Issue 22 - July 2012 (PDF) - Chipping Norton Times

MORETON-IN-MARSH BOWLS CLUB
Following the euphoria and general excitement which had
accompanied the opening of the new clubhouse and green
there was, in contrast, only a few days afterwards, a
respectful sadness as members paused to remember Relph
Willis and Jack Strong who passed away recently. Relph had
been associated with Moreton-in-Marsh Bowls Club for
about thirty years. For much of that time he was responsible
for the upkeep of the green and its surrounds. A very good
player himself, Relph was also a National Umpire and often
gave up his time to talk to Club members about the rules
and etiquette of the game. He was Chairman for several
years in the 1980`s during which time important changes
were made to the clubhouse and green.
Jack`s grandfather had been a founder member of the Club
in 1909 and when Jack joined in the late 1980`s he became
the last in a long line of family members who played on the
green on Hospital Road. Towards the end of his life he
battled against poor eyesight but that did not prevent him
from bowling regularly and often with a remarkable degree
of accuracy! It is such a disappointment that neither Relph
nor Jack was able to bowl on the new green.
Despite the dreadful weather at the beginning of the season
when several games had to be cancelled the Club has made
a very encouraging start, losing only 6 of 29 matches. The
highlight has undoubtedly been the visit of a team from
Bowls England which was beaten by a strong Moreton side.
In addition to that, there has already been a notable event
on the new green when the first “hot shot”, a comparatively
rare occurrence in the game, took place during a match
against a team from Porters. This is achieved when, on any
end, all the bowls belonging to one team finish nearer to the
jack than any one of their opponents` bowls.
The “Hot-Shot” Team (Left to right):
Jim Tait, Charles Chapman, Jane Clarke and Mike Wainwright
STOW ON THE WOLD
& DISTRICT RFC
The Stow on the Wold R.F.C First Team squad are laying the
foundations for what will hopefully be a promotion-winning
season this year.
Touch rugby sessions have begun and continue every Thursday
evening at 7pm until the 28th June - everyone is welcome to
play so come along if you are interested. Thanks to the glorious
British weather the first session was a little damp, however a
good number of players attended and proved their talent,
showing some impressive skills!
Pre-season training is scheduled to begin on 3rd July and will
take place every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter, focussing on
match plays and tactics, as well as some much-needed
conditioning! Stow are aiming to start the season with a strong
performance in their first game against Chipping Norton on the
8th September. The prospect of facing their local rivals in the
season’s opener is proving an effective motivator for the Stow
squad.
If you would like to get involved at the club then new players,
supporters and sponsors are always welcome please phone
01242 820442 for more information, or come along to one of
the touch rugby sessions on a Thursday.
Home Fixtures:
08/09/2012- Chipping Norton
29/09/2012- Harwell
20/10/2012- Littlemore
“Rugby is a beastly game played by gentlemen” – Henry Blaha
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD RFC is recruiting new players
Players of all experience levels welcome
Pre-season rugby begins 3rd July with the season kicking off
8th September
Please contact us if interested
Phone: 01242 820442
Email: finch02@btinternet.com
www.pitchero.com/clubs/stowrfc/
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