The eagerly anticipated annual “Bowls Challenge” between RWC Men’s Golf Club and RWC Sports & Recreation Club was played on Sunday June 16, 2013.
The memory of last year’s thrashing at the hands of the bowlers was still very fresh in the minds of many of the golfers. So it was not unusual that many arrived early on this magnificent Sunday morning for some much needed practice on the tricked up greens that the bowlers seem to prepare for us every year.
At 9:30am all the combatants were gathered into the clubhouse for the naming of the team groupings and rules of the day. With the bowlers outnumbering the golfers, it was decided that all of the dual Internationals (members of both clubs) would play for the golfers. The matches were made up of 3golfers v3 bowlers and the cocky bowlers decided that the inexperienced golfers would receive a handicap of 4 shots per player providing they were not bowlers as well.
Armed with all the necessities for battle (bowls, sunscreen and the all important amber fluid) the gladiators made their way to the arena for the start of the contest. 18 ends were to be played but it was starting to become very evident early that things were not going to plan for the professionals (Bowlers that is). Looking around at the scores so far indicated that a huge upset might be in the air.
The early jovial mood of the bowlers was slowly being replaced by sounds of frustration and sighs of disbelief at the incredible skill being demonstrated by the amateurs (Golfers that is). With the golfers leading almost all of the matches handsomely, the bowlers decided to change the rules by extending the game to 20 ends in order to narrow the margins.
Unfortunately, all of the bowler’s antics proved no match for the well drilled golfers. The bowlers losing all but one of the 6 matches played with most of the golfers winning of scratch as well. The final aggregate score for both teams was Bowlers 117 and the victorious Golfers 167.
With the match over, it was time to go into the clubhouse for more refreshments and a great meal prepared by the bowler’s social committee. The handing over of the trophy to the golfers signalled the end to another extremely enjoyable day had by all in attendance and our handicaps for next year.
RWC Men’s Golf Club would like to thank Merv Elder for his great work in organising such a terrific and successful event. We would also thank the RWCSRC social committee and members for their camaraderie throughout the day. It is always special to come back each year to catch up with some of the people that once were instrumental in founding and making our golf club what it is today. From our side, we must thank our Club Captain Troy Young for all his hard work leading into the event.
The golfers look forward to next year and hopefully the bowlers can bring their A Graders to play against us.
Cheers……………Johnny V.
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