Back Down to Earth….
Were this piece to have been written a mere five days ago it would have appeared an altogether more upbeat epistle, for at that time your Bowls Club were still unbeaten across both the Tuesday and the Thursday competitions. However a week can be a long time in sport and during that time we came up against two very finely-honed troupes of bowlers and ended up humbled by each of them.
Prior to this our relentless march looked impressive as we took on Chatsworth at their tricky venue for a Tuesday evening match; a green tight in either direction and with run-offs as remorseless as can be seen anywhere, and yet came away with a fine 75 to 69 victory. The journey home was a cheerful one that evening. A mere two days later we were on the road again, this time to Baslow. What an encounter that proved to be…. A ten point deficit after the opening doubles games began to suggest that our days of domination may be showing signs of faltering; but no – not with the spirit that was evident in the ensuing singles pairings as we battled for every point to redeem our position. It was as exciting a finish as this sport can throw up; absolutely level at the end. 123 points apiece, a draw being a fair result all round, methinks, and as warm handshakes all around undoubtedly suggested. A great game indeed for a debut to be made and it was great to welcome Gavin into the team to be a part of this.
But this week was to be different. Going into Tuesdays match brimmed with confidence, only to find a particularly strong Wirksworth outfit arriving at Parson’s Croft. Always a pleasure to play against our friends and neighbours from this fine town, we’ve had some great tussles over the years. This time they were to get the better of us and we finished to evening on the wrong end of a 79 to 64 scoreline that has seen us drop two places in the League. Thursday went pretty much the same way when Hope Works were our visitors. Once again ever gratifying to host such a band of amiable souls, nonetheless on this occasion it was they who laughed last and took the spoils 130 to 118. Such things though need to be taken on the chin and I’m sure we’ll regroup, lick our wounds and return stronger for it; well played to those who deservedly beat us.
What fortune awaits Parwich this week? Only time will tell, but I’m sure that no corner will be given in our sortie to Whitworth Park on Tuesday, nor for the visit of Matlock Bath on Thursday where we will aim once again to tuck in tight behind the League leaders. Come on Parwich!
Mark J.