shot difference of 5. A very enjoyable game for the many spectators who were watching. Third place went to The Invaders team playing for Javea Green Bowls Club The competition was well supported by our other local clubs, which was very much appreciated. On completion there were 89 people sitting down to a very good tapas meal, enjoyed by all.
Details of all competitions and a great deal beside can be found on the club website, www.benitachellbowlsclub.com
Casa Ventura Leisure Centre Home to San Luís Bowls Club
Located in the quiet urbanisation of San Luís, not far from the Habaneras Commercial Centre and Torrevieja, Casa Ventura serves both the local expat community and Summer visitors. Facilities include a large leisure pool set in woodland, indoor and outdoor bars and a restaurant with a menu that includes Sunday Lunch. There is a large Function Room and a new Activity Room, with mirror wall, which serves the Keep Fit, Line Dancing, Yoga, Zumba and other classes held weekly. The Wednesday Auctions are very popular and there is also a Crazy Golf Course to keep the children amused. SAN LUÍS BOWLS CLUB, with its brand new green, is part of the complex and there is a good viewing area for spectators who can watch some of Spain's finest bowlers in action. The club is unique in having a President who is also the owner of the premises and an experienced bowler himself. It is a friendly club and new members are always welcome. Those who would like to try lawn bowls for the first time can simply contact the club and we will arrange a time for you to turn up, be kitted-out, given some basic tuition and have some fun.
The new activity room Owner Vic Slater trying out the superb new green
The function room also serves as a theatre
The marvellous pool
The Crazy Golf course
Bowls Club: June Jones, Captain 691 903 773 Casa Ventura Leisure Centre: 966 78 9247 C/Arbizu, San Luís, Torrevieja
Leading from the front By Ruth Compton
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he Front End is the engine and foundation of a winning team. Working together means the Leads and Seconds bowls are both important
The Front End is the Lead and Second in a Fours rink. Rather than considering the Lead and Second as separate players and positions, consider them a sub-team partnership that provides the team with the start and position it needs to win the end. They should be asking themselves after they have both played: Have we got three or four bowls behind jack high? Do we hold shot? Do we have a great second shot? Have we corrected on our second bowl if the first is poor? Until this sub-team get used to working together and remembering the questions it is a great ideas to have a crib sheet on a piece of card and tick off the ends as they are played, second can do it for the lead and lead for the two. It is often said that the Lead can win the game, but of course that is not true as there are many bowls after the Lead's two bowls. However, a winning Lead puts the team on the front foot and the opposition under pressure from the first bowls. A study of bowls showed that if your lead held shot after the first four bowls then your team had a 75 per cent chance of winning the end. Good odds for sure.
I believe the Second is the key person in the four that you want dominating. A Second playing really well will back up the Lead if they have a poor end, will not drop bowls short in the way whether holding or not, will play the conversion shot at draw weight, will play to position if the Lead is holding a good shot and is a great team player not trying to get the shot but always improving the head for the team and Skip. Can you as the second play all these shots, do you practice? The key to the From End is complementary play. If the Lead is short then the Second is behind; if the Lead is on the jack then the Second is behind in position to draw second shot; if the Lead is two down then the Second must draw second shot. The Second's shot selection is determined by the Lead's effort and head position. Do you as the lead play and practise these shots? Lead and Second's basics Combine together to create a winning FRONT END Not trying to get the shot with every bowl Select the good hand to play with their Skip’s input Draw behind the head into position Not worry that their bowls are hit out of the head Support the others in the team Be immaculate with their line to avoid jack high bowls Respond to great bowls by the opposition Be willing to draw a great second shot. Draw to create a target if down Learn to roll the jack well and within one metre of the Skip’s direction
COACHING KEY Be useful The key to consistency is to make every bowl useful. That means bowls in the head. Poor bowls are a liability as you have poor position and fewer options. Choose shots that, if missed, still offer value.
