Welcome to the Winter 2014/2015 Newsletter.  This Newsletter will contain all information from 1st October 2014

Please scroll down for all Reports on recent Matches.

Spitfire League

Games played over 10 ends

Epsom played Godstone in the Semi Final played on Wednesday 15th April 2015.  They won 29 - 26.

Details:

Rink 1  Brian Kenyon  Audrey Jones  Tony Dunn  John Warren  won 10 -9

This rink held the lead all through the game.  They led 6 - 4 after 5 ends & 10 - 5 after 8 ends.  They won by 1 shot.

Rink 2  Stefan Tomm  John Hart  Eileen Mills  Peter Miller  lost 9 - 12

Epsom were level 4 - 4 after 5 ends, but went 8 shots behind, 4 - 12 after 8 ends.  They lost by 3 shots.

Rink 3  Anne Hoffmann  Eric Brown  Peer Humphreys  Graham Naish  won 10 - 5

Just like rink 1 Epsom held the lead throughout the game.  They led 4 - 3 after 5 ends, 10 - 3 after 8 ends going on to win by 5 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 29  Godstone 26

Epsom then went on to play Purley Bury.

Details:

Rink 1  Stefan Tomm  John Hart  Eileen Mills  Peter Miller  lost 9 - 10

Epsom played well on this rink & led 7 - 3 after 5 ends and 9 - 6 after 8 ends.  However they dropped 4 shots over the last two ends to lose by just 1 shot.

Rink 2  Anne Hoffmann  Eric Brown  Peer Humphreys  Graham Naish  lost 6 - 12

The scores were level, 4 - 4 after 4 ends, but Epsom then dropped 7 shots over the next 4 ends to trail 4 - 11.  They eventually lost by 6 shots.

Rink 3  Brian Kenyon  Audrey Jones  Tony Dunn  John Warren  lost 4 - 10

After 5 ends Epsom was adrift 2 - 6 and went on to lose by 6 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 19  Purley Bury 32

Well done to everyone who took part in this Competition.  Thanks goes to Martin Harbottle who organised the matches.

Congratulations

Spitfire League

Epsom have qualified for the Semi Finals of the Spitfire League held at Donyngs Indoor Bowling Club.

The Semi Finals & Final will be played on Wednesday 15th April 2015.  The Semi Finals will start at 2pm & the Final will begin after a twenty minute break.

Epsom will play Godstone in the Semi Final.  The other Semi Final is between Purley Bury & Monotype.

Please support Epsom if you can on this day.

East Surrey League Dinner
The East Surrey League Dinner took place at Sutton Bowling Club on Wednesday 25th March 2015.  David Ganney, David Sowdon, Martin Harbottle & Les Owen attended and enjoyed an excellent meal.  Presentations of the 2014 Trophies were made and the Slades Trophy was presented to Epsom for being runners up in the East Surrey League.  This is the fourth time that Epsom have been runners up in this League. (1988, 2010, 2012 & 2014).

Slades Trophy

Jubilee Cup

Epsom played against Imber Court on Friday 13th March 2015 in the quarter finals of the Jubilee Cup.  This turned out to be a very close match as the score suggests.  The whole match went down to the final ends on both rinks.

Details:

Rink 2  Mick Gray  David Bragg  John Warren  Les Owen  drew 17 - 17

Epsom started slowly and found themselves 1 - 7 down after 6 ends.  However, they scored 7 shots on end 6 to take the lead.  After 10 ends Epsom was 9 - 10 behind, but went ahead 13 - 12 after 15 ends.  Going into the last end Epsom was 15 - 17 down and with the last bowl of the game Les had to trail the jack for a possible win.  He did this and the jack nestled in a cluster of bowls.  At first glance it looked like 3 shots, but an Imber Court bowl was 3rd shot by less than an inch.

Rink 3  Howard Ellis  Tony Dunn  Graham Naish  Peter Miller  lost 19 - 20

This was quite a game with the scores changing hands several times.  Epsom led 9 - 8 after 10 ends & 15 - 12 after 15 ends.  Imber Court took the lead 16 - 17 after 18 ends and on the last end Epsom were 2 shots adrift.  Howard drew perfect bowls followed by a close bowl by Tony for Epsom to hold 3 shots.  However, Graham was slightly over weight with his first bowl and trailed the jack to give Epsom just 1 shot.  This remained the shot leaving Epsom losing the rink by one shot.

Final Score:  Epsom 36  Imber Court 37

Tony Dunn played in his first game in the Jubilee Cup for Epsom in this match.

