Competition News

County Open 3 wood pairs. Sunday 17th March 2024

Waterside put in six teams this year, a good representation from the club. At the last minute one player pulled out so thankfully Heather Clements stepped in to make up the team. What a star!

The usual round robin sessions with 32 teams (well 31 as one team pulled out). We all had good results playing some tough opposition. This is how we got on.

Sandra Bradley, Bart Clements. Won all 3.  Main Knockout, lost 4-12 in last 16 
Sue Potter, Mick Potter Won 2 lost 1. Main Knockout, lost 1-15 in last 16
Lesley Bromige, Bob Wellington. Won 1 lost 2. Plate Knockout, lost 2-10 in last 16 
Joan Clifford, Mike Clifford Won 2 + a Bye.  Main Knockout , lost 3-10 last 16
Elaine Wills, John Wills Won1 drew 1 & lost 1. Plate Knockout won 9-1 last 16, lost 3-8 q/f
Heather Clements, Emma Baker. Won all 3. Main Knockout won 12-4 last 16, won 10-3 q/f
lost 2-11 semi-final. Well done to Heather and Emma getting so far in the competition. They were both rather tired at the end. but put on in excellent performance, many compliments from other players on their standard of play,  

Gordon Beere Trophy Saturday 2nd March 2024

We took to the sea's, well the Solent to sail across to the Isle of Wight, getting up at Stupid "0" Clock to catch the 08.00 ferry. We got to North Victoria SMBC just after 09.00 and play started at 09.30. The competition is a fours format, playing 21 ends or two hours. The teams were:

Waterside A: Dave Renyard, Jean Renyard, Lynn Brown and Alan Baker
Waterside B: Heather Clements, Joan Clifford, Sue Potter and Bart Clements
Waterside C: Marian Maxwell, Emma Baker, Jean Blake and Bob Wellington

In the morning session all went well playing on their mats and wonky floor! Waterside B & C won their games and the morning score was North Victoria 51 Waterside 50. Very close.

Competition Dates for your diary

Sunday 17th March County Open 3 wood pairs. We have now entered 6 teams, including John and Elaine W. There is still space for more teams. If you are interested in making up a team, find a partner and let Mick know ASAP. Further details to follow.

Saturday 23rd March 09.00. Shipton Bellinger Open Triples. 
UPDATE. Sadly, this competition has now been cancelled.

Sunday 24th March Closing date for TV Pot Luck Pairs (Competition is on Sunday 7th April)
If we enter players, we need to enter an equal amount from the club or there will be an odd number at the event!

Sunday 7th April 14.00 TV Pot Luck Pairs Landford Village Hall. See above. Further details to follow.

Sunday 7th April 09.00 John Mclean Open Triples. Atherley Indoor Bowls Club. I will make a up a list for the notice board. Last year, one of our teams won the plate final, well done them & no reason not to win this year.

County Friendly competitions.
There are four county friendly games against Surrey (19th May) and Sussex (8th June) 
Two away and two at home (Riverside Indoor Bowls Club) (4th & 11th August) see notice board for further details. The county competition secretary would like to know if you are interested soon to make up the teams.

Mondays Ladies, Men's and Pairs Knockout Competitions

Ladies Knockout

In the ladies, defending champion Sandra Bradley had a really close battle with Joan Clifford but Sandra won by one shot 9-8

In the ladies second round things were going well. Emma Baker had a bye to then play Sandra Bradley in the next round.

Lesley Bromige had never met Sue Potter in a singles competition. Sue went on and played with Lesley doing her best but Sue was too strong winning 20-2

Marian Maxwell took on last years finalist, Lynn Brown. They started off well but Marian being the stronger and won 18-4.

Onto the Ladies Semi-finals, Sue Potter took on Marion Maxwell. Sue started off well gaining a 
6 shot lead, then Marian started a comeback and overtook Sue to win 16-8

In the second Semi-final Emma Baker played against last years winner Sandra Bradley. This was a close game going toe to toe with Sandra winning 11-10.

On to the Ladies Final. Marian Maxwell was against last years winner Sandra Bradley.
Not a good start for Marian, by the forth end Sandra had carved out a 10-4 lead. Marian continued to battle away getting a 3 in the fifth end but Sandra came back at Marian, picking off ends. They called time on the 12th end with Sandra winning 18-5. A hard fought battle between two very good friends.   

