...Match Reports...

Website Report for week ending 20th April 2025.

President’s team 103 Captain’s team 85
We started our 2025 season with our President v Captain match on Saturday afternoon and, with a mixture of Triples and Rinks, it was our President’s team that came out on top by 103 shots to 85. Our President’s own Triple of Jenny Holzbauer, Chris Hills and President, Peter Hills led 5-1 after four ends, before being caught at 7 shots apiece after nine ends. They then outscored our Captain’s Triple of Sue Ellis, Alan Wybrow and Captain, Steve Arnold over the second half to beat them by 17 shots to 11. Our President’s highest winning team was the Triple of Jean and Alan Curtis and Skip Jim Smith who won the first five ends, to lead 17-0, before going on to beat our Captain’s Triple of Alfie Williams, Maurice Gordon and Skip Keith Smith by 30 shots to 6. Our Captain’s highest winning team was the Rink of Barbara Williams, Ian Tyler, David Castle and Skip George Campbell, who won twice as many ends as they lost as they beat Nicki Berry, Ruby and Daniel Williams and Skip Les Parsley by 25 shots to 7.
J.Holzbauer, C.Hills & P.Hills beat S.Ellis, A.Wybrow & S.Arnold 17-11; M.Usher, P.Holzbauer, A.Edwards & R.Harper lost to P.Whybrow, J.Whittle, J.Hales & G.Akers 8-24; S.Hemmings, J.Harper, P.Berry & S.Chamberlain beat J.Ellis, M.Blunt, I.Green & D.Henley 21-7; N.Berry, R.Williams, D.Williams & L.Parsley lost to B.Williams, I.Tyler, D.Castle & G.Campbell 7-25; G.Parsley, R.Brewster & R.Hazeu beat J.Smith, I.Williams & C.Martindill 20-12; J.Curtis, A.Curtis & J.Smith beat A.Williams, M.Gordon & K.Smith 30-6.

Website Report for week ending 27th April 2025.

Our first full weekend of bowling involved two Friendly matches. The first, was at home against Rosehill from Hoddesdon, on Saturday afternoon. The second was at Windsor against The Royal Household Bowling Club, on Sunday afternoon.

Datchworth 51 Rosehill 57
In a closely contested match we lost narrowly against Rosehill by 51 shots to 57. We won two Triples, drew one and lost won. Our highest winning Triple was that of John Ellis, Roger Tomlinson and Club Captain Steve Arnold; who beat the Triple Skipped by Rosehill’s Captain Janet Day by 18 shots to 14. Alfie Williams, Ann Edwards and Skip Ian Williams lost the first four ends to trail 0-10. They never recovered from there and eventually lost 8-21. Maureen Blunt, Andy Pattle and Skip Ian green recovered from 9-11 down, with four ends to play, to come out on top by 14-11. Barbara Williams, Alan Wybrow and Skip Daniel Williams took the lead from the start and held on to it until they dropped two shots with two ends to play, and were pegged back to all square at 10 shots apiece. The final two ends were shared equally and they ended up drawing 11 shots apiece.
A.Williams, A.Edwards & I.Williams lost to M.Fry, L.Roberts & P.Shemilt 8-21; J.Ellis, R.Tomlinson & S.Arnold beat B.Fitzgerald, N.Elms & J.Day 18-14; M.Blunt, A.Pattle & I.Green beat G.Bowtell, D.Kanton & T.Day 14-11; B.Williams, A.Wybrow & D.Williams drew with A.Fitzgerald, C.Long & R.Morris 11 all.

Datchworth 67 The Royal Household Bowling Club 107
On Sunday afternoon, after a morning visit to Windsor, we travelled the short distance to The Royal Household Bowling Club’s green, for an afternoon of bowling. With so many of our players wanting to play in this match, ten of them shared half a game each, changing over after nine of the eighteen ends played. We lost this one by a much greater margin, 67 shots to 107. We only had one winning Rink, out of the six played. It was that Skipped by our President, Peter Hills. With his Rink of Janet Akers (who shared the game with Mike Usher), Phil Holzbauer (who shared the game with Maureen Blunt) and Ian Williams, they had a tight game, with just one shot being scored on fourteen out of the eighteen played. But they did enough to win by 14 shots to 9. 12 seemed to be a favourite number of shots for our other Rinks to pick up. Rachel Jones (who shared the game with Jean Curtis), Celia Gordon, Ian green and Skip Steve Chamberlain lost 12-20. Jenny Holzbauer (who shared the game with Howard Carrick), Ann Edwards, Keith Smith and Skip Graham Akers lost 12-21. Jan Smith, Debra freeman, Alan Curtis and Skip Steve Arnold lost 12-19. Alfie Williams, Chris Hills, Richard Harper and Skip Les Parsley lost 12-21. Our sixth Rink of Barbara Williams, David Stock (who shared the game with John Gordon), Dickie Jackson and Skip Julian Hales only managed to pick up 5 shots as they lost by 5 shots to 17.
R.Jones (J.Curtis), C.Gordon, I.Green & S.Chamberlain lost to P.Wood, S.Bradshaw, A.Simmons & T.Dynan 12-20; J.Holzbauer (H.Carrick), A.Edwards, K.Smith & G.Akers lost to T.Green, S.Godsmark, C.Gifford & M.Leyton-Smith 12-21; J.Smith, D.Freeman, A.Curtis & S.Arnold lost to S.Pretorius, D.Charleston, S.Wooley & S.Carson 12-19; A.Williams, C.Hills, R.Harper & L.Parsley lost to N.Cranfield, H.Frankl, L.Wood & F.Overman 12-21; J.Akers (M.Usher), P.Holzbauer (M.Blunt), I.Williams & P.Hills beat P.Carson, P.Overman, S.Fullilove & M.Stanley 14-9; B.Williams, D.Stock (J.Gordon), D.Jackson & J.Hales lost to P.Greenwood, S.Prior, N.Stewart & A.Speller 5-17.

Website Report for week ending 4th May 2025.

Datchworth 50 Potters Bar 95
Our first match of the week was away to Potters Bar on Thursday afternoon and it ended in a 50 shot to 95 defeat. We won just one of the five Rinks played; that was the Rink of Linda Tyler, John Gordon, Alan Curtis and Skip Richard Harper. Their game was tight all the way through as the scores were level for the fourth time, at 9 shots apiece, with two ends to play. They won those two ends, picking up four shots to win by 13 shots to 9. We drew one Rink, that of Sue Ellis, Jim Shine (a Potters Bar member who replaced a late withdrawal of one of our players), Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold. They lost the first three ends, then won seven of the next nine ends, to lead 12-6. They dropped seven shots with two ends to play, to trail 12-15. They won those closing two ends to draw level at 15 shots apiece. Celia Gordon, Jean Curtis, Terry Metcalf and Skip George Campbell were crushed 7-32. Jan Smith, John Ellis, Chris Hills and Skip Rob Hazeu lost 9-18. Lucy Williams, Mike Usher, David Castle and Skip Peter Hills lost 6-21.
C.Gordon, J.Curtis, T.Metcalf & G.Campbell lost to S.Powers, J.Cardow, P.Rodgers & C.Malone 7-32; L.Tyler, J.Gordon, A.Curtis & R.Harper beat F.Bradley, M.Steed, J.Nicholls & M.Eccleshall 13-9; S.Ellis, J.Shine, J.Hales & S.Arnold drew with W.Sell, C.Nicholls, G.Marshall & S.Jewell 15 all; J.Smith, J.Ellis, C.Hills & R.Hazeu lost to R.McCaig, A.Wood, J.Scott & J.Southwell 9-18; L.Williams, M.Usher, D.Castle & P.Hills lost to W.Pugh, M.Teale, P.Stevens & D.Jewell 6-21.