Mole Valley Cup

Epsom played in the Quarter Final of the Mole Valley Cup on Friday 13th February 2015

Details:

Team: Ruth Nixon, Audrey Jones, Stefan Tomm, Geoff Purrott  won 32 - 9

Open Letter from the Property Secretary to All Members

Update on the Green

Derek Hoffmann (Green Ranger) and I met recently with the Green Keepers (Mike and Sam).

Under discussion were the following:-

1. The Green will be ready for play on 18th April 2015, subject to weather conditions on the day.
2. Irrigation System will be commissioned before the start of the season.
3. The ‘Summer Cutting’ will begin before the 18th April 2015.
4. The Fixture list was discussed and it was decided that the following dates will be regarded as

    ‘ Special Preparation Days’.

a) Sunday 5th July 2015 (Purley Bury ESL)                        b) Sunday 26th July 2015 (Chipstead ESL)

c) Tuesday 28th July 2015 (SCBA v Bedfordshire BA)      d) Sunday 16th August 2015 (Area Top 4 - Finals)

e) Saturday 29th August 2015 (Finals Day)                          f) Sunday 30th August 2015 (Finals Day)

5. Treatments on the Green will take place before the season starts, any green closures during the season

    will be notified to the Green Ranger in good time.
6. Holes (Animals/Birds digging), will be filled as and when they occur by Green Ranger and Green Keepers.
7. Machinery owned by the Club will be kept serviced and maintained by the Contractors. They may be used by

    Green Keepers or Green Ranger (or under the instruction of).
8. Ditch supports (East End) will be repaired before the season starts.

Note: Green will be ‘Closed’ on Friday 28th August 2015 in preparation for Finals Day.

All concerns about the Green should be addressed to the Green Ranger or the Property Secretary.

Howard Ellis (Property Secretary)

Recent Discovery

Photographs have emerged of Epsom's first President - Frank Harry Trower (1909).

Early in 2015 the Club was contacted by Frank's Great Grandson Steve Bacon (who lives in Cumbria).  He had searched the Website & tried to identify Frank.  After some research it was discovered that he can be identified in a photograph.  A clearer image of this actual photograph will appear in 'Photos' shortly. In the mean time 3 photographs of Harry can be viewed in 'Photos'.

Sincere thanks go to Steve & his family for allowing Epsom Bowling Club to use these photographs.

Spitfire League

Epsom played against Caterham on Wednesday 25th February 2015 and won on all 3 rinks.

Details:

Rink 1  Stefan Tomm  John Hart  Eileen Mills  Peter Miller  won 15 - 10

After 8 ends Epsom led 8 - 4, but went behind 9 - 10 after 12 ends.  They came back strongly winning the last 4 ends to win by 5 shots.

Rink 2  Anne Hoffmann  Eric Brown  Peter Humphreys  Graham Naish  won 19 - 5

Epsom dominated this rink throughout the afternoon.  They raced into a 13 - 0 lead after 9 ends & finished strongly to win by 14 shots.

Rink 3  Brian Kenyon  Audrey Jones Tony Dunn  John Warren  won 15 - 13

After 8 ends Epsom led 10 - 5, but Caterham came back well to level the scores 12 - 12 after 14 ends.  Epsom scored 3 shots on the penultimate end & dropped 1 shot on the final end to win by 2 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 49  Caterham 28   Epsom 10 points  Caterham 0 points

This win puts Epsom in the Semi Final to be played on Wednesday 15th April at 2pm.

Guy Sowdon Evening - Friday 13th February 2015

“Oh what a night”

From Guy (a very smart) Sunshine Sowdon, and our president, Dave Sowdon.

We had a Valentine theme with food and a large raffle!!

Our members and all our visitors had a great time, dancing in the aisles.

The lighting was low, for the romantics among us.  The bar was very busy, thank you to the two John’s.

There was a surprise guest, King of Quizzes, Bob Blaker, who sang for us along with Val.

A big heart-warming thank you to Guy for his evening with us at the club.  We know how busy you are with all your gigs, and a great big thank you to all the helpers, without whose help it could not have taken place, well done.

Mole Valley Cup

Epsom played Epsom Park in the Mole Valley Cup on Friday 13th February 2015 and lost 12 - 20

Details:

Team: Ruth Nixon, Audrey Jones, Geoff Purrott & Martin Harbottle     lost 12 - 20

Epsom was always behind in this game.  They were 2 - 7 behind after 5 ends, 7 - 13 adrift after 10 ends finally losing by 8 shots.

Spitfire League

Epsom played against Churchfields on Wednesday 11th February 2015 and won on 1 rink, lost on 2 rinks but won the match 43 - 39 (6 - 4).  Epsom are now 3rd in the League.