Men's Knockout

In the Men's opening round, Mickey Frampton took on Nigel Mabey. Nigel started off well getting a good lead over Mickey but Mickey made a comeback and won 9-16

In the Men's second round Mick Potter took on Mickey Frampton, they have never met before so Mick knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb. Mick took the first few ends only by the one shot each time, Mickey came back and took an end with two shots. Mick then put the pressure on and went on to win 11 shots to 4.

Dave Renyard took on Bob wellington, Dave gave Bob a good game but Bob was too strong for Dave, Bob won 18- 12.

Stan Taylor was up next to John Wills, they went head to head with a close fought battle. A tie breaker extra end had to be played. John won that end by one shot, winning score 11-10.

In their first match Alan baker was against Mike Clifford, this game was a close battle with Alan going through 12-11.

In the Semi-finals of the Men's Mick Potter met with Bob Wellington They went toe to toe with Mick picking up ones and twos and Bob winning a few shots but won through winning 12-7

The second Men's Semi-final was between John Wills and last years Finalist, Alan Baker. This battle went to the wire with no one giving way. 12 a piece on end 14. An extra end had to be played, John winning the toss started first, but it was Alans day, winning the extra end by three shots, final score 15-12.

On to the Final. Mick Potter was facing last years finalist, Alan Baker. They have played alongside many times but not that often against each other especially in a Singles game. Well Alan got off to a strong lead getting a 4 in the 2nd end. Mick tried to keep up with Alan, both players winning ends by the one shot. By the tenth end Alan started to pull away and eventually won 15-6. Well done to him.

Pairs Knockout

Onto the Pairs Knockout Competition, all teams having silly names. Two Woods ten ends. 

In the first round WD & HO (Wills) took on Tall and Large, Tall and Large won 7-5

The Golden Ones took on last years winners, the Silver Surfers. The Golden Ones won 11-6. well done them.

Bootsie & Snudge came up against The Gunners with the Gunners winning 11-4

Billy and Piglet played Hinge & Bracket (Yes, they are still singing) but Billy & Piglet won 11-7

In the Semi-finals Tall and Large were up against the formidable pairing of, The Golden Ones.
This was a close game but on the last two ends Tall and Large pulled out three shots to win 11-6

The second Semi-final The Gunners and Billy & Piglet. This was another close game with the Gunners keeping the lead up to the eighth end when Billy and Piglet went ahead and won 11-7

Into the Finals. Tall and Large took on Billy and Piglet. Well it wasn't a good start for Tall and Large with Billy and Piglet starting off  with a 6-0 lead. It didn't get any better, Tall and Large got a couple of ends but Billy and Piglet just took it way and won by 10-4 with two ends to play.

Ladies: Marian Maxwell V Sandra Bradley. Sandra won 18-5 
Men's: Mick Potter V Alan Baker. Alan won 15-6 
Pairs: Tall and Large V Billy & Piglet. Billy & Piglet won 10-4

County Pairs Qualifier. Riverside Indoors Bowls Club 14th January 2024

We entered two teams into this competition. Emma & Alan Baker and John Wills & Bob Wellington.
In the round robin, Emma & Alan won 1, lost 2 whilst John & Bob won 2 lost 2

Alan & Emma, lost in the quarter finals of the cup knockout 3-17
John & Bob, lost in the quarter finals of the plate knockout 6-12

Both pairs had to play against tough county oppositions but they did themselves proud getting that far. No silverware, just good experience. 

Test Valley Triples Competition 6th February. Landford Village Hall.

We entered two teams in the competition, Waterside Legends and Waterside Leftovers. 
Also two more of our players were good enough to play as reserves for Winterslow.

Over 6 very different mats we played five games each of seven ends.

In group one.
Waterside Leftovers won 3 lost 2. After a count back they came third in their group, need to be second or more to go through.

In group two.
Waterside Legends won 4 lost 1. They came second in their group.
They went through to the semi finals, here they lost the semis and unfortunately after a good battle the lost the third place play off.
Well done to Sandra Bradley, Lesley Bromige and Bob Wellington for showing what W.S.M.B.C. is made of.

County Triples Qualifier. Riverside Indoor Bowls Cub Winchester 17th December 2023

Sue Potter, Lesley Bromige and Mick Potter did battle that day & this is how it went.

In the round robin they had 1 win and 2 loses. Both losses were to formidable players and were happy to take a couple of ends off them. To there credit them teams went on to the cup semi's and final.

This put us into the plate competition and it is always worth a go, play some other teams.

Quarter Final. Waterside 12 v Fleet 0. (sweet revenge)! 
Semi Final. Waterside 9 v Howard Park 5 
Then on to the final, long old day but ready for it!