Lost Pension - My Story
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here have been many articles written regarding lost or frozen pensions recently, both in the papers and social media. I am sure many people think the stories of people coming across hither-to unknown pensions are at best exaggerated and at worst just false. If I did not work with financial advisers, I would also assume the stories were just advertising gimmicks. Having written many articles urging people to contact us if they worked for a company with a pension scheme for two or more years to see if they have a pension fund, I thought I should probably take my own advice. I worked for a bank in the city of London for two years, although I was only a member of the pension scheme for eighteen months, so I asked my colleague to investigate if I had any money in the scheme. I did not expect anything to come back, or if so, only around a couple of thousand pounds. Imagine my surprise,
when the scheme administrators, sent back the value - an amazing Twenty Six Thousand Pounds!! This will now provide a very nice boost to my pension, when I am able to access it. In the meantime, it is invested and will hopefully grow further. Pension Scheme administrators only have to make one effort to trace members before the money is absorbed into the scheme. If you worked in the UK and now reside here in Spain, there is every possibility that your money is waiting for you to make a claim. I urge you to think about your past jobs and contact us to see if your retirement could be made that much more comfortable. Call us on 965 704 338 to arrange a free no-obligation chat, or just pop into our Benijofar office, next to the Citroen garage on the main street.
Lorraine Howard, Marketing Manager SEAGATE Wealth Management
BOWLS LEADS THE WAY
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The sport of Lawn Bowls is the forerunner of Curling, a tremendously popular winter version played in northern countries (including Canada and Scotland) on ice. It isn't clear if the Scots or the Dutch invented the game; the first written records on it are from the 1600's.
By Vic Parsons
Costa Almeria - 2017 Ladies & Men’s Pairs Finals This year it has been very difficult to arrange the Finals. The Men’s competition started 27th November, Ladies 1st December, bad weather in December and full bowling calendar prevented the finals taking place; they were finally played on 10th February, thanks to Chris Ivin and the Ladies Charity team kindly moving their fixture date. MEN’S FINAL This was expected to be a close game with excellent quality of play in the early rounds from all finalists. But this was to be ALBC’s day as they never let IBC get started. There was an exciting fight back when the ALBC pairing did not score for five ends, the IBC pairing were then only two shots behind. ALBC then lifted their game, in the end winning comfortably. Men’s Final results: 24-10 John Fitzgerald & Bryan Thompson (ALBC) v Alan DeBoer & (John Dedman (IBC)
LADIES FINAL This was an epic battle of the highest quality with all finalists playing great bowls. There was nothing in it for eight ends with the score at seventh end, IBC 6 ALBC 5. The Indalo pairing continued to increase their score with ALBC fighting hard drawing level on 13th end at 10-10. The ALBC pair needed 6 shots on the 18 end to make a play off. Lots of excitement as they nearly pulled it off, holding 6, but the IBC skip Mo DeBoer drew a devastating bowl to seal IBC’s victory and become the Pairs Champions 2017. Ladies Final results: 16-15 Mo DeBoer & Doreen Hall (IBC) v Sylvia Pritchard & Pat Deacon (ALBC) After the competition, Tony Lear thanked Colin Wright Umpire, the supporters and all the players who made the competition such a success he then presented the trophy to the winners.
At one time the stones that slide across the ice were pieces of granite weighing up to 56kg. Gradually they evolved into plump stone discs with a handle protruding from the top surface. The target is a circle 32 metres from the thrower and the game is played by 2 teams of 4 players, each player sliding 2 stones per go. The slightly bizarre final aspect of the game is that each player is equipped with a genuine broom which is used to scrub the ice just ahead of the stone as it slides towards the target. The scrubbing warms the ice which creates a film of water that the stone slides over speeding it slightly. Skilful work with the broom will successfully deviate the direction of the stone or lengthen the distance it travels in such a way that it eventually comes to rest nearer to the target.....
