Ray Lewis, Steve Thomas, Keith Hedges
For the past 125 years Cambridge Bowling Club has been hosting major bowling competitions, from the National Easter Tournament which ran for 109 years, to our very popular annual Business House Tournament which has been going for over 25 years.
Business House 2023 was a great success, introducing many new bowlers to the sport, and affording a fun and relaxed environment to mix and mingle in a healthy outdoor setting. Over six Tuesday evenings, a full contingent of 96 enthusiastic players filled the two greens. The final night saw many of our teams taking up the challenge of “letting their hair down” by wearing colourful costumes to vie for the “Best Dressed” team – one of many prizes issued over the event.
For the fifth year in a row the “All Hacks”, comprising Keith Hedges, Ray Lewis and Steve Thomas, took out the title. The formidable trio only play bowls once a year at this tournament, but their accuracy on the bowling green is pinpoint. Second place were newcomers, “Tamahere Sharks” and third, loyal supporters, “Dutch Courage”.
After four weeks of play, the teams were divided into two sections. In section two some great new bowlers came to the fore and will be a force to be reckoned with next year. First: “Shoof A”, Second: “No End In Sight”, Third: “Cambridge Homes Nogs”.
The remainder of 2023 promises to be just as successful. In April, flood lights will be erected to allow for evening play on the clubhouse green. The Bandstand green will be replaced by June, so more players may enjoy the monthly open tournaments and accommodate the growth in membership the club is experiencing. In November the club will hold its 125th anniversary, commencing a “Summer of Bowls”, when many celebratory events will take place.
All in all, a busy but exciting year is ahead for the Cambridge Bowling Club on Thornton Road.
