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On the outward journey it was thought that our trip to Bradwell would resemble more a WINTER’S TALE. The wild wind howled across the moor; the tall trees bent with rustling leaves, their supple boughs straining to THE TEMPEST; and the moon appeared to dance ‘twixt the swirling stratus and the nimbus. Yet still the bowlers of Bradwell and Parwich contested in convivial manner long into the night amid the darkening gloom to bring honour to their respective villages. Sixteen men and ladies locked in four Herculean doubles contests made up this match, with no bowler conceiving of capitulation for a second. The judging tape was in constant call as close ends required MEASURE BY MEASURE to settle the points. To keep spirits warm the MERRY WIVES OF BRADWELL made steaming mugs of tea AS YOU LIKE IT. The last quartet finally came off in the darkness with Parwich gaining the spoils by 75 points to 63 so, for the visiting team at least, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

No games were played this week in the Thursday league, therefore no changes in positions. Last week’s fixture between Wirksworth and Bradwell was postponed, leaving us on top but with Bradwell now two games in hand and hot on our heels. Parwich have a tough one this coming Thursday with the visit of third-placed Bakewell, this being after another home encounter on Tuesday against Hope Works. Why not come down and roar us home with vociferous support? It might all help to ensure that next week’s report doesn’t read like a COMEDY OF ERRORS….  

Mark J…

With only four games to go on the quest for the coveted Thursday League Trophy, Derbyshire’s bowlers have the luxury of a day off this coming week, which in our case must be used to get bodies rested, minds focused and muscles toned for the final push through September. Whilst Premiership footballers go on training camps to Dubai, Spain and other exotic locations the reserves of a Matlock and District bowls club mean our team-building will consist more of a round of drinks in The Sycamore, so be assured that the next time we take to the green our Team will be as a coiled sprung unit.
This week however started shakily as we entertained local rivals Wirksworth – always formidable opponents – at Parson’s Croft. It was to be a mammoth match, with games going right down to the final few points and in one case a game lasting just shy of two hours. But, of course, played in a great friendly spirit and a most enjoyable night was had by all present. The result? Well, it could hardly have been closer as we came away on the wrong end of a 70 to 67 scoreline; yes, a mere 3 points in it!
For Thursday’s match at Whitworth Park I have to admit I wasn’t present for once, having availed myself of the opportunity of watching Derbyshire play Surrey in the 50 over One Day Cup. I’m pleased to report though that with strength in depth in the Club we once again recorded a victory by 139 to 108 and thus keep ourselves in contention. For whatever unknown reason, as I write this on Sunday morning our major challengers Bradwell have yet to put their score in so I’m unable to comment on the gap, though with over 200 points separating us we won’t be caught this week.  
And it’s to Bradwell that we travel this Tuesday, a final chance this season to assess and to put fear into our rivals. A very difficult green to play, and so a considerable home advantage will have to be overcome, but rest assured, Dear Reader, that we will give it nothing but our best shot! 

Mark J…

As we all sit glued to our television sets watching heroic displays by our athletes over two weeks of Olympic glory we can only wonder a massive “What if” were Crown Green Bowling currently included. For once again Parwich hang by the fingernails in gold medal position in the Thursday League. A win by 131 to 112 away at Chatsworth took us back to top spot, but with last week’s leaders Bradwell having a bye I’m not sure the margin is as convincing as we would have wanted to see it. It has to be said that my own form, pleasing though it’s been to date for a newcomer to the game, deserted me somewhat when I came up against a very strong and experienced player, and on this occasion my personal result hurt well into the night. Other members pulled us round and, on this trickiest of greens, we came away with the victory. Though as we reach the final few laps of the season I can’t help thinking it’ll need a superhuman effort and concentration on every delivery to keep us on course to be first across that line.
Tuesday had seen us gain another rather narrow win, 73-65, at home to Matlock Park in a gripping match that went down to the wire. On that night I went home a happy man indeed, oh how fortunes can be changed in 48 hours in sport. Well done to everyone for a battling performance of grit and resolve to bring this one home; always a tough side to beat.
So as the curtain comes down in Tokyo and our heroes return home with their treasures of gold, silver and bronze, there are still many hurdles to be straddled on greens up and down Derbyshire as your own local lionhearts prepare to face local rivals Wirksworth at home Tuesday evening – and then a big win will be needed at Whitworth Park on Thursday to ease us off the bend into the home straight. Should the chairmen of Olympic committees of the World have a change of heart ahead of Paris 2024, Parwich will be ready! 

Mark J…