Datchworth 45 Howard Garden 64
On Sunday afternoon we played our first Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the season, at our Turkey Farm green, against Howard Garden and lost by 45 shots to 64. Jean Curtis, Richard Harper, Julian Hales and Skip Rob Hazeu lost six out of the first eleven ends, and trailed 6-16 as a result of dropping a four and a six. After playing their penultimate end, they trailed 7-26. But they managed to pick up a five on the final end to cut their losing deficit down to 12-26. Sue Ellis, Alan Curtis, Terry Metcalf and Skip Steve Chamberlain won just three of the first eleven ends and trailed 5-17 as a consequence. They then won four of the closing five ends to lose by 10 shots to 23. Our only winning Rink was that of John Ellis, Ann Edwards, Steve Arnold and Skip Derek Henley. They won three of the first seven ends to trail 5-9. They then won six of the next seven ends, to lead 23-10. But they lost the closing four ends and won by 23 shots to 25.
J.Curtis, R.Harper, J.Hales & R.Hazeu lost to P.Donalson, A.Bell, T.Wood & S.Abery 12-26; S.Ellis, A.Curtis, T.Metcalf & S.Chamberlain lost to S.Abery, K.Graham, D.Weemys & P.Billson 10-23; J.Ellis, A.Edwards, S.Arnold & D.Henley beat J.Roberson, J.Richardson, M.Abery & G.Liddle 23-15.

Website Report for week ending 11th May 2025.

Datchworth 63 Aston 34
The first of six matches this week for us started when we played Aston in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match on Tuesday night at our Turkey Farm green and beat them by 63 shots to 34. Maureen Blunt, Chris Hills, Keith Smith and Skip Les Parsley lost just four ends as they ran up a 23 shots to 7 win. Jan Smith, Daniel Williams, Richard Brewster and Skip Steve Arnold built up a healthy 22 shots to 4 lead with three ends to play. They lost those three ends to win by 22 shots to 11. Lucy Williams, Alfie Williams, George Campbell and Skip Peter Hills had a much different game. They lost the first two ends, were 1-10 down after five ends and they remained behind until they picked up two shots on the penultimate end, to draw level at 16 shots apiece. They then picked up another two shots on the final end, to lead for the first time and win by 18 shots to 16.
M.Blunt, C.Hills, K.Smith & L.Parsley beat M.Beahan, J.Warner, M.Chambers & D.Smith 23-7; J.Smith, D.Williams, R.Brewster & S.Arnold beat N.Jenkins, J.Buck, L.Smith & S.Mahoney 22-11; L.Williams, A.Williams, G.Campbell beat K.O’Hanlon, T.Phipps, J.Morgan & E.O’Hanlon 18-16.

Datchworth 43 Stevenage Veterans 56
On Wednesday afternoon we played Stevenage Veterans in a Mixed Friendly at our Turkey Farm green and were beaten by 56 shots to 43. Debra Freeman, sharing the game with Richard Hutchinson, Maurice Gordon and Skip Keith Smith won the first two ends and remained in front until they won by 22 shots to 14. Mike Usher, Pauline Whybrow and Skip Richard Harper won just five ends and they were beaten by 26 shots to 8. David Stock, sharing the game with Annette Hutchinson, Jan Smith and Skip Ian Williams shared the end-count equally and lost their game narrowly by 14 shots to 16.
D.Freeman (R.Hutchinson), M.Gordon & K.Smith beat B.Pissot, R.Mona & D.Naggle 22-14; M.Usher, P.Whybrow & R.Harper lost to A.Bruce, T.Bates & P.Jefferey 8-26; D.Stock (A.Hutchinson), J.Smith & I.Williams lost to P.Smith, P.Sparrow & D.Penfound 14-16.

Datchworth Blue 43 Sele Farm 21
On Wednesday night our Blue team travelled to Hertford’s Hartham to play Sele Farm in an East Herts Bowls League Division 1 match and beat them by 43 shots to 21. Dickie Jackson, Les Parsley and Skip Jim Smith won the first six ends, to lead 12-0. They then lost seven of the remaining twelve ends, but held on to win by 18 shots to 8. Graham Akers, Clyde Martindill and Skip Peter Hills won ten of the first twelve ends to lead comfortably by 24 shots to 3. They then only won one more end as they won by 25 shots to 13.
D.Jackson, L.Parsley & J.Smith beat O.Mitchell, P.Ottley & P.Dougherty 18-8; G.Akers, C.Martindill & P.Hills beat J.Lake, M.Jones & H.Wright 25-13.

Datchworth 89 Northaw and Cuffley 54
On Friday afternoon we travelled to play Northaw and Cuffley in a Mixed Friendly and beat them by 89 shots to 54. Jean Curtis, Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley shared the eighteen ends equally, but thanks to picking up multiple three and four shots, they ran out winners by 27 shots to 13. Janet Akers, Terry Metcalf and Skip Steve Arnold led 14-11 with four ends to play, but they lost those four ends and the game by 17 shots to 14. Jenny Holzbauer, Alan Curtis and Skip Les Parsley lost just four ends as they ran out winners by 34 shots to 6. Maureen Blunt, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Rob Hazeu also shared the end-count equally but were edged out by 18 shots to 14.
J.Curtis, G.Akers & D.Henley beat D.Pett, H.Hall & R.Brewer 27-13; J.Akers, T.Metcalf & S.Arnold lost to C.Brewer, P.Ryde & J.Rooke 14-17; J.Holzbauer, A.Curtis & L.Parsley beat J.Williams, H.Porter & J.Clarke 34-6; M.Blunt, P.Holzbauer & R.Hazeu lost to S.Williams, M.Pett & M.Phillips 14-18.