CHILLY TEST FOR TEAM ALMERENCIA
The CAA, Almeria’s bowling section of the Federacion Andaluza de Bolos, held trials for the new Provincial team on 17th and 19th February. This is a further tier of competition to be added to our area as, in
the future, we hope to pit the team against Malaga, Valencia and the Spanish squad. We inadvertently chose two of the coldest windiest days to hold the trials but our bowlers are a hardy lot and soldered on regard-
less. Many a runny eye and nose was spotted and that was just the assessors who did a valiant job scoring every bowl delivered. One was heard to remark that the hardest part was keeping quiet for 3 hours as he is known to be a plainspoken skip in his own right.
The team manager, Graham Marlow will hold further trials in the future and once the team is up and running, he would welcome requests for matches from other areas for late 2017/2018. Contact email for Graham is 44emarlow@gmail.com
Don Pablo Bowls Club We are pleased to announce that our switch from Bel Playa Bowls Club to the Don Pablo Bowls Club has gone incredibly well, thanks to Captain Frank Ball and a group of willing workers. We must thank the management team of Jaime Floyer and Tavo. Without their help this would not have been possible. From Bel Playa most of the membership has now joined us. We have 6 rinks, a beautiful view and lovely surroundings. Our season could not have started off better with wins in Men’s and Ladies 2 Wood Pairs plus a Men’s Pairs win at Lauro Golf Bowls Club and the runners up spot in the Aussie Pairs held at La Posada Bowls Club. Currently both our teams lead the League on the Costa del Sol.
Monte Mar Mixed Open
Again we as a club cannot thank the Management Team at the Don Pablo Hotel in Torremolinos for their help and support, from the management right down to the staff at the bar.
On the weekend of 18th and 19th February we held our annual Mixed Open competition. There were twenty four teams involved with each playing two games per day. Well done to the winning team from San Luis, June and Keith Jones, Sabrina and Russell Marks. The runners up from Indalo were Mo and Alan Deboer, Lois and Richard Swain. Also well done to our Monte Mar team, Ronnie, Val, Pauline and Barrie on reaching the semi finals (pictured above). The cake stall was once again a great success, everything was sold by lunch time. Thanks must go to the organisers and helpers for all their hard work. MONTHLY DINNER DANCE. The monthly Dinner Dance was held on February 28th at the Rincon attended by fifty two members. Entertainment was by the popular Andy, who had most members up dancing. A good time was had by all!!!!
Lennie Dineen
Bringing Peace of Mind to your Club BY ERNIE POPE
The training was provided by a company called Emergency First Response and the contact is called Buster Smith. His contact details as follows: Tel: 966 27 7153 Mobile: 672 405 895 email: info@emergencyfirstresponse.es
"The BBC have been fortunate to possess a Defibrillator since the beginning of 2013 and although never used to date in anger, has provided club members with peace of mind simply due to it’s presence within the clubhouse. It may be worth noting that this equipment was purchased from donations made by club members.
DEFIBRILLATOR
The BBC last year covered the cost of 6 key members of our club taking part in a half day First Responder/CPR/AED course, the completion of the course giving those 6 members Spanish certification to provide first aid treat-
ment. This certification lasts for a period of 2 years. The course was excellent and completely justified the cost of just under 50 euros per person including IVA.
The unit that we purchased back in 2013 was a HeartSine Samaritan 500p. The cost at that time was approx 1,500 euros. This defibrillator is still rated one of the best available and can be purchased from Amazon and many other retail outlets. It may even be worth speaking with Buster Smith who not only provides first aid training but can also access all equipment required.
THE INDISPENSABLE MAN
Some day when you think that your going
You may splash all you like when you enter
Would leave an unfillable hole
You may stir up the water galore
Some day when you’re feeling important
Just follow this simple example
But if you wait for a minute
Some day when your ego’s in bloom
And see how it humbles your soul
It looks just the same as before
Take a bucket and fill it with water
The moral of this is quite simple
Put both hands in it up to the wrist
Just do the best that you can
Take them out and the hole that remains
Be proud of yourself but remember
Is the measure of how you’ll be missed
There is no indispensable man.
