St Davids Day, 1st March, brought EALABA’s bowlers from all over England for the annual battle against Tamworth IBC.
The mornings practice session was designed to make the players get used to the fast pace of Tamworth’s excellent rinks. Players rarely practice delivering the jack hence, using a series of 6 new jacks, each bowler rolled them to their favoured length. The next exercise was the test of progression. Four rebound discs were equispaced between 23m minimum and the full length T. Using their favoured hand, each player delivered their bowls in turn to the discs without crossing the rink centre line. Swapping to their opposite hand improved the test and muscle memory. This exercise is excellent for learning a rinks line and speed.
The next exercise involved trailing the jack. Set at 28m, mat to jack, controlled weight was needed to trail the jack from between two rebound discs (representing static bowls). The jack and players bowl, were required to finish in a 2m square behind the imitation head. This is a severe test of weight control and line.
One of the other three rinks was dedicated to a singles game between the England Learning Disability squad L2 bowler Harry Atkin and new England L2 bowler Graham Arding. Marked by a level 2 coach, the 1 hour proved very tight demonstrating excellent abilities. Players rolled up on the remaining rinks.
The morning session ended with players, supporters and families, congregating with Tamworth bowlers for a delicious 2 course hot lunch. Cottage pie and veg followed by fruit crumble and custard or chocolate gateaux.
Archnaphobes would not be frightened by this Spider. Prior to the battle we had a little bit of fun to raise funds to help EALABA’s future by running a spider. And the winner was Alex Comack, winning enough to buy himself a couple of pints at his local.
A friendly photo before battle commenced. Both teams had late withdrawals for health reasons hence, we competed over five rinks of triples and one of pairs.
Only one shot for the first two ends and with re-spots in use throughout formed the basis of the game. Both teams started tentatively, this continued for nearly the first half of the match. EALABA’s team then started to pull away, their practice morning started to show through.
Throughout the afternoon match Tamworths Birch family provided tea, coffee and gorgeous homemade cakes.
Whilst both teams battled hard, EALABA’s strength started to show through and the shot difference began to increase through to a match conclusion. Tamworth won two of the six rinks, EALABA took the other four and the match 109-54. The final score does not reflect the closeness of the match, despite the score.
EALABA would like to thank all players, supporters, helpers for helping make such an excellent day. Woodies, the caterers for a scrumptious lunch. The Birch family for drinks and cakes, and Tamworth IBC for the use of their excellent facility.
Our next Event is Saturday 5th April, another Challenge match day with opponents Gedling IBC, Nottingham. For further information ring 07707905250.