Final. Waterside 3 V Leigh Park 10. The score did not reflect to quality of the game. Plus, Leigh Park did have some supporters there. Corr dear!! 
Beaten finalist but not downtrodden, Next year we will put in more teams & take a bigger fan club!!

County Qualifier Over 55s Pairs 22nd October 2023

Alan and Emma Baker were our only entry in the competition this year. This is how they got on.
In the morning a round robin of 5 teams 2 woods played over 11 ends. 

The round robin games where always close but not always in their favor. With 2 wins and 2 loses this put them into the cup knockout, the tougher end of the draw.

Into the Quarterfinals they met Shipton Bellinger, old competitors of theirs.
This was a tight game, Alan said that Emma was playing well all day.

In the last end the Alan and Emma were holding 1 shot and needed 2 shots for a win. Alan tried his best but couldn't get the shot in on his last wood.

Final Score, lost to Shipton Bellinger 9 shots to 8 shorts. 
The pair of them played well. 
This being only our 2nd year at county level, they have done Waterside Short Mat Bowls Club proud.

So next year, and if you are over 55, give it a go!!

County Qualifier Mixed Fours Sunday 1st October

We put in two teams:
Waterside A. Alan Baker, Emma Baker, Mike Clifford and Lesley Bromige.
Waterside B. Lynn Brown, Sue Potter, Bob Wellington and Mick Potter

Usual round robin format, Waterside A battled but lost their games. Waterside B won 1 Lost 2.
Waterside A lost in the Semi Finals of the Plate Knockout
Waterside B lost in the Quarter Finals 4-6 in the Cup Knockout.

No silverware this year plenty more Qualifiers to come

Home to Bursledon Triples friendly Saturday 23rd

Bursledon came over to us this time, we played the normal 18 ends 3 wood triples. we stopped after nine ends for a cup of tea and a bit of cake and a sandwich. The ladies put on a lovely spread as usual. it was enjoyed by all.
The teams were. (players in brackets, played 2nd half)

Mat 1 Mick Potter Sue Potter, Marie Blan (Lesley Bromige)
Mat 2 Bob Wellington Nigel Mabey Stan Taylor (Emma Baker)
Mat 3 Mike Clifford Joan Clifford Alan Baker (Sandra Bradley)
It was a good days bowling both team enjoyed their games and the food was 2nd to none

Hampshire County Home to West Sussex Friendly 13th August 

We entered three players and joined two other county players David Sperry, Shipton Bellinger and Richard from Fleet Bowls Club to make up a team. Same format as last week.
Richard and Mick played in the pairs. Then Sue, Emma and David played the triples.

Richard and Mick did well but lost all four games, two games by just one shot.
This was in hope to help the players in the triples.

In the triples they had an uphill start to gain some points, in their fourth game they started off 6-7 and managed to take the lead, come the last end it was 11-11, the away team try to claim a win but the Umpire was called and after a tight measure the home team scored three shots, the winning result was 14-11 to the home team.
Well done, Emma, Sue and David to pull out a well-deserved win for Hampshire.

The over all result was a draw between Hampshire and West Sussex.
Again, a good day out and good experience for the players, well done to all.

Hampshire County Home to Surrey Friendly 6th August

We had Alan and Emma Baker in the Pairs & Joan Clifford, Lesley Bromige & Nigel Mabey in the triples.

Pairs play fist, then triples follow on the same score sheet. Four games to be played

Alan and Emma managed to get two draws in the third and fourth games, giving hope to the others following on. The triples tried their best in their games but lost them, In game three they lost by one shot, 10-11. Hampshire beat Surrey 29 points to 19.

A good day out and good experience for the players, well done to all.

Friendly Triples invite Hythe SMBC 21st July

Ten of us travelled across the county a great distance to Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall.

Paul Holyoake (Hythe) had invited us to their venue for a friendly game of bowls earlier in the year. This game had been in the making for many years. Dave Renyard our ex-Chairman had asked John Francombe for a game a while back but there was never the time for the game to be organized.

On arrival Paul suggested we use balloting disks for each side to arrange what players played on what mat in a random draw…. 18 ends, after 6 ends players change position. After nine ends, stop for a cup of tea and a biscuit, swap players to let others have a game. This was agreed and we started the game.
So, these were the teams (change of players after 9 ends in brackets)

Mat 1. Alan Baker, Lesley Bromige, Nigel Mabey, (Bart Clements)
Mat 2 Emma Baker, Bart Clements, Heather Clements (Mick Potter & Lesley Bromige)
Mat 3. Sandra Bradley, Lynn Brown, Joan Clifford.

For our 2nd friendly competition against another club on different mats, this was a really, good win! Well done to you all.
There are plans for a return competition with Hythe coming to Waterside SMBC.

Friendly Competition at  Bursledon SMBC 17th June
Nine intrepid players took to the road to go into battle with Bursledon SMBC.
This competition was due to be played prior to Covid but you know what happened!
We played nine ends stopped for a cup of tea and a bit of cake & sandwiches. 

A lovely spread was put on. Then we played the next nine ends to a conclusion, see the results below: 

Result; Waterside won 46 shots to 43 shots.

We all tried our hardest, the mats played really different to our mats but we came away with a result, well done to all who played, this being our first real domestic friendly against another club.
Email from John Tasker, received Sunday morning
Hi Mick
I would just like to say thank you to you and your team for a great afternoon yesterday. The comments I got from our team were what a nice friendly and sociable bunch you all were, and I agree.
So, thanks once again Mick and will you please pass these comments on to your team.
Regards.
John.

There are plans to have a return competition and invite Bursledon to play at Waterside S.M.B.C. at a future date, this to be arranged. 

Hampshire County Friendly away to West Sussex
We took a team of five to Six Villages Sports Center Chichester. Played against four other West Sussex teams in pairs and triples. We gave it a good go, Sue and Sandra one of their pairs games but the rest of of our games ended in losses.
Then end result over the whole competition, West Sussex beat Hampshire 33-18 points.

There are two County Friendly home games in August against West Sussex and Surry so we can can put in two more teams to support Hampshire.

Shipton Bellinger Open Triples 2023

This year, we put in two teams into the competition to see how we faired.

There was the usual round robin in the morning playing three other teams including ourselves, again. We both won two games and lost one game each.

In the afternoon: Waterside Legends went into the semi-final of the Main Competition. 
Waterside Latecomers went into the semi-final of the Plate Competition.

Waterside Latecomers won their semi-finals game against Bursledon SMBC. In the final they played against North End SMBC. A tough game but Waterside Latecomers won the last end by three shots.

Waterside Legends, in their semi-final game had to play against a team called Miles of Cherries, they were really three top players from Southampton SMBC! We gave them a good go, kept up with them and winning by 2 shots. Into the Final but this time the other team got the upper hand, so Waterside Legends came away second.

It was a really, good day for both teams achieving what they did, playing against some tough opposition on different mats and in a different environment.

We came home a bit tired but happy, a long day but that is Short Mat Bowls Tournaments for you. If these players can do it, so can you.

John Mclean Open Triples Charity Competition 2023

This year we entered four teams in to the charity competition at Atherley Bowls Club.

Waterside Ladies: Emma Baker, Sandra Bradley, Sue Potter 
Waterside Lads: Stan Taylor, Alan Baker, John Wills 
Waterside Legends: Joan Clifford, Mel Cross, Geoff Cross 
Waterside Leftovers: Mike Clifford Nigel Mabey, Mick Potter

There were over 32 teams in the event including county players, national players and club players with a round robin in the morning where our teams played four/five other teams with these results.

Waterside Ladies: won 2, lost 3 
Waterside Lads: drew 1 lost 4 
Waterside Legends: won 2, lost 3 
Waterside Leftovers: won 1 drew 1 lost 3

In the afternoon was the cup and plate knock out competitions. 
In the Main Cup knockout Waterside Ladies went and went out in the last 16. Well done to them.

In the Plate knockout competition:
Waterside Lads got as far as the quarterfinals
Waterside Leftovers won their quarterfinals game and went into the semi-finals
Waterside Legends got a bye into the semi-finals, lucky them
Waterside Leftovers were drawn against Waterside Legends in the semi's
Waterside Legends beat Waterside Leftovers in a close game 5-6
Waterside Legends went into the final but were pipped at the post on the last end 5-6.

It was a long day but that is Short Mat Bowls Tournaments for you, recon we were all happy with our efforts to get as far as we did against the standard of players & teams put in front of us, we are getting known now. Instead of "Oh, Where's Waterside" now its "Oh, you are Waterside."
We went home, tired but really pleased with what we achieved.
Well done Waterside Short Mat Bowls Club.

Competition News

Gordon Beere Trophy Saturday March 2024

We took to the sea's, well the Solent to sail across to the Isle of Wight, getting up at Stupid "0" Clock to catch the 08.00 ferry. We got to Victoria SMBC just after 09.00 and play started at 09.30. The competition is a fours format, playing 21 ends or two hours. The teams were:

Waterside A: Dave Renyard, Jean Renyard, Lynn Brown and Alan Baker
Waterside B: Heather Clements, Joan Clifford, Sue Potter and Bart Clements
Waterside C: Marian Maxwell Emma Baker, Jean Blake and Bob Wellington

In the first session all went well playing on their mats and wonky floor! Waterside B & C won their games and the morning score was North Victoria 51 Waterside 50. very close.

In the afternoon session Waterside stayed on the same mats whilst the home team swapped mats and some of their players.
Some of our players had not played at Victoria SMBC before so it was good for them,
Dave Renyard said he had been coming here since 2009 and it is still a challenge.

Competition Dates for your diary

Sunday 17th March County Open 3 wood pairs. We have now entered 6 teams, including John and Elaine W. There is still space for more teams. If you are interested in making up a team, find a partner and let Mick know ASAP. Further details to follow.

Saturday 23rd March 09.00. Shipton Bellinger Open Triples. 
If you are interested in making up a team, find two other players and let Mick know ASAP. Entry form on the notice board. 

Sunday 24th March Closing date for TV Pot Luck Pairs (Competition is on Sunday 7th April)
If we enter players, we need to enter an equal amount from the club or there will be an odd number at the event!

Sunday 7th April 14.00 TV Pot Luck Pairs Landford Village Hall. See above. Further details to follow.

Sunday 7th April 09.00 John Mclean Open Triples. Atherley Indoor Bowls Club. I will make a up a list for the notice board. Last year, one of our teams won the plate final, well done them & no reason not to win this year.

County Friendly competitions.
There are four county friendly games against Surrey (19th May) and Sussex (8th June) 
Two away and two at home (Riverside Indoor Bowls Club) (4th & 11th August) see notice board for further details. The county competition secretary would like to know if you are interested soon to make up the teams.

Mondays Ladies, Men's and Pairs Knockout Competitions

Ladies Knockout

In the ladies, defending champion Sandra Bradley had a really close battle with Joan Clifford but Sandra won by one shot 9-8

In the ladies second round things were going well. Emma Baker had a bye to then play Sandra Bradley in the next round.

Lesley Bromige had never met Sue Potter in a singles competition. Sue went on and played with Lesley doing her best but Sue was too strong winning 20-2

Marian Maxwell took on last years finalist, Lynn Brown. They started off well but Marian being the stronger and won 18-4.

Onto the Ladies Semi-finals, Sue Potter took on Marion Maxwell. Sue started off well gaining a 
6 shot lead, then Marian started a comeback and overtook Sue to win 16-8

In the second Semi-final Emma Baker played against last years winner Sandra Bradley. This was a close game going toe to toe with Sandra winning 11-10.

On to the Ladies Final. Marian Maxwell was against last years winner Sandra Bradley.
Not a good start for Marian, by the forth end Sandra had carved out a 10-4 lead. Marian continued to battle away getting a 3 in the fifth end but Sandra came back at Marian, picking off ends. They called time on the 12th end with Sandra winning 18-5. A hard fought battle between two very good friends.   

Men's Knockout

In the Men's opening round, Mickey Frampton took on Nigel Mabey. Nigel started off well getting a good lead over Mickey but Mickey made a comeback and won 9-16

In the Men's second round Mick Potter took on Mickey Frampton, they have never met before so Mick knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb. Mick took the first few ends only by the one shot each time, Mickey came back and took an end with two shots. Mick then put the pressure on and went on to win 11 shots to 4.

Dave Renyard took on Bob wellington, Dave gave Bob a good game but Bob was too strong for Dave, Bob won 18- 12.

Stan Taylor was up next to John Wills, they went head to head with a close fought battle. A tie breaker extra end had to be played. John won that end by one shot, winning score 11-10.

In their first match Alan baker was against Mike Clifford, this game was a close battle with Alan going through 12-11.

In the Semi-finals of the Men's Mick Potter met with Bob Wellington They went toe to toe with Mick picking up ones and twos and Bob winning a few shots but won through winning 12-7

The second Men's Semi-final was between John Wills and last years Finalist, Alan Baker. This battle went to the wire with no one giving way. 12 a piece on end 14. An extra end had to be played, John winning the toss started first, but it was Alans day, winning the extra end by three shots, final score 15-12.

On to the Final. Mick Potter was facing last years finalist, Alan Baker. They have played alongside many times but not that often against each other especially in a Singles game. Well Alan got off to a strong lead getting a 4 in the 2nd end. Mick tried to keep up with Alan, both players winning ends by the one shot. By the tenth end Alan started to pull away and eventually won 15-6. Well done to him.