Datchworth 57 Shephalbury 55
On Saturday afternoon we travelled the short distance down Broadhall Way to play Shephalbury in a Mixed Friendly and, after loaning them two of our own players to make up their numbers, we narrowly beat them by 57 shots to 55 after a close encounter. Phil Holzbauer, Ann Edwards and Skip Derek Henley won the first five ends, to lead 9-0. After that they held onto their lead despite losing eight of the remaining eleven ends to win by 15 shots to 8. Anna Pattle, David Castle and Skip Steve Arnold won two more ends that they lost as they edged their game by 19 shots to 16. That was after, on the final end, Skip Steve Arnold converted a one shot down situation, with a Shephalbury wood almost touching the Jack, to a two shot advantage after he hit the Jack with his final wood, and moved to a position where they held two shots. Jenny Holzbauer, Alan Curtis and Skip Maurice Gordon won four more ends than they lost, but after dropping a couple of fours along the way, while picking up multiple single shots, they lost by 14 shots to 16. Jean Curtis, Andy Pattle and Skip Richard Harper were level for the fifth time, after eleven ends, at 7 shots apiece. After that they only won one end and eventually lost by 9 shots to 15.
P.Holzbauer, A.Edwards & D.Henley beat J.Akers, T.Sheffield & J.Daily 15-8; A.Pattle, D.Castle & S.Arnold beat M.Stokes, C.Howman & M.Coy 19-16; J.Holzbauer, A.Curtis & M.Gordon lost to G.Akers, S.Parsloe & B.Blackmore 14-16; J.Curtis, A.Pattle & R.Harper lost to N.Ballard, T.Chalkley & A.Brooks 9-15.

Datchworth 48 Baldock 69
We were on our travels again on Sunday afternoon when we travelled up the A1M to play Baldock in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were beaten by 69 shots to 48. It was a game of two distinct halves for Maureen Blunt, Terry Metcalf, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold. At the break they trailed by one shot, 8-9. After the break they never won and end and were heavily beaten by 28 shots to 8. It was a different story for Janet Akers, Keith Smith, Richard Harper and Skip Derek Henley. Despite sharing the eighteen ends equally they lost by 18 shots to 25; thanks mainly to dropping three 5s. Our only winning Rink was that of Jan Smith, Dickie Jackson, Graham Akers and Skip Rob Hazeu. They built up a healthy 15-5 lead after eleven ends. They then lost the next four ends and were 15-16 down. They pulled themselves together and won the closing three ends to win by 22 shots to 16.
M.Blunt, T.Metcalf, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to J.Graham, S.King, J.Mutter & M.Parsons 8-28; J.Akers, K.Smith, R.Harper & D.Henley lost to B.Todd, D.Turner, K.Dear & P.Haskins 18-25; J.Smith, D.Jackson, G.Akers & R.Hazeu beat N.Graham, S.Dear, J.Turner & T.Godden 22-16.

Website Report for week ending 18th May 2025.

Another busy week of bowling for us should have started on Monday night when our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team turned up at Hertford’s Hartham green to play Sele Farm, but they failed to turn up due to an omission in their Fixture Card. So, our players returned home and claimed the game.

Our bowling therefore started on Tuesday night when both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action; our Blue Team were away to Buntingford Bears in a Division 1 match and our Gold Team were away to Hertingfordbury in a Division 2 match.

Datchworth Blue 25 Buntingford Bears 42
At Buntingford our Blue Team were beaten by 42 shots to 25. George Campbell, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills found it hard to find their line and length and as a result they only won five ends and were beaten by 24 shots to 7. Les Parsley, Derek Henley and Skip Jim Smith had a much closer game. They won the first four ends to lead 8-0, then lost six of the following seven ends to trail by 10 shots to 13. They finished by winning all but two of the remaining seven ends to draw their game 18 shots apiece.
G.Campbell, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to P.Warren, B.Bushell & T.Keeling 7-24; L.Parsley, D.Henley & J.Smith drew with A.Manning, R.Foster & R.Murphy 18 all.

Datchworth Gold 32 Hertingfordbury 35
On Hartham’s green our Gold Team also lost, by 32 shots to 35. Alfie Williams, Dave Castle and Skip Steve Chamberlain dropped five shots on the second end, to trail 0-6, and it was that difference that they could not catch as they lost by 20 shots to 14. Andy Pattle, Daniel Williams and Skip Keith Smith took the lead, 3-2, on the second end and held the lead until they were caught at 15 shots apiece on the penultimate end. They then picked up three shots on the final end to win by 18 shots to 15.
A.Williams, D.Castle & S.Chamberlain lost to J.Dunne, N.Lonergan & K.Hartfield 14-20; A.Pattle, D.Williams & K.Smith beat S.Kelley, C.Straker & K.Edmonds 18-15.

Datchworth 20 Hertford Wild Cards 42
On Thursday night our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team were in action, away to Hertford Wild Cards in a Division 2 match and were beaten by 42 shots to 20. Roger Tomlinson, Chris Hills and Skip Terry Metcalf were level for the fourth time at 9 apiece on the twelfth end, but they only won two more ends as they were beaten by 19 shots to 11. It was a much different game for Andy Pattle, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Harper as they only managed to win five ends as they were convincingly beaten by 23 shots to 9.
R.Tomlinson, C.Hills & T.Metcalf lost to B.Morrison, P.Gardener & T.Gardener 11-19; A.Pattle, J.Akers & R.Harper lost to A.Baker, J.Smith & D.Wild 9-23.

Datchworth 13 Shire Park Yellow 40
Our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team were in action again on Friday night, this time in the League’s John Brown Trophy with one Triple at home and one away against Shire Park Yellow. They lost the match by 40 shots to 13 overall. At our Turkey Farm green Anna Pattle, Terry Metcalf and Skip Steve Chamberlain only won six ends as they were beaten by 19 shots to 6. Things did not go any better at Shire Park’s Tewin green as Jan and Keith Smith and Skip Richard Harper could not cope with the green and only managed to win five ends as they were beaten by 21 shots to 7.
A.Pattle, T.Metcalf & S.Chamberlain lost to L.Draycott, D.Warner & B.Draycott 6-19; J.Smith, K.Smith & R.Harper lost to E.Wahlciso, R.Griges & G.Edwards 7-21.

Datchworth 58 Royston 51
Saturday afternoon saw the first of two Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League matches played at our Turkey Farm green when Royston were the visitors and were beaten by 58 shots to 51. Jan Smith, George Campbell, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley took the lead 5-4 on the sixth end and held on to it till the won by 19 shots to 11. Chris Hills, Ian Williams, Rob Hazeu and Skip Jim Smith were involved in a game of two halves. They led 12-5 after nine ends but the wheels fell off their waggon over the closing nine ends as they only won three ends and dropped multiple shots to lose by 16 shots to 24. Barbara Williams, Keith Smith, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills had a bad start to their game as they trailed 0-9 after five ends. They then went on to win the next six ends to lead 17-9. The closing seven ends were shared 4-3 in their favour as they went on to win by 23 shots 16.
J.Smith, G.Campbell, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat R.Knight, S.Boules, P.Brazier & S.White 19-11; C.Hills, I.Williams, R.Hazeu & J.Smith lost to L.Powell, D.Ward, N.Woor & S.Kilford 16-24; B.Williams, K.Smith, S.Arnold & P.Hills beat S.Warner, S.Brazier, C.Stafford & J.Thompson 23-16.

