Friends vs Gosport Bowling Club – Hampshire
Saturday, 19th July 2025
The Teams
After several weeks of sunshine and warm weather, it came as quite a surprise when heavy rain fell just ahead of the planned 2.00pm start. Thankfully, the showers passed quickly, the sun returned, and the green dried out in good time. What followed was an excellent match, with the rinks shared three apiece but a final score of 115–80 in favour of the Friends.
Dinner was then served: lasagne with salad, followed by a choice of lemon meringue tart or cream sponge. Gosport President Jim Oswell offered heartfelt thanks to Club Captain Cordell, bar staff Bob and Paul, and kitchen team Mandy, Chris, Jason, Paul, Tony, and Helen for their support. A presentation was made to Gosport’s top winning rink: C. Lund, J. Evans, K. Hall, and K. Stanbury.
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- President Jim begins the speeches
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- Friend’s Captain Neil, in full flow
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- Friends gift to President Jim – a memento of the day with Friends
Friends Captain of the Day, Neil Fletcher, thanked Gosport for the kind invitation to their 100th Anniversary and remarked that the ladies’ section was founded three years later—suggesting a celebration in 2028 would be quite fitting.
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- Top Rink for Gosport
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- Friends Top Rink
The Friends’ highest winning rink was Margaret Annetts, Ian Perry, Tony Strudwick, and Lindsay Bangs, who received well-deserved prizes. Gosport’s winning rink was also recognised. Meanwhile, the Friends’ losing rink received Kit Kats, with the light-hearted suggestion to “take a break.”
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- Welcome from President Jim (centre) with Captain Cordell and Captain Neil
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- Dispensing the score cards to skip Gerald
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- Graham looks pretty excided about his toucher!
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- Yellow Balls gifted to Gosport’s lowest scoring rink
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- A Gift for Adie
It was a memorable afternoon of sport, camaraderie, and celebration—rounded off with best wishes for a successful season ahead.
Neil Fletcher
Captain of the Day