New chapter begins
The opening sessions in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club was held between two spells of very heavy rain last weekend as they started a new chapter in their history with all games now being played off six, up to 21, rather than the former 15up.
This means that 126 points are now up for grabs in each fixture and two teams came very close to that mark dropping just two apiece in their opening clashes; Louie’s Angels were first on the card, followed the next day by Seven-Up, who also notched up a 123 to head the averages.
Four new names appear in the list of teams – Rule Breakers, formerly Incredabowls, Roller Bowlers (previously Beachcombers), Mooragh Lakers (Spare Parts) and Bowling for Soup, who last season played under the name of Regular Bowl Movements.
As always there are changes to almost all of the squads and as the sides take part with any new faces, a better picture will emerge of who will be thereabouts at the top come the end next March. Seven-Up and Louie’s Angels have already shown their intent dropping just 13 points between them.
Nobles No 1 hosted the opening round robin session due to some maintenance still taking place at No 3 green. A good entry of 38 competed in two groups, with the winners in the yellow triples being Viv Grills, Viv Rush and Hazel Hughes; with second going to Rita Callister, John Lightfoot and Doug Allan.
The other gang was doubles with Chaz Grills and Derek Clarke heading the pack, just in front of Flo Kelly and Margaret Tasker.