Details:

Rink 1  Brian Kenyon  Sylvia Smart  Ken Lacey  Tony Dunn  won 17 - 7

Epsom took the lead after the second end and dominated the game from then on.  They led 7 - 4 after 8 ends, 13 - 4 after 9 ends and won by 10 shots.

Rink 2  Audrey Jones  Eric Brown  Peter Humphreys  Graham Naish  lost 13 - 17

Epsom was outplayed over the first 8 ends on this rink finding themselves 3 - 12 behind.  However, they had a much better second half finally losing by 4 shots.

Rink 3  Stefan Tomm  John Hart  Anne Hoffmann  Fred Read  lost 13 - 15

Epsom took the lead 10 - 7 after 8 ends, but then dropped a total of 6 shots over the next 2 ends to go behind 10 - 13.  The last 5 ends were close, but Epsom lost by 2 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 43  Churchfields 39 (6 - 4).

Mole Valley Cup

Epsom played Chessington in the Mole Valley Cup on Friday 30th January 2015 and drew 12 - 12.

Details:

Team: Ruth Nixon, Audrey Jones, Geoff Purrott & Peter Miller - drew 12 - 12

This was a very close game all evening.  After 10 ends Epsom held the advantage 6 - 5, and the last few ends were very close leading to a well earned draw.

Karaoke Night

A Karaoke Night took place at Epsom Bowling Club on Friday 23rd January 2015.  About 40 members & friends joined in a very good evening.

Sandra Huxford reports:

Forget about "Britain’s got Talent", Epsom Bowling club has talent. A Great night enjoyed by all. A big thank you to Bob and Val Blaker for arranging the Karaoke.  Bob our host and singer, but most of all, a big well done to all who took part.

The stars of the night, Joy, Audrey, and Pauline, sang Baby Love, (Diana Ross), look out Simon Cowell and X Factor.

Great entertainment from Fred Read - once he got hold of the Mike he did not want to put it down.

Guest appearance by Guy Sowdon - thank you to Guy.  And a surprise duo, with Dave Sowdon singing with Guy, a great pair.

Another Duo was Fred Read and Brian Kenyon singing "You’ve lost that loving feeling" followed by Joy, and Fred singing "Summer Nights" from Grease to a standing ovation. Epsom Bowling Club will never be the same again.

Well done to you all, and all of the helpers, who made our first ever Karaoke such a great success.

Fan Clubs will shortly be announced.

Sandra Huxford

Spitfire League

Epsom played against Dorking on Wednesday 21st January 2015 and won on 2 rinks, lost on 1 rink and won the match

50 - 39 (8 - 2).

Details:

Rink 1  Stefan Tomm  John Hart  Eileen Mills  Fred Read  won 14 - 11

Epsom took control of this rink after end 3.  They led 10 - 4 after 10 ends going on to win by 3 shots.

Rink 2  Sylvia Smart  Eric Brown  Peter Humphreys  Graham Naish  lost 14 - 18

This was a game of 2 halves.  Epsom led 9 - 6 after 8 ends, but Dorking scored a total of 10 shots over ends 10 - 13 to take the lead 16 - 10.  The rink lost by 4 shots.

Rink 3  Brian Kenyon  Ruth Nixon  Tony Dunn  John Warren  won 22 - 10

Epsom went ahead 5 - 3 after 4 ends & held the initiative from then on.  After 11 ends they led 13 - 8 and then scored a total of 9 shots over the next 3 ends to take a commanding lead 22 - 8.  They went on to win by 12 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 50  Dorking 39 (8 - 2).

Epsom are now 4th in the League.

Jubilee Cup

Epsom played against Supreme on Monday 12th January 2015 in their second match of this Competition.  They lost on both rinks and the match 20 - 26.

Details:

Rink 2  John Warren  Graham Naish  Peter Miller  Jim Scott  lost 10 - 11

Epsom struggled during the first few ends finding themselves 3 - 9 down after 8 ends.  They fought back well to tie the scores on the penultimate end, 10 - 10.  The final end was keenly contested, but Supreme managed to score 1 shot for the win.

Rink 3  Mick Gray  David Bragg  David Sowdon  Les Owen  lost 10 - 15

Supreme held the lead throughout this game.  Epsom trailed 6 - 8 after 8 ends, but despite some very close ends they lost by 5 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 20  Supreme 26

Peter Miller played in his 50th game in the Jubilee Cup.

Jubilee Cup

Epsom played against Malden on Monday 15th December 2014 in the first round of the Jubilee Cup.  They won convincingly on both rinks and the match 57 - 6.