Pairs Knockout

Onto the Pairs Knockout Competition, all teams having silly names. Two Woods ten ends. 

In the first round WD & HO (Wills) took on Tall and Large, Tall and Large won 7-5

The Golden Ones took on last years winners, the Silver Surfers. The Golden Ones won 11-6. well done them.

Bootsie & Snudge came up against The Gunners with the Gunners winning 11-4

Billy and Piglet played Hinge & Bracket (Yes, they are still singing) but Billy & Piglet won 11-7

In the Semi-finals Tall and Large were up against the formidable pairing of, The Golden Ones.
This was a close game but on the last two ends Tall and Large pulled out three shots to win 11-6

The second Semi-final The Gunners and Billy & Piglet. This was another close game with the Gunners keeping the lead up to the eighth end when Billy and Piglet went ahead and won 11-7

Into the Finals. Tall and Large took on Billy and Piglet. Well it wasn't a good start for Tall and Large with Billy and Piglet starting off  with a 6-0 lead. It didn't get any better, Tall and Large got a couple of ends but Billy and Piglet just took it way and won by 10-4 with two ends to play.

Ladies: Marian Maxwell V Sandra Bradley. Sandra won 18-5 
Men's: Mick Potter V Alan Baker. Alan won 15-6 
Pairs: Tall and Large V Billy & Piglet. Billy & Piglet won 10-4

County Pairs Qualifier. Riverside Indoors Bowls Club 14th January 2024

We entered two teams into this competition. Emma & Alan Baker and John Wills & Bob Wellington.
In the round robin, Emma & Alan won 1, lost 2 whilst John & Bob won 2 lost 2

Alan & Emma, lost in the quarter finals of the cup knockout 3-17
John & Bob, lost in the quarter finals of the plate knockout 6-12

Both pairs had to play against tough county oppositions but they did themselves proud getting that far. No silverware, just good experience. 

Test Valley Triples Competition 6th February. Landford Village Hall.

We entered two teams in the competition, Waterside Legends and Waterside Leftovers. 
Also two more of our players were good enough to play as reserves for Winterslow.

Over 6 very different mats we played five games each of seven ends.

In group one.
Waterside Leftovers won 3 lost 2. After a count back they came third in their group, need to be second or more to go through.

In group two.
Waterside Legends won 4 lost 1. They came second in their group.
They went through to the semi finals, here they lost the semis and unfortunately after a good battle the lost the third place play off.
Well done to Sandra Bradley, Lesley Bromige and Bob Wellington for showing what W.S.M.B.C. is made of.

County Triples Qualifier. Riverside Indoor Bowls Cub Winchester 17th December 2023

Sue Potter, Lesley Bromige and Mick Potter did battle that day & this is how it went.

In the round robin they had 1 win and 2 loses. Both losses were to formidable players and were happy to take a couple of ends off them. To there credit them teams went on to the cup semi's and final.

This put us into the plate competition and it is always worth a go, play some other teams.

Quarter Final. Waterside 12 v Fleet 0. (sweet revenge)! 
Semi Final. Waterside 9 v Howard Park 5 
Then on to the final, long old day but ready for it!

Final. Waterside 3 V Leigh Park 10. The score did not reflect to quality of the game. Plus, Leigh Park did have some supporters there. Corr dear!! 
Beaten finalist but not downtrodden, Next year we will put in more teams & take a bigger fan club!!

County Qualifier Over 55s Pairs

Alan and Emma Baker were our only entry in the competition this year. This is how they got on.
In the morning a round robin of 5 teams 2 woods played over 11 ends. 

The round robin games where always close but not always in their favor. With 2 wins and 2 loses this put them into the cup knockout, the tougher end of the draw.

Into the Quarterfinals they met Shipton Bellinger, old competitors of theirs.
This was a tight game, Alan said that Emma was playing well all day.

In the last end the Alan and Emma were holding 1 shot and needed 2 shots for a win. Alan tried his best but couldn't get the shot in on his last wood.

Final Score, lost to Shipton Bellinger 9 shots to 8 shorts. 
The pair of them played well. 
This being only our 2nd year at county level, they have done Waterside Short Mat Bowls Club proud.

So next year, and if you are over 55, give it a go!!

County Qualifier Mixed Fours Sunday 1st October

We put in two teams:
Waterside A. Alan Baker, Emma Baker, Mike Clifford and Lesley Bromige.
Waterside B. Lynn Brown, Sue Potter, Bob Wellington and Mick Potter

Usual round robin format, Waterside A battled but lost their games. Waterside B won 1 Lost 2.
Waterside A lost in the Semi Finals of the Plate Knockout
Waterside B lost in the Quarter Finals 4-6 in the Cup Knockout.

No silverware this year plenty more Qualifiers to come

Home to Bursledon Triples friendly Saturday 23rd

Bursledon came over to us this time, we played the normal 18 ends 3 wood triples. we stopped after nine ends for a cup of tea and a bit of cake and a sandwich. The ladies put on a lovely spread as usual. it was enjoyed by all.
The teams were. (players in brackets, played 2nd half)

Mat 1 Mick Potter Sue Potter, Marie Blan (Lesley Bromige)
Mat 2 Bob Wellington Nigel Mabey Stan Taylor (Emma Baker)
Mat 3 Mike Clifford Joan Clifford Alan Baker (Sandra Bradley)
It was a good days bowling both team enjoyed their games and the food was 2nd to none

Hampshire County Home to West Sussex Friendly 13th August 

We entered three players and joined two other county players David Sperry, Shipton Bellinger and Richard from Fleet Bowls Club to make up a team. Same format as last week.
Richard and Mick played in the pairs. Then Sue, Emma and David played the triples.

Richard and Mick did well but lost all four games, two games by just one shot.
This was in hope to help the players in the triples.

In the triples they had an uphill start to gain some points, in their fourth game they started off 6-7 and managed to take the lead, come the last end it was 11-11, the away team try to claim a win but the Umpire was called and after a tight measure the home team scored three shots, the winning result was 14-11 to the home team.
Well done, Emma, Sue and David to pull out a well-deserved win for Hampshire.

The over all result was a draw between Hampshire and West Sussex.
Again, a good day out and good experience for the players, well done to all.

Hampshire County Home to Surrey Friendly 6th August

We had Alan and Emma Baker in the Pairs & Joan Clifford, Lesley Bromige & Nigel Mabey in the triples.

Pairs play fist, then triples follow on the same score sheet. Four games to be played

Alan and Emma managed to get two draws in the third and fourth games, giving hope to the others following on. The triples tried their best in their games but lost them, In game three they lost by one shot, 10-11. Hampshire beat Surrey 29 points to 19.

A good day out and good experience for the players, well done to all.

Friendly Triples invite Hythe SMBC 21st July

Ten of us travelled across the county a great distance to Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall.

Paul Holyoake (Hythe) had invited us to their venue for a friendly game of bowls earlier in the year. This game had been in the making for many years. Dave Renyard our ex-Chairman had asked John Francombe for a game a while back but there was never the time for the game to be organized.

On arrival Paul suggested we use balloting disks for each side to arrange what players played on what mat in a random draw…. 18 ends, after 6 ends players change position. After nine ends, stop for a cup of tea and a biscuit, swap players to let others have a game. This was agreed and we started the game.
So, these were the teams (change of players after 9 ends in brackets)

Mat 1. Alan Baker, Lesley Bromige, Nigel Mabey, (Bart Clements)
Mat 2 Emma Baker, Bart Clements, Heather Clements (Mick Potter & Lesley Bromige)
Mat 3. Sandra Bradley, Lynn Brown, Joan Clifford.

For our 2nd friendly competition against another club on different mats, this was a really, good win! Well done to you all.
There are plans for a return competition with Hythe coming to Waterside SMBC.

Friendly Competition at  Bursledon SMBC 17th June
Nine intrepid players took to the road to go into battle with Bursledon SMBC.
This competition was due to be played prior to Covid but you know what happened!
We played nine ends stopped for a cup of tea and a bit of cake & sandwiches. 

A lovely spread was put on. Then we played the next nine ends to a conclusion, see the results below: 

Result; Waterside won 46 shots to 43 shots.

We all tried our hardest, the mats played really different to our mats but we came away with a result, well done to all who played, this being our first real domestic friendly against another club.
Email from John Tasker, received Sunday morning
Hi Mick
I would just like to say thank you to you and your team for a great afternoon yesterday. The comments I got from our team were what a nice friendly and sociable bunch you all were, and I agree.
So, thanks once again Mick and will you please pass these comments on to your team.
Regards.
John.

There are plans to have a return competition and invite Bursledon to play at Waterside S.M.B.C. at a future date, this to be arranged. 

Hampshire County Friendly away to West Sussex
We took a team of five to Six Villages Sports Center Chichester. Played against four other West Sussex teams in pairs and triples. We gave it a good go, Sue and Sandra one of their pairs games but the rest of of our games ended in losses.
Then end result over the whole competition, West Sussex beat Hampshire 33-18 points.

There are two County Friendly home games in August against West Sussex and Surry so we can can put in two more teams to support Hampshire.

Shipton Bellinger Open Triples 2023

This year, we put in two teams into the competition to see how we faired.

There was the usual round robin in the morning playing three other teams including ourselves, again. We both won two games and lost one game each.

In the afternoon: Waterside Legends went into the semi-final of the Main Competition. 
Waterside Latecomers went into the semi-final of the Plate Competition.

Waterside Latecomers won their semi-finals game against Bursledon SMBC. In the final they played against North End SMBC. A tough game but Waterside Latecomers won the last end by three shots.

Waterside Legends, in their semi-final game had to play against a team called Miles of Cherries, they were really three top players from Southampton SMBC! We gave them a good go, kept up with them and winning by 2 shots. Into the Final but this time the other team got the upper hand, so Waterside Legends came away second.

It was a really, good day for both teams achieving what they did, playing against some tough opposition on different mats and in a different environment.

We came home a bit tired but happy, a long day but that is Short Mat Bowls Tournaments for you. If these players can do it, so can you.

John Mclean Open Triples Charity Competition 2023

This year we entered four teams in to the charity competition at Atherley Bowls Club.

Waterside Ladies: Emma Baker, Sandra Bradley, Sue Potter 
Waterside Lads: Stan Taylor, Alan Baker, John Wills 
Waterside Legends: Joan Clifford, Mel Cross, Geoff Cross 
Waterside Leftovers: Mike Clifford Nigel Mabey, Mick Potter

There were over 32 teams in the event including county players, national players and club players with a round robin in the morning where our teams played four/five other teams with these results.

Waterside Ladies: won 2, lost 3 
Waterside Lads: drew 1 lost 4 
Waterside Legends: won 2, lost 3 
Waterside Leftovers: won 1 drew 1 lost 3

In the afternoon was the cup and plate knock out competitions. 
In the Main Cup knockout Waterside Ladies went and went out in the last 16. Well done to them.

In the Plate knockout competition:
Waterside Lads got as far as the quarterfinals
Waterside Leftovers won their quarterfinals game and went into the semi-finals
Waterside Legends got a bye into the semi-finals, lucky them
Waterside Leftovers were drawn against Waterside Legends in the semi's
Waterside Legends beat Waterside Leftovers in a close game 5-6
Waterside Legends went into the final but were pipped at the post on the last end 5-6.

It was a long day but that is Short Mat Bowls Tournaments for you, recon we were all happy with our efforts to get as far as we did against the standard of players & teams put in front of us, we are getting known now. Instead of "Oh, Where's Waterside" now its "Oh, you are Waterside."
We went home, tired but really pleased with what we achieved.
Well done Waterside Short Mat Bowls Club.

Gordon Beere Trophy 2023

After last years fiasco with the ferry service, we have arranged for Victoria Park to come over to us and play the match. A ferry from the Isle Of Wight runs at a more decent hour on a Sunday morning.
So the Gauntlet has been laid down. The Gordon Beere Trophy will be played on Sunday 12th March, here at Waterside for the first time since March 2020!! 

Well it happened, the ferries were kind to them and run on time. Victoria Park arrived just be fore 10.00am, time for a cup of tea and the games started soon after. The format is six teams of four playing on three mats playing either 20 ends or for 2 hours in the morning, drop of lunch and then another session in the afternoon. Some games were not as tight as others but all the shots add up.

Waterside Short Mat Bowls Club came out the winners, Scores were 99 shots to 85 shots! so Waterside retained the Gordon Beere Shield for another year. Dave Renyard, Match Secretary was presented the Trophy by John Bradley of Victoria Park Short Mat Bowls Club, IOW. 

County Qualifying Competitions

Remember the County Mixed Fours? All them months go? Well. We are off to the National Mixed Fours Finals Solihull Indoor Bowls Club Saturday 25th February. We got a third place selection!! 

This is how we got on: We travelled up the night before to be there on time. Registration 08.30 for 09.00 start. There were 12 groups with 4 teams in each group. The matches were played over 18 Short Mat Bowls Mats within the Indoor Bowls Club. Waterside were drawn against the top teams from Cornwall and Herefordshire and a 3rd place team from North Yorkshire. We were beaten by the top two teams and managed a draw against the North Yorkshire Team. It was a great experience playing against other teams and nice to talk to different players of varying standards. It was said that Hampshire is a tough county to beat so Waterside did something good. We didn't come home with any silverware but gain a lot of experience.

Invite to White Horse SMBC open fours competition. Sunday 5th February.