FIRST AID TRAINING
Some day when you may be feeling You’re the cleverest man in the room
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LÍNEA DIRECTA NATIONAL LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS
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his year’s Championships will be held between May 13th – 27th and once again, Línea Directa has kindly agreed to be our main sponsor, which has allowed the Organisers to offer a lower entry fee, which, in turn, has resulted in a 20% increase in entries. These entries are mainly from Alicante, which is the largest Region, but there are also bowlers travelling up from Almeria, Malaga and across Tenerife. The opening ceremony will be at Greenlands Bowls Club on Saturday the 13th May at 11.30 where they will play daily until the 21st, after which the competition will transfer to Quesada Bowls Club, culminating in the Finals on Sat. 27th. Although he has a bye through to round one, if last year’s men’s champion Martin Foulcer of Vistabella is to retain his title he will have to overcome one of the region’s most consistent bowlers in Stuart Hemmings of San Miguel while, in the Ladies section, 2016 winner Ann Eagle won’t be relishing an opening round tie with Ann Marie Stevenson of the Emerald Isle. The early rounds at Greenlands Bowls Club
Martin Foulcer
Ann Eagle
There will be new champions in the Ladies Pairs as 2016 winners Lin Miller and Chris Parsons are now competing for different clubs
get underway daily at 10.00 with play going through until approx. 17.00. Everybody is welcomed and entrance is free. For more information contact Suzi Cooper on suzi.cooper57@gmail.com or Bob Donnelly on 646 132 362.
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Thrilling final in Federated 4’s
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he final was played at Montemar between the Winners of the Southern League Division A, Quesada Panthers and the Northern League Winners, Javea Green. This is always a closely fought contest which was between the same two teams as last year, but this year Quesada had the edge from the beginning, building up
an early lead on two Rinks, and being very close on the third. This continued throughout the game, although Javea drew ahead on the third rink to make the Final score 2 Wins to Quesada and 1 to Javea. The presentations followed, as well as the presentations to San Miguel Mohawks as Winners of Division 2 and
La Siesta Paraketes as Winners of Division 3. The day finished with both teams, and spectators, having an enjoyable lunch. Many thanks to Montemar for allowing the use of their green, to Ken Hope, in this his first year, for organising the Leagues, and to Bill Young for Umpiring. By Bob Donnelly
As is always the case, the final was played in a terrific spirit with both teams, sitting down to an excellent lunch following the presentations.
SPANISH BOWLS SPORTING CHAMPIONS
J
ohn turned professional after a long and successful career as an amateur boxer when he won a bronze medal in the the 1958 British Empire and commonwealth games. He was also the A.B.A Middleweight champion in 1961 as well as the Army and Imperial Services Champion in 1961/62.
JOHNNY CAIGER
Monte Mar Bowls Club Former Commonwealth Medalist If someone had then told him that he would be taking up bowls in his 60's and 70's and get the same enjoyment that he did in boxing, he would have said they were crazy.
He now loves playing bowls and has won the men's pairs club championship at Monte John turned professional in 1963 and topped the bill in his 1st profes- Mar and reached the club men's sional fight. His manager was Terry Lawless who went on to manage singles championship semiFrank Bruno and John H Stracey amongst others. finals twice. He admits that his John had nine fights as a pro where he was in line for a Southern Area wife Babs is a far better bowler, Middleweight championship fight. Unfortunately he sustained a seri- having won the club singles ous elbow injury which no amount of treatment could put right and he championship twice. Awww had to retire early. that's nice. John then started a new career in boxing when he became an amateur boxing coach and was recognised as one of the best in the country. He created a bit of history in training the first ever super heavy weight A.B.A. champion in Adrian Elliott in 1982.
John passed the markers course and enjoys participating in the club's singles tournaments. Long may it continue!
Johnny was also an ABA, Army and Tri Service Champion
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Charity Feature
By Phil Taylor, Chairman of Amigos Club de Bowling based at Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre Arboleas
Awareness Day for Prostate Cancer at Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre What a fantastic Day at Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre The centre recently held a Prostate Cancer Awareness Day which was organised by members of the Amigos Club de Bowling at the Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre, Arboleas. This was to raise much needed funds for the local cancer support charity Walk for Life.
Dave and Keith
Not only were there more than ninety bowlers bowling, there were craft stalls selling homemade items. At 3.00pm local band IMPULSE, who offered their talents free of charge, started playing. They were supposed to play for ninety minutes but played for three hours. When asked why they carried on, they said that they were have such a great time with a fantastic audience they just kept going! The four teams that reached their respective final had a one game bowl off. The winning public team was John, Barry and the bowling centre´s very own Rafa. The winning team from the leagues was Gary Walsh, Barbara Davison and Ian Stewart. All the lanes were generously sponsored by local businesses: The Garage Arboleas sponsored 4 lanes, Girasol Albox 2 lanes, Sol Supermercado, The Corner Shop, The Sleepcentre, IndalOcio, IBEX Insurance and Centro Desuagce Auto Albox, The Garage also donated a further 150€ from payments made on car servicing. And of course, the Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre were also extremely generous as they provided the lanes free of charge, great food all day and the staff, for dealing with close to 200 people attending during the day. A raffle with more than 30 prizes helped to raise the final total to a fantastic 1,767€ for ‘Walk for Life’. The total was handed over to Jean Beacher and Lynne Sweet at the end of the day. This is just one of the events that is held at the Almeria Tenpin Bowling Centre. From St Patrick’s Night celebrations in March through to Halloween in October there is at least one live act performing each month either indoors, during cold weather or outdoors when the weather improves in April. The bowling centre has 4 leagues currently running on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Friday lunchtimes. Anyone interested in joining the leagues just pop into the centre. We also have two darts teams and always looking for new players to join us. You do not have to be a bowler to come and enjoy the great food that is served up daily from Tuesday to Sunday. We also have the reputation of having the best fish & chips in the area.
K e ep up-to-date via our Faceb ook page at R afael Aranda Almeria Tenpin B owling Prostate Cancer Day All the winners
coach on all these points to develop adequate skills and good game technique. Incorrect technique, such as poor balance and delivery, or incorrect grip of the bowl, can lead to injury.
PREVENTING LAWN BOWLS INJURIES Lawn bowls is a popular form of physical and social activity here in Spain. Many of the bowlers here have come to the sport late in life, with the majority having reached the age of retirement. .Lawn bowls is a great way for people to develop their skills, coordination and fitness. It is a precision sport which involves players trying to roll their bowl closest to the jack. Despite the sport being non-contact, injuries can and do occur.
THE CAUSES AND TYPES OF INJURIES Common causes of injuries are falls, over-exertion, incorrect repetitive bowling movements and being struck by a bowl. Fall injuries usually occur when a player either falls backwards over a bowl; steps forward over the ditch, rather than sideways when crossing onto the green; or delivers a bowl whilst incorrectly balanced. The most common types of injuries are to the hip, thigh, knee and lower leg, with sprains strains and even fractures.
SAFETY TIPS FOR LAWN BOWLERSS Good preparation is important Avoid playing with a pre-existing illness or injury. If in doubt, talk to your doctor. Warm up and stretch before play to improve joint range of motion, promote elasticity of tendons and ligaments and prevent muscular strain. Cool down after play to prevent stiffness and cardiovascular complications. Undertake simple pre-season fitness testing
Do NOT play in extreme weather conditions.
IF AN INJURY OCCURS Stop playing if you experience any injury or illness.
USE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT Use non-slip bowling mats with significant grip on the top surface to allow traction between the shoe and mat. Those with physical restrictions should use a bowls trolley bag to avoid lifting bowls bags. If you are susceptible to back problems, use a bowls-lifter to lift bowls for delivery to ensure you are not continually bending down.
MODIFIED EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE Modified equipment is available to ensure participants can enjoy the sport of bowls for a lifetime: A bowler can use his free arm to alleviate hip/knee difficulties. Wheelchairs with the correct specifications can be used on many greens. Walking frames/sticks with enlarged rubber touch points can also assist with balance when delivering a bowl. Wear the right protective equipment, correctly fitted. Seek professional advice when selecting bowls, as the correct size bowl will help to improve player technique and prevent injury. Seek professional advice on footwear. Change footwear to shoes with grip soles once off the green.
to ensure you are fit for competition.
OTHER SAFETY TIPS
Undertake balance training and exercises to strengthen the lower extremities, back and neck, to help prevent falls.
Drink water before, during and after play.
Good technique and practices will help prevent injury
Be sun-smart. Wear sun protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Seek instruction on correct techniques from your
Have insect-repellent and salve in your bag.
Play within your limits.
Injured players should seek prompt attention from qualified first-aid personnel or a sports medicine professional. Players should be fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES, MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE To prevent falls, introduce handrails around footpaths; keep footpaths free of cracks; have anti-slip treatments on walking surfaces; good lighting at night games; and installation of ramps around the club and across the ditch. Ensure playing fields and facilities are well maintained and free of hazards. Ideally qualified first-aid personnel, first-aid kits, and ice-packs should be available at all times. Sheltered seating areas at the end of each green should be provided to use between play. Telephone access, to contact emergency services, is essential.
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By Caroline MICKLEFIELD
4-2-2Indalo A Invitational
Ladies Pairs finalists Anita Brown and Brenda Rees with the winners Mo de Boer and Mary Mullen Men’s Pairs winners, Tony Mullen and Alan de Boer with finalists, Keith Turner and Dave Bridges
ALMERIA B.C. MEN’S AND LADIES SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP The Dyer Cup and the Appleby Vase, Men Singles began with the preliminary rounds, followed by both men and ladies s singles. Unfortunately, as the weather was very, very windy the finals had to be re-scheduled fthe following week. The Club Singles Champions in the Ladies Final, Appleby Vase was Siobhan Herrity over Mandy Harris with Ken Richardson winning over John Fitzgerald in the Men’s Final, Dyer Cup.
fter a worrying time at the beginning of the week when the bowling rink looked more like a boating lake after all the rain, the sun finally came out and dried up the water and this very popular and much anticipated competition could take place as scheduled! 96 bowlers from the host club Indalo, Montemar, San Miguel and Emerald Isle, from Costa del Sol area and Almeria and Cabrera from the local area, plus 2 visitors from Wales, all enjoyed a great competition run over three days in glorious weather. Teams were divided into four groups of six with the winners of each group going forward to contest the semi-finals. Both rinks semi-finals were very close and in the first the Indalo team of John and Chris Dedman and Bill and Trish Seymour won narrowly 1615 against the visiting team from San Miguel of Anita Brown, Brenda Rees, Ron Nairey and substitute Graham Marlow. In the second semi-final the defending champions Sue Kemp, Brian Zelin and Geraldine and Gordon Fisher from Montemar won, with some wonderful bowling, 18-12 against the Indalo team of Tony and Mary Mullen and Alan and Mo de Boer. The ladies pairs final was a really hard fought match between Anita Brown and Brenda Reese from San Miguel playing Mary Mullen and Mo de Boer from the host club Indalo, with Mary and Mo edging it 1514 on the last end! The men’s pair proved an easier contest between two Indalo teams with Tony Mullen and Alan de Boer winning convincingly 20-5 against Keith Turner and Dave Bridges. Everyone agreed it had been a wonderful competition which also helped enhance the links between local bowling clubs and bowling clubs outside this area. Many thanks to our Sponsor Blacktower Financial Management Group and to Sue Mehmet, Debbie Colquhoun, Babs Davis and her catering team who kept everyone supplied with food and drinks throughout the weekend. Thanks must also go to John Colguhoun, Competition Secretary, and his committee for a wonderfully organised event. www.indalobowlingclub.org. Rinks finalists were Gordon Fisher, Brian Zelin, Geraldine Fisher and Sue Kemp with the winners John Dedman, Chris Dedman, Bill Seymour and Trish Seymour.
Dyer Cup and Appleby Vase By Vic Parsons
Appleby Vase Final – Although both finalists played well to reach this stage the final was a disappointment for our new, but very capable Mandy Harris, who found it difficult to contain the onslaught of Siobhan Herrity winning comfortably. Siobhan had beaten last year’s winner Sylvia Pritchard and Mandy beat Christine Parkinson, last year’s finalist to get to the finaL. Dyer Cup Final – On paper it was going to be a tough game with both players giving strong quality performances in the early rounds. This was a steady start for both players with the scores very close with Ken Richardson a couple of points ahead. Ken continued pressurizing cool and calm, John Fitzgerald. John however fought well but couldn’t get ahead with Ken winning with a credible 21-16. All in all, the five days went well, with the excellent standard of play by all. John Fitzgerald, our Captain, thanked everyone who had played and supported the various games, the markers who without the competition couldn’t take place, Jim Pike and Bryan Hughes who did a grand job caring for the carpet despite bad weather conditions and finally Colin Wright for umpiring the final. Tony Lear then presented the trophies.
Winners Ken Richardson and Siobhan Herrity are on the left.
Winners of the Emsmorn Explorer Prize Draw - Edition 3 1. They were all bowlers 2. If it is in an unstable position 3. The Indalo is a prehistoric magical symbol that was found in the cave of 'Las Letreros' in Velez Blanco Almeria 4. Lynn Greenland and Jan Dando 5. Peta Rhodes 6. Teide B.C. 7. Nick Cole 8. Finca Guila
9. Keith Jones 10. Nothing 11. Boundary thread/string 12. Call skips up to measure 13. Put back to former position 14. Peter Bonsor 15. John Bell 16. El Rancho 17. San Miguel 18.Pueblo Fiesta 19. Benitachell 20.Tony Allcock 21. Willie Wood
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Wendy and Barry Latham of La Marina Bowls Club receiving their prize from Pat Davis of the Bowls Shop
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L’Invasion Francaise B
owlers representing Perrigord in France made their annual pilgrimage to Andalucía ,and as part of this year’s itinerary played 2 matches against the Bowling Club de Zurgena. The Bowling Club de Zurgena ( located in the village of La Alfoquia) will shortly be celebrating their first anniversary since officially opening in 2016 and has come a long way in developing the venue . They had been pleasantly surprised to be invited play against an established foreign club and jumped at the opportunity, albeit that many of the Perrigord players spend lengthy periods of the year at their holiday homes in the area. Le terrible bogue de la grippe, ( aka The dreaded flu bug), hit a number of the Perrigord players for the first match but their numbers were made up to full strength with players borrowed from Zurgena and they went on to win the match 4 games to 1 with an overall points score of 108 – 72. Post match, players of Perrigord commented on how delighted they were that Zurgena were encouraging youngsters to play, something Zurgena are hoping to push further in the coming year(s). The second match was a different story and with both teams just about up to full strength it resulted in a win for Zurgena, 3 games to 1. However in the overall points section everything rested on the final bowl of the match and it was a corker that handed victory to Perrigord 82-81.
Following the match over 50 players, members and guests adjourned to the Asador restaurant in the neighbouring village ofArboleas for menu de dia lunch. Speaking after lunch Jim Simpson , deputy mayor of Ayuntamiento de Zurgena expressed his pleasure in welcoming Perrigord Bowls Club and for the invitation to play Bowling Club de Zurgena. Personally he was delighted at the progress made by Bowling Club de Zurgena and that had been emphasized with these matches. In response, Philip Pearce Representing Perrigord congratulated Zurgena on the progress they had made in such a short time and for their hospitality. It had been a new adventure for his players to play on tiger turf for the first time, but all had thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hoped to return next year. Zurgena Club captain Colin Rowlings presented a framed photograph of the teams ( taken earlier in the day ) to both Philip and Sue Car who had done so much to co-ordinate the event but as a victim of the flu had not been able to say much. Zurgena seized the opportunity for the deputy mayor to present for the first time the perpetual trophies to the recent winners of the club’s Ladies’ and Men’s single knock out cup. All in all the 2 matches and lunch was a fantastic success and all are looking forward to playing again next year.
Jim Simpson (Deputy Mayor) presenting trophies to the 2017 Men’s & Ladies Singles K.O. Cup Winners Arthur Colman & Betty Edens
Sue Carr receiving a commemorative framed photograph from Captain Colin Rowling and Philip Pearce
Players representing Perriord BC & BCd Zurgen
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BY ALAN PHILLIPS
Tr i p l e W i n n e r s a t J a v e a J avea Green Bowls Club Members were treated to some superb bowls over their Championship weekend and saw Chris Evans, Clive English and Alan Phillips win three trophies each. Chris and Clive were in the Rinks team that won on the first morning, then played together to retain the Mixed Pairs title before the pair then won the Mixed Triples with Bill Barrie.
Chris also competed in the Ladies Pairs final with Velia Wood but they were beaten by our Club Captain Felicity Jenkins and Heather Stephens. Meanwhile Alan Phillips won the Mixed Singles final before retaining both the Gents Pairs with Gary Kent and the Gents Singles. Two other titles to be retained were the Vets Singles, in which Jonathan Barr held off the challenge of Brian Manser and the Ladies Singles where Diane Wynne defeated Velia Wood. The Drawn Aussie Pairs saw
a close encounter with Phil Woodhead and Dave Carvath pipping Felicity Jenkins and Bill Barrie to the post. The highlight of the weekend was probably our Novices Singles Final, where finalists Dee Hamilton and Tony Scott put on a tremendously close and exciting show. The climax of the match saw the score at 1818 and Tony was holding three shots for the match, but Dee played a fantastic shot to pick up a two and then close the match out on the next end to claim her first ever victory in any sport!! A good crowd enjoyed the traditional “tapas� that was served during the last afternoon and President Peter Drake also thanked Jan and Alan for the organisation of the Championships at the Trophy Presentation ceremony. More detail can be found on our website.
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Where are they now? Tony Pilling 2002 National Singles Champion
T
ony Pilling arrived in Spain in 1989. At the time he was a scratch golfer but took up bowls when La Siesta first opened. He took quickly to the sport and soon proved to be a great bowler. Along with team-mates Pam Cole and the late Bill and Crystal Toleman, he competed in the very first European Championships in Guernsey in 1990 where he lost, by one shot, in a singles game, against a young rising star, David Gourlay. Although a member of La Siesta BC Tony
CAA CALENDAR Fri 21Apr am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 28 Apr am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 5 May am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 12 May am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 19 May am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 26 May am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 2 June am CAA HK Pairs Competition All Venues Fri 8- Sun 10 Sept am/pm CAA Mixed Triples - ALBC Sat 23 - Sat 30 Sept Andalucian Championships Malaga Wed 11 Oct pm Winter Triples League All Venues Thu 12 Oct CAA Ctte Meeting TBA Sat 14 - Sun 15 Oct am/pm Turre Open Cabrera
had to switch to San Miguel Bowls Club in order to compete as they were the only Federated club at the time. Tony also won the National Triples in 1994 and 1997 and was Spain’s Men’s Singles Champion in 2002. Now aged 78, he has had some health problems, which he tells me are hopefully now in the past. Whilst he has given up active bowling he can still be seen as a keen spectator at La Siesta and at many other local events.
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