Full Details:

Rink 4  John Warren  Graham Naish  Peter Miller  Jim Scott  won 34 - 3

As the score suggests Epsom dominated this game all evening.  They led 15 - 3 after 10 ends and went on to win by 31 shots.

Rink 5  Mick Gray  David Bragg  David Sowdon  Les Owen  won 23 - 3

This was a similar story to rink 4 when Epsom led 11 - 2 after 10 ends and went on to win by 20 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 57  Malden 6

Epsom v Mole Valley

Epsom played against Mole Valley on Sunday 30th November 2014 in a friendly match and won on all 4 rinks & the match 104 - 53.

Details:

Rink 1  David Ruston  Ruth Nixon  Geoff Purrott  Peter Miller  won 25 - 9

Epsom got off to a good start & led 7 - 1 after 5 ends.  They extended their lead to 14 - 3 after 10 ends.  They continued to dominate the game and after leading 18 - 5 after 15 ends the went on to win by 16 shots.

Rink 2  Tony Dunn  Sylvia Smart  Ken Lacey  Martin Harbottle    won 26 - 12

This was a similar story to rink 1.  Epsom led 9 - 1 after 5 ends, 16 - 3 after 10 ends ad 22 - 5 after 15 ends.  They went on to win by 14 shots.

Rink 3 Bill Lawrence  Audrey Jones  Eileen Mills David Sowdon  won 26 - 16

After 5 ends this rink were 9 - 2 ahead & 14 - 5 in the lead after 10 ends.  Epsom led 18 - 12 after 15 ends and went on to win by 10 shots.

Rink 4  Brian Kenyon  Derek Jones  Peter Humphreys  Graham Naish    won 27 - 16

After 10 ends Epsom led 14 - 3 and went further ahead 19 - 9 after 15 ends.  They won by 11 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 104  Mole Valley 53

Spitfire League

Epsom won their first game in the Spitfire League on Wednesday 12th November 2014.  They won on 2 rinks & lost the third.

Rink 1  Brian Kenyon  Ron Snow  Anne Hoffmann  Graham Naish  lost 9 - 16

After 8 ends Epsom was 3 - 11 down, but had a much better second half eventually losing by 7 shots.

Rink 2  Bill Lawrence  Sylvia Smart  Derek Hoffmann  John Warren  won 16 - 13

Epsom led 9 - 7 after 8 ends, and went further ahead after scoring 4 shots on the 11th end (14 - 8).  They went on to win by 3 shots.

Rink 3  John Hart  Audrey Jones  Eileen Mills  Peter Humphreys  won 19 - 13

After 8 ends Epsom led 13 - 5 and further ahead, 18 - 8 on the 13th end.  They dropped a total of 5 shots over the next 2 ends, but won by 6 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 44  Redhill 42  (8 - 2)

Spitfire League

Epsom have joined the above League which is played at Donyngs Indoor Bowling Club.  They played Purley Bury in the first game and lost on all 3 rinks.  However, this was an encouraging performance as the Purley Bury side contained some of the their top players who play at their Club regularly.

Full details:

Rink 1  Tony Dunn  John Hart  Anne Hoffmann  Peter Miller  lost 11 - 14

After 8 ends Epsom was 4 - 8 down, but went ahead 9 - 8 after 12 ends.  Unfortunately after playing well they dropped the last 3 ends to lose by 3 shots.

Rink 2  Sylvia Smart  Fred Read  Derek Hoffmann John Warren  lost 14 - 16

After 8 ends Epsom trailed 5 - 9, but fought hard over the rest of the game to lose by just 2 shots.

Rink 3  Derek Martin  Lyz Warren  Bill Lawrence  Peter Humphreys  lost 5 - 31

Epsom played against a very strong team on this rink.  They were outplayed losing by 26 shots.

Final Score:  Epsom 30 - Purley Bury 61

Awards Night

The Annual Awards Night was held at Sutton Indoor Bowling Club on Saturday 4th October 2014. This was one of the most successful evenings in recent years with 72 members, partners & friends attending.

Everyone enjoyed an excellent meal and the President, Derek Hoffmann, addressed those present.  He thanked everyone for attending and mentioned that the Club had a very successful season.  He congratulated the Ladies for winning the East Surrey League; the Men for being runners up also in the East Surrey League; John Huxford for being runner up in the Sutton & District Bowling Association Paston Cup; Eileen Mills & Brian Kenyon for being runners up in the St Raphael Pairs in the same Association.  He made a special mention to Jane Wheeler for becoming the first member to win 5 trophies in a season. The evening concluded with Anne Hoffmann & George Sperring presenting the trophies to Winners & Runners Up.

Many thanks go to Betty Day & Les Owen for organising the evening.