Datchworth 49 Letchworth Garden City 52
On Sunday afternoon Letchworth Garden City were our visitors for the second Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the weekend, and after a tight match they ended up winners by 52 shots to 49. Jan Smith, Dickie Jackson, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold were in front for just the second end, but they were never more than four shots adrift until they lost the closing six ends to lose by 14 shots to 29. Sue Ellis, Alfie Williams, Daniel Williams and Skip Derek Henly took the lead on the third end, 4-1 and never looked back, eventually running out winners by 22 shots to 8. Lucy Williams, John Ellis, David Castle and Skip Steve Chamberlain came from 1-7 down after six ends to just 6-7 down after ten ends. They were all square twice after that, at 12 apiece after fifteen ends, and 13 apiece two ends later. That meant they went into the final end all square, but they dropped two shots to lose by 13 shots to 15.
J.Smith, D.Jackson, R.Harper & S.Arnold lost to J.Rogan, A.Sparkes, C.Ottaway & H.Castle 14-29; S.Ellis, A.Williams, D.Williams & D.Henley beat B.Rogan, T.Caldercoat, C.Ottaway & G.Rogers 22-8; L.Williams, J.Ellis, D.Castle & S.Chamberlain lost to S.Sinclair, D.Collier, N.Butler & T.Sinclair 13-15.

Website Report for week ending 25th May 2025.

There were two matches for our bowlers on Monday night, our Blue Team were in action away to Hertford Castle’s Castles team in an East Herts Bowls League Division 1 match and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Team were away to Kimpton in a Division 2 match.

Datchworth Blue 36 Castles 25
At Hertford Castle’s Peg’s Lane green our Blue Team won by 36 shots to 25. Rob Hazeu, Jim Smith and Skip Peter Hills won twice as many ends than they lost and as a result they ran out winners by 22 shots to 10. Dickie Jackson, Steve Arnold and Skip Derek Henley had a much closer game as they shared the eighteen ends equally and despite winning the last four ends, they only managed to reduce their deficit from 10-15 down to 14-15.
R.Hazeu, J.Smith & P.Hills beat K.Letham, A.Gibbs & M.Howett 22-10; D.Jackson, S.Arnold & D.Henley lost to T.Peart, A.Beeson & M.Milne 14-15.

Datchworth 31 Kimpton 40
At Kimpton’s green the home team won by 40 shots to 31. Janet Akers, Chris Hills and Skip Richard Harper took an early 5-1 lead after four ends, but were caught at 7 shots apiece after eight ends. The scores were level for the third time at 11 shots apiece after fourteen ends. After which they won three of the closing four ends to win by 16 shots to 14. Despite sharing the eighteen ends equally Maureen Blunt, Ann Edwards and Skip Julian Hales lost 15-26 thanks mainly to dropping two sixes along the way.
J.Akers, C.Hills & R.Harper beat D.Moor, N.Burns & D.Truscott 16-14; M.Blunt, A.Edwards & J.Hales lost to D.Desborough, M.Saunders & G.Durrant 15-26.

Datchworth 50 Co-Op Luton 77
On Tuesday afternoon Co-Op Luton were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green for a Mixed Friendly and they beat their hosts by 77 shots to 50. Pauline Whybrow, Phil Berry and Skip Alan Wybrow lost twice as many ends than they won in their 7 shots to 19 defeat. It was the reverse for David Stock and Debra Freeman, who shared their game, Alan Curtis and Skip Graham Akers as they won twice as many ends than they lost in their 22 shots to 14 win. Jim Whittle, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Harper lost the first four ends, to trail 0-6, and they never got back in the hunt, losing by 11 shots to 20. It was a close game for the first fourteen ends for Jean Curtis, Maureen Blunt and Skip Julian Hales when the scores were level at 10 shots apiece. But they then lost the closing four ends to lose by 10 shots to 24.
P.Whybrow, P.Berry & A.Wybrow lost to K.Brooks, M.Howarth & M.Brooks 7-19; D.Stock (D.Freeman), A.Curtis & G.Akers beat R.Hough, M.Vick & M.Vardy 22-14; J.Whittle, J.Akers & R.Harper lost to A.Clifford, T.Phillips & M.Webb 11-20; J.Curtis, M.Blunt & J.Hales lost to A.Grace, P.Hart & M.Hubbocks 10-24.

Datchworth 30 Parkside Woods 33
There was a close encounter of the bowls kind on Wednesday night at W.G.C’s K.G.V green when our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team took on Parkside Woods in a match that ended in a 33 shot to 30 home win. Jan Smith, Daniel Williams and Skip Ian Green went from 3 shots apiece after four ends, to 10 shots to 3 down after ten ends. They fought back to lead 14-13 with one end to play, only to drop a shot on that end, to draw their game 14 shots apiece. Alfie Williams, Lucy Williams and Skip Keith Smith lost the first four ends, to trail 0-7. They too fought back to cut that deficit to 13-11 after twelve ends and to lead 16-15 after sixteen ends. They then lost the closing two ends to lose by 16 shots to 19.
J.Smith, D.Williams & I.Green drew with I.Warner, V.Hockley & B.Christianson 14 all; A.Williams, L.Williams & K.Smith lost to T.Wilkinson, E.Burke & L.Clarke 16-19.

Datchworth Gold 23 W.G.C. Tigers 40
On Thursday night our Gold team travelled to W.G.C’s Digswell Park’s green to play W.G.C. Tigers in an East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and were beaten by 40 shots to 23. Alan Curtis, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain were involved in a close game for ten ends when they were just 8-11 down. After that they only won three of the remaining eight ends to lose by 13 shots to 21. It was a similar story for Phil Holzbauer, Daniel Williams and Skip Richard Harper. They 8-9 down after eleven ends and then only won one of the remaining seven ends as they too were beaten, by 19 shots to 10.
A.Curtis, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain lost to D.Reed, G.Frost & A.Bradford 13-21; P.Holzbauer, D.Williams & R.Harper lost to I.Stone, T.Stuart & R.West 10-19.

Datchworth 48 Welwyn Wanderers 23
On Friday night our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team were in action again; this time they played Welwyn Wanderers in the League’s Jubilee Cup, with one Rink at home and one away they won by 48 shots to 25. At our Turkey Farm green Barbara Williams, Janet Akers, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain had a close game for the first eleven ends when they were just 11-10 ahead. They then lost just two of the remaining ends as they ran out winners by 23 shots to 12. At Welwyn’s Ottway Walk green Maureen Blunt, Jan Smith, Keith Smith and Skip Terry Metcalf won the first five ends, to lead 7-0. They never lost the lead after that and eventually ran out winners by 25 shots to 13.
B.Williams, J.Akers, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain beat A.Beattie, S.Bassett, N.Clarke & A.Beattie 23-12; M.Blunt, J.Smith, K.Smith & T.Metcalf beat C.Moore, B.Bennett, S.Grimmant & P.Bowyer 25-13.

Datchworth 48 Harperbury 65
On Sunday afternoon we travelled just over the M25 to play Harperbury in a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 65 shots to 48. Ann Edwards, Julian Hales and Skip Rob Hazeu had a close game. They lost the lead on the third end and remained behind until they picked up five shots on the tenth end, to lead 8-7. They extended their lead to 15-9 with three ends to play. They lost those three ends but held on to win by 15 shots to 13. Barbara Williams, Alan Curtis and Skip Steve Arnold had an awful game, they could not find their line or length and only managed to win four ends as they crashed to a 26 shots to 4 loss. Maureen Blunt, Ian Williams and Skip Derek Henley took the lead on the seventh end and held onto it till the end, winning by 15 shots to 11. Jean Curtis, Ian Green and Skip Clyde Martindill had the closest game of the four played. Their scores were level five times. The fifth being when they dropped a shot on the penultimate end to be pegged back to 14 shots apiece. They dropped another shot on the final end to lose by 14 shots to 15.
A.Edwards, J.Hales & R.Hazeu beat A.Wilsher, R.Brown & J.Taylor 15-13; B.Williams, A.Curtis & S.Arnold lost to S.Eames, G.Neville & J.Alsop 4-26; M.Blunt, I.Williams & D.Henley beat M.McGarrigle, T.Plummer & N.Crosby 15-11; J.Curtis, I.Green & C.Martindill lost to F.Marstin, L.Anderson & D.Leggatt 14-15.

Website Report for week ending 1st June 2025.

There was a Triple Header to start the week of bowling for our bowlers at our Turkey Farm green on quite a miserable rainy Tuesday night with both of our East Herts Bowls League teams and our Women’s County League team in action.

Datchworth Blue 28 Hertford 34
Our Blue team were up against Hertford in a Division 1 match and were beaten by 34 shots to 28. Graham Akers, Steve Arnold and Skip Derek Henley dropped five shots on the third end, to trail 1-6. They remained behind for the rest of their game until they picked up three shots on the final end to turn a 13 shot to 15 deficit into a 16 shot to 15 win. Despite sharing the eighteen ends equally, Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Jim Smith lost by 12 shots to 19, as they only picked up single shots on all but one of the ends they won, while dropping multiple shots on all but two of the ends they lost.
G.Akers, S.Arnold & D.Henley beat C.Sage, M.Toynton & V.Greenberg 16-15; D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & J.Smith lost to S.Lloyd, M.Rowe & G.Warrender 12-19.

Datchworth Gold 24 Buntingford Buffaloes 39
Our Gold team were up against Buntingford Buffaloes in a Division 2 match and were beaten by 39 shots to 24. Ian Green, Keith Smith and Skip Terry Metcalf lost the lead on the second end, drew level on the ninth end and lost it again on the tenth end. They then remained behind until they lost by 15 shots to 19. Phil Holzbauer, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Chamberlain’s game followed a similar path as they lost the lead on the fourth end, drew level on the ninth end and lost it again on the tenth end. They then remained behind until they lost by 9 shots to 20.
I.Green, K.Smith & T.Metcalf lost to G.Higgins, I.Hopper & R.Penton 15-19; P.Holzbauer, I.Williams & S.Chamberlain lost to T.Hutchinson, M.Zolnierowicz & D.Baxter 9-20.

Datchworth Women 15 Buntingford 2 Women 9
Our Women were up against Buntingford 2 in their first Women’s County League match of the season and beat them by 15 shots to 9. They won the first seven ends, to lead 9-0. They held onto that lead to win by 15 shots to 9 despite losing the closing four ends.
J.Smith, J.Akers, J.Holzbauer & C.Hills beat S.Batchelor, E.Cunningham, C.Greaves & H.Penton 15-9.

Datchworth 45 North Herts 58
On Wednesday afternoon we travelled for the first of three visits this week to Letchworth to play North Herts at their Norton Common green, in a Mixed Friendly, and were beaten by 58 shots to 45. Mike Usher, Sue Ellis and Skip Graham Akers led 10-6 at the tea-break. After the break they lost all but the last end and as a result they lost by 12 shots to 19. Jim Whittle, Ian Bartlett and Skip Terry Metcalf led 7-6 at the tea-break but won just two ends after the break to duplicate the same 12-19 loss. John Ellis, Ann Edwards and Skip Phil Holzbauer were involved in close encounter. The scores were level at 10 all at the tea-break. They then trailed 12-20 five ends after the break before they won the closing four ends to snatch a 21 shot to 20 win after picking up one shot on the final end.
M.Usher, S.Ellis & G.Akers lost to B.Gilder, J.Atkinson & J.Tebbutt 12-19; J.Whittle, I.Bartlett & T.Metcalf lost to B.Higgs, C.Tory & P.Riseborough 12-19; J.Ellis, A.Edwards & P.Holzbauer beat S.Douglas, D.Gilder & A.Denniss 21-20.

Datchworth Gold v Whit Hern Red
This match, on Thursday night, was postponed, with the agreement of the Whit Hern team, due to the late withdrawal of one of our Gold team’s only available six players, and will be re-arranged for later in the season.

Datchworth 42 Whitethorn 57
On Saturday afternoon our bowlers were back in Letchworth, this time to play Whitethorn in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were beaten by 57 shots to 42. Sue Ellis, Phil Holzbauer, Keith Smith and Skip Graham Akers were level for the third time, at 9 shots apiece after eleven ends. After that they only managed to win two ends as they lost by 11 shots to 19. Jan Smith, John Ellis, David Castle and Skip Steve Arnold lost five ends in a row, to go from 3-1 up after three ends, to 3-13 down after eight ends. They then shared the remaining ten ends equally as the lost by 11 shots to 20. Datchworth’s only winning Rink was that of Janet Akers, Ann Edwards, Chris Hills and Skip Rob Hazeu. They trailed from the third end till they picked up 5 shots on the thirteenth end, to lead 14-13. They then won two of the closing five ends, picking up 4 shots on the final end to come from 16-18 down to win by 20 shots to 18.
S.Ellis, P.Holzbauer, K.Smith & G.Akers lost to J.Shepherd, P.Newsted, C.Conley & S.Worsley 11-19; J.Smith, J.Ellis, D.Castle & S.Arnold lost to J.Snape, J.Davies, B.Snape & C.Morley 11-20;J.Akers, A.Edwards, C.Hills & R.Hazeu beat R.Devine, L.Morley, D.Nicholls & T.Pinchin 20-18.

Datchworth 37 Howard Garden 57
Our third visit of the week to Letchworth on Sunday afternoon did not end well for us as we lost by 37 shots to 48 to Howard Garden in our second Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match of the weekend. Maureen Blunt, Terry Metcalf, George Campbell and Skip Steve Chamberlain shared the ends equally and they went into the final all square at 14 shots apiece. They dropped a shot on the final end to lose by 14 shots to 15. Jan Smith, Richard Harper, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold were 0-7 down after just three ends. They then fought back to 7-8 down after eleven ends, after shortening the Jack length. But after losing the twelfth end, the home team lengthened the Jack length and stretched their lead to 17-7, before winning the game by 20 shots to 9. Barbara Williams, Alan Curtis, Keith Smith and Skip Jim Smith went 8-0 down after five ends. They then won the next seven ends, to lead 10-8. They then lost four of the remaining ends but held on to win by 14 shots to 13.
M.Blunt, T.Metcalf, G.Campbell & S.Chamberlain beat M.Carrod, M.Bell, D.Weemys & P.Billson 14-15; J.Smith, R.Harper, I.Williams & S.Arnold lost to A.Abery, S.Jordon, J.Carrod & T.Wood 9-20; B.Williams, A.Curtis, K.Smith & J.Smith beat A.Bell, M.Abery, G.Liddle & I.Maxwell 14-13.

Website Report for week ending 8th June 2025.

Datchworth 42 Shire Park 52
On a somewhat miserable Tuesday afternoon Shire Park were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and in a shortened match they beat us by 52 shots to 42. There was never more than a shot between the sides in the game involving Debra Freeman, Alan Wybrow and Skip Richard Harper until they dropped two shots on the twelfth end to trail 8-11. Both sides then picked up two shots on the closing two ends resulting in a 10 shot to 13 loss for our team. Linda Tyler, Alan Curtis and Skip Clyde Martindill only won four ends as they lost heavily by 4 shots to 18. Jean Curtis, Terry Metcalf and Skip Maurice Gordon won the end-count 8-6 as they edged their game by 12 shots to 9. David Stock, David Castle and Skip Steve Arnold trailed 4-8 after eight ends before they won all but two of the closing six ends to come from behind to win by 16 shots to 12.
D.Freeman, A.Wybrow & R.Harper lost to C.Wright, A.Childs & B.Draycott 10-13; L.Tyler, A.Curtis & C.Martindill lost to C.Goode, B.Sinfield & G.Edwards 4-18; J.Curtis, T.Metcalf & M.Gordon beat .Watts, B.Kleiser & R.Kenway 12-9; D.Stock, D.Castle & S.Arnold beat R.Adams, B.Griffiths & L.Draycott 16-12.

Both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action on Wednesday night; our Division 1 Blue team were away to Potters Bar Glyders and our Division 2 Gold team were at home to Aston.

Datchworth Blue 34 Potters Bar Glyders 30
At Potters Bar our Blue team won by 34 shots to 30. Derek Henley, Jim Smith and Skip Les Parsley picked up three shots on the sixth end, to lead 5-3. It was a lead they only increased as they picked up a four and a five over the remaining ends to win by 19 shots to 9. Dickie Jackson, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills led 6-0 after just two ends, but they found themselves 9-12 down after ten ends. They then won the next three ends to lead 14-12, but won just one more end, the last end, to lose by 15 shots to 21.
D.Henley, J.Smith & L.Parsley beat D.Arnold, B.Bowman & J.Southwell 19-9; D.Jackson, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to D.Salmon, T.Sidi & B.Maule 15-21.

Datchworth Gold 35 Aston 48
At our Turkey Farm green our Gold team lost by 35 shots to 48. Alan Curtis, Julian Hales & Skip Terry Metcalf lead 4-0 after two ends and they led until they were caught at 9 shots apiece after eleven ends, lost the lead on the twelfth end before taking the lead again on the thirteenth. They then held onto the lead to win by 18 shots to 13. Andy Pattle, Ian Williams and Skip Keith Smith dropped a six on the first end and briefly took the lead 12-11 on the sixth end. They then collapsed, winning just two of the remaining twelve ends, to be heavily beaten by 35 shots to 17.
A.Curtis, J.Hales & T.Metcalf beat M.Jennings, J.Morgan & S.Mahoney 18-13; A.Pattle, I.Williams & K.Smith lost to E.O’Hanlon, M.Allington & D.Noble 17-35.

Datchworth 24 W.G.C. Crusaders 35
On Thursday night our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team travelled to W.G.C’s Digswell Park to play W.G.C’s Crusaders and were beaten by 35 shots to 24. Roger Tomlinson, Alan Curtis and Skip Ian Williams only lost four more ends than they won, but thanks to dropping several multiple shots they lost by 10 shots to 23. Jan Smith, Terry Metcalf and Skip Richard Harper trailed for all but one of the first fifteen ends before they drew level, at 12 shots apiece on the sixteenth end. They then won the closing two ends to edge the win by 14 shots to 12.
R.Tomlinson, A.Curtis & I.Williams lost to D.Jones, D.Read & C.Avery 10-23; J.Smith, T.Metcalf & R.Harper beat R.Hayden, E.Davies & P.Blurton 14-12.

Datchworth 54 Townsend 58
Friday afternoon saw Townsend visit the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly and they returned home after a narrow 58 shots to 54 win. Linda Tyler, Ian Williams and Skip Clyde Martindill were 3-1 up after three ends, but then lost the next seven ends, to trail 3-11. They shared the remaining eight ends equally and lost by 8 shots to 17. Mike Usher, Maureen Blunt and Skip Graham Akers picked up five shots on the fifth end, to lead 9-1. They held onto their lead, although their lead was gradually reduced, until they ended up winning by the odd shot, 18-17. Barbara Williams, Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold had a nip and tuck game for fourteen ends, before they lost the closing four ends to lose by 11 shots to 14. Roger Tomlinson, Janet Akers and Skip Jim Smith won the first five ends, to lead 6-0. It was a lead they never lost as they ran out winners by 17 shots to 10.
L.Tyler, I.Williams & C.Martindill lost to R.Morgan, A.Alcock & L.Perkins 8-17; M.Usher, M.Blunt & G.Akers beat P.Hawkyard, B.Padget & T.Marriott 18-17; B.Williams, R.Harper & S.Arnold lost to R.Ransted, B.Lawrie & I.Forster 11-14; R.Tomlinson, J.Akers & J.Smith beat P.Waller, J.Metcalfe & G.Williamson 17-10.

Saturday’s home Mixed Friendly match, against Buntingford, was called off in the morning due to the predicted afternoon weather being that of heavy rain and thunder storms. Which, of course, never materialized. The only rain we had in Datchworth came late in the afternoon. Which, if we had played, would have come with only a couple of ends to play.

On Sunday we played our Club Open Fours competition, with two matches played in the morning session and two Semi Finals being played in the afternoon session. In the morning session Andy Pattle, Ruby Williams (the youngest of the Williams family playing in the competition), Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold beat Lucy Williams (Ruby and Alfie’s mother), David Castle, Daniel Williams (Ruby and Alfie’s father) and Skip Derek Henley 22-17 and Jan Smith, Richard Harper, Ian Williams (Daniel’s father) and Skip Les Parsley beat Maureen Blunt, Ann Edwards, Ian Bartlett and Skip Keith Smith 23-19. In the first Semi Final Jan Smith, Richard Harper, Ian Williams and Skip Les Parsley beat Linda Tyler, Alfie Williams (Ruby’s elder brother), Terry Metcalf and Skip Jim Smith (no relation to the other two Smiths) 22-16. In the second Semi Final Andy Pattle, Ruby Williams, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold beat Barbara Williams (Daniel’s mother), Janet Akers, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Graham Akers 19-16. The two winning Semi Finalists now go on to play each other in the Club Finals over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th August.

Website Report for week ending 15th June 2025.

Datchworth 30 Hatfield 36
Another busy week of bowling for our bowlers started on Monday night when our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team travelled to play Hatfield in a Division 2 match and were beaten by 36 shots to 30. Janet Akers, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Keith Smith were level for the second time at 3 shots apiece after five ends. They then dropped two shots on the sixth end, to trail 3-5. They never regained the lead after that and after losing the closing five ends, they lost by 10 shots to 21. Rachel Jones, Ann Edwards and Skip Terry Metcalf lost the first two ends before winning the next two ends, to lead 6-5. They then lost the following three ends, to trail 6-10. They then won eight of the remaining eleven ends to win by 20 shots to 15.
J.Akers, P.Holzbauer & K.Smith lost to D.Nash, M.Purcell & A.Edwards 10-21; R.Jones, A.Edwards & T.Metcalf beat P.Bladd, G.Lees & T.Kingsury 20-15.

Datchworth 46 Hitchin Town 85
We travelled to Hitchin on Tuesday afternoon for a Mixed Friendly match and as we were one player short the match was made up of three Triples and one Pair. In the Pairs game Jenny Holzbauer and Terry Metcalf won the first four ends, to lead 4-1 and remained in front until they dropped two shots on the fourteenth end, to trail 11-12. They then won just one of the closing ends and lost by 12 shots to 17. Roger Tomlinson, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Chris Hills won the first end then lost the following eleven ends, to trail 1-19. They then won four of the closing six ends but still lost by 10 shots to 21. David Stock, Ann Edwards and Skip Graham Akers won just five ends as they lost by 14 shots to 31. Debra Freeman, Janet Akers and Skip Derek Henley dropped five shots on the third end, to trail 1-6, they never recovered from that as they lost by 10 shots to 16.
J.Holzbauer & T.Metcalf lost to T.Loosemore & K.Spendlow 12-17; R.Tomlinson, P.Holzbauer & C.Hills lost to D.Welch, G.Goulding & D.Hare 10-21; D.Stock, A.Edwards & G.Akers lost to M.Wells, S.Little & M.Prentice 14-31; D.Freeman, J.Akers & D.Henley lost to L.Martin, K.Loosemore & B.Young 10-16.

On Wednesday night our bowlers were involved in two matches; our East Herts Bowls League Division 1 Blue team travelled to Ware to take on their Maltsters team and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 team took on W.G.C. Crusaders at our Turkey Farm green.

Datchworth Blue 33 Ware Maltsters 29
Dickie Jackson, Les Parsley and Skip Jim Smith won seven ends in a row from the fourth to the tenth end, to lead 16-5. Despite winning just three of the remaining five ends they held onto their lead to win by 19 shots to 13. Steve Arnold, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills came from 3-7 down after six ends to 11 shots apiece after thirteen ends. They then won just one of the closing five ends to lose by 16 shots to 14.
D.jackson, L.Parsley & J.Smith beat T.Allen, G.Conn & M.Dudley 19-13; S.Arnold, D.Henley & P.Hills lost to S.Emmett, B.Hammond & M.Judd 14-16.

Datchworth 25 W.G.C. Crusaders 36
At our Turkey Farm green our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team lost by 25 shots to 36. Phil Holzbauer, Chris Hills and Skip Terry Metcalf lead 8-1 after five ends before they won just four of the remaining thirteen ends to lose by 12 shots to 18. It was a similar score for Alfie Williams, Jan Smith and Skip Keith Smith shared the first fourteen ends equally and shared the scores equally at 13 shots apiece. They lost the remaining four ends to lose by 13 shots to 18.
P.Holzbauer, C.Hills & T.Metcalf lost to B.Stewart, C.Smith & E.Davies 12-18; A.Williams, J.Smith & K.Smith lost to B.Jones & D.Jones & K.Chamberlain 13-18.

Both of our matches on Thursday night were not played for various reasons. Our Gold team’s match, with agreement of their Cheshunt’s agreement, was postponed because of late withdrawal meant they could not field a full team and will be played later in the season. Our ladies North Herts Women’s Bowling Association’s match was cancelled as Riverain, their opponents, have withdrawn from the Association’s league matches due to lack of lady members.

Datchworth 78 Standon and Puckeridge 46
On Friday night we travelled to Standon and Puckeridge for a Mixed Friendly and won by 78 shots to 46. Jenny Holzbauer, Richard Brewster and Skip Graham Akers could do no wrong as they overwhelmed the home team triple by 31 shots to 5. Phil Holzbauer, Lucy Williams and Skip Les Parsley had a close game for eleven ends, when they led 9-8. After that they only won one more end as they lost by 11 shots to 17. Alfie Williams, Jan Smith and Skip Derek Henley were 5-11 down after ten ends. They fought back, winning all but three of the closing eight ends and lost by the odd shot 13-14. Anna Pattle, Keith Smith and Skip Steve Arnold were 7-9 down after eleven ends. They then picked up five shots on the twelfth end, to lead 12-9. They then won all but one of the remaining six ends to win by 23 shots to 10.
J.Holzbauer, R.Brewster & G.Akers beat H.Jones, G.Gomez & R.Blakes 31-5; P.Holzbauer, L.Williams & L.Parsley lost to J.Gomez, J.Hatherly & J.Swann 11-17; A.Williams, J.Smith & D.Henley lost to A.Edwards, P.Mumford & R.Granville 13-14; A.Pattle, K.Smith & S.Arnold beat J.Granville, T.Pointer & A.Mansfield 23-10.

Datchworth 38 St Ippolytts 52
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to St Ippolytts for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were beaten by 52 shots to 38. Jenny Holzbauer, Anna Pattle, Richard Harper and Skip Les Parsley trailed for ten of the first thirteen ends before they took the lead 13-12 on the fourteenth end. They then only won one more end and lost by 15 shots to 18. Andy Pattle, Phil Holzbauer, Janet Akers and Skip Derek Henley only won four ends as they were beaten by 24 shots to 6. Linda Tyler, Jan Smith, Keith Smith and Skip Graham Akers won the first two ends then lost the following five ends, to trail 5-9. They then won all but two of the remaining eleven ends to come from behind to win by 17-13.
J.Holzbauer, A.Pattle, R.Harper & L.Parsley lost to L.Johnstone, B.Impey, P.Moodey & K.Bounsall 15-18; A.Pattle, P.Holzbauer, J.Akers & D.Henley lost to D. Howard, R.Orchard, I.Hanks & C.Fosky 6-24; L.Tyler, J.Smith, K.Smith & G.Akers beat J.Dudley, H.Southall, D.Southall & C.Childs 17-13.

Sunday afternoon’s Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match away to Three Horseshoes was concede as we could not field a full team as it was Father’s Day.

Website Report for week ending 22nd June 2025.

Datchworth Men 1 point Buntingford Men 3 points
On Monday night our Men travelled to Buntingford to take their Men on in the County’s Team Ten competition and were beaten by 3 points to 1. In the Singles Keith Smith took on Ross Murphy. He took the lead on the third end and held onto that lead until he dropped four shots on the thirteenth end, to trail 10-13. He never regained the lead an eventually lost by 21 shots to 14. In the Pairs Graham Akers and Les Parsley were all square for the second time on the eighth end, at 8 shots apiece. They then picked up five shots on the next end and never lost it, as they won by 20 shots to 17. In the Triples Dickie Jackson, Derek Henley and Skip Jim Smith won just six ends in their 24 shots to 10 loss. It was worse for Mike Mahoney, Rob Hazeu, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills as they won just five ends in their 33 shots to 8 defeat.
K.Smith lost to R.Murphy 14-21; G.Akers & L.Parsley beat B.Bushell & S.Wake 20-17; D.Jackson, D.Henley & J.Smith lost to M.Nyquist, T.Keeling & G.Warrender 10-24; M.Mahoney, R.Hazeu, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to P.Joslyn, M.Zolnierowicz, M.Ball & M.Plume 8-33.

Datchworth 63 Letchworth Garden City 39
On Tuesday afternoon we travelled to play Letchworth Garden City, the current leaders of the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League, on their Norton Common green and beat them on all three rinks in our 63 shots to 39 win. Chris Hills, Ann Edwards, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Derek Henley built up a healthy 9-3 lead after eight ends and held onto it till they won by 20 shots to 14. In the game involving Janet Akers, Howard Carrick, Graham Akers and Skip Steve Arnold the lead changed hands for the fourth time when they picked up four shots on the twelfth end, to lead 14-11. They then won all but one of the remaining six ends to win by 23 shots to 13. Anna Pattle, Phil Berry, terry Metcalf and Skip Peter Hills won the first three ends, to lead 4-0, it was a lead they never lost as they won by 20 shots to 12.
C.Hills, A.Edwards, S.Chamberlain & D.Henley beat R.Bryant, L.Bailey, C.Ottaway & G.Rodgers 20-14; J.Akers, H.Carrick, G.Akers & S.Arnold beat M.Barker, D.Collier, C.Ottaway & T.Sinclair 23-13; A.Pattle, P.Berry, T.Metcalf & P.Hills beat S.Sinclair, T.Glynn, P.Bailey & H.Castle 20-12.

Datchworth 47 Kimpton 54
On Wednesday afternoon we were on our travels again when we travelled to Kimpton for a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 47 shots to 54. Debra Freeman, Janet Akers and Skip Ann Edwards only won five ends as they lost by 7 shots to 14. Jim Whittle, David Stock and Skip Graham Akers lost one more end than they won as they lost by one shot, 11-12. Annette Hutchinson, Richard Brewster and Skip Richard Harper dropped a six on the third end and try as they may they never recovered from that as they went on and lost by 13 shots to 18. Datchworth’s only winning Triple was that of Richard Hutchinson, Bob Bailey (A Kimpton member playing for Datchworth to make up their numbers) and Skip Steve Arnold They trailed from the start but got back to all square at 9 shots apiece after ten ends. They then went on to win all but one of the remaining ends to win by 16 shots to 10.
D.Freeman, J.Akers & A.Edwards lost to B.Edwards, L.Donovan & A.Brown 7-14; J.Whittle, D.Stock & G.Akers lost to B.Kazwini, J.Littlefield & M.Saunders 11-12; A.Hutchinson, R.Brewster & R.Harper lost to T.Cotton, G.Rumball & W.Phillips 13-18; R.Hutchinson, B.Bailey & S.Arnold beat C.Bailey, C.Saunders & A.Fitzjohn 16-10.
Datchworth 22 Bengeo 44
Our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team travelled to Bengeo for a Division 2 League match on Thursday night and were beaten by 22 shots to 44. Andy Pattle, Phil Berry and Skip Terry Metcalf were 6-4 ahead after seven ends but four ends later they were 6-15 down after dropping seven shots on the eleventh end. They remained behind from there until they lost by 9 shots to 18. Nicki Berry, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Ian Green Had a close game for the first twelve ends when the scores were all square at ten shots apiece. Things went downhill from here as they only won one more end and dropped sixteen shots to lose by 13 shots to 26.
A.Pattle, P.Berry & T.Metcalf lost to T.Barber, C.Storey & J.Glasscock 9-18; N.Berry, P.Holzbauer & I.Green lost to K.White, P.Glasscock & A.Brown 13-26.

Two of our matches on Friday night, the North Herts Women’s Bowling Association match away to St Ippolytts and the Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 match at home to Parkside Woods, were postponed on Friday night due to the high temperatures and will be played later in the season. The only match to be played was our Blue team’s match against W.G.C. Lions in the East Herts Bowls League Division 1.

Datchworth Blue 14 W.G.C. Lions 53
This match ended in a heavy 14 shot to 53 defeat for our Blue team, as neither Triple could lay a hand on their opposition. Graham Akers, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills won six ends as they crashed to a 7 shot to 26 loss. Dickie Jackson, Les Parsley and Skip Jim Smith won just five ends as they too crashed to a 7 shot to 27 loss.
G.Akers, D.Henley & P.Hills lost to J.Gibbs, R.Avery & G.Walton 7-26; D.Jackson, L.Parsley & J.Smith lost to J.Molson, K.Chamberlain & N.Sharp 7-27.

On Saturday Datchworth’s Turkey Farm green was the venue for the County’s East Area Round of their Men’s 2 Wood Singles competition where Ross Murphy and Richard Foster, from Buntingford Bowls Club, and Kevin Tyrrell and Bob Cockman, from Sawbridgeworth Bowls Club won their way through to the County Last 16 Round to be played at Northaw and Cuffley on the 11th July.

On Sunday we played our Mixed Triples competition. We played the Quarter Finals in the morning and the Semi Finals in the afternoon. From these Chris Hills, Graham Akers and Skip Les Parsley, along with Jenny Holzbauer, Rob Hazeu and Skip Jim Smith won their way through to the Club Finals over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th August.

Website Report for week ending 29th June 2025.

Datchworth Blue 29 Rye Park Rangers 38
On Monday night Rye Park Rangers were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for an East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and the Blue team by 38 shots to 29. Dickie Jackson, Clyde Martindill and Skip Les Parsley won four of the first seven ends but trailed by the odd shot 5-6. They then won five of the closing seven ends, but they lost the intervening five ends which contributed to their 13 shots to 21 defeat. Rob Hazeu, Steve Arnold and Skip Jim Smith won the first four ends, to lead 8-2 and held that lead until the final end, when they dropped two shots to lose by 16 shots to 17.
D.Jackson, C.Martindill & L.Parsley lost to T.Pook, B.Metzner & A.Adkins 13-21; R.Hazeu, S.Arnold & J.Smith lost to T.Eldridge, C.Milner & M.Towers 16-17.

Datchworth 62 Hitