Good news and bad news – depending on who you are! First of all, the good news – the £930 Chase the Ace fund was won by a syndicate from Portadown; well, I suppose they have to have something going for them! No, seriously, have a good Xmas.
The bad news : our men’s team did not manage to retain the Inter-Association Trophy. Having despatched both the Under 25s and the Provincial teams, our boys fell at the last hurdle and the winners were the County Antrim team. Still, it was a great effort.
We are at present installing light sensors in all the toilets – meaning that they only go on when there is movement in the toilet area. So – if the lights go out wave your arms! Or, it might mean you are in there too long!!
Still on the good news front : most of you will have noticed by now that we have appointed a new Caretaker/Security Officer – John McCullough. John is, of course, well known as a bowler in the Stadium, but we wish him well in his new position.
I am glad to report that that all the leagues are going well, with not too many postponements. Also – the new Mixed Pairs Knockout competition will be starting in January. We are, of course, heading for the AIIB Finals in December, and we are hoping for success.
Scorecards : in an attempt to standardise procedure in the Stadium, can I suggest that the team on the LEFT of the scorecard goes on TOP of the scoreboard – this will hopefully remove any confusion.
This is the time for Xmas dinners, and the bookings for the restaurant are going well. If you haven’t yet thought about getting a bunch of your pals together, why not? Eat your way out of the recession. Encourage your short mat club to come down, have a bowl, and have a Xmas dinner too.
Coaching Corner: I have written before here about Concentration in bowls. I wish to continue this theme by talking briefly about attaining the consistency we all crave:
• keep your weight on the balls of your feet when adopting your stance.
• face your feet along the ‘line of delivery.’
• step straight along the proposed line of delivery, because your arm should (needs to) follow the same line.
• co-ordinate your step and arm-swing, taking a normal walking step.
• make your bowling arm a pendulum, and, as you step forward, avoid twisting your shoulders.
• avoid pulling your arm across your body; keep it close to your thigh.
• release your bowl smoothly, approx. 10 inches forward and to the side of the front foot.
• follow-through is crucial – the palm of your bowling hand should be facing along (and preferably palm up) the line of delivery at the completion of the action.
• your non-bowling arm should be used to keep your balance by resting it on your thigh.
• finally, on completion of delivery, bring your back foot up to your front foot.
Still on the Coaching front: the next Coaching Session for Beginners will start on Monday January 11th at 7.15pm. Please encourage new members!!
Social Scene: the third Quiz Night is happening on Saturday December 19th.
Above you see the Club’s Senior Triples Winners of 2008. Can you pick the odd man out??
May I take this opportunity to thank all our bowlers, and customers, for their contributions so far in 2009, and wish everyone a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year. Happy bowling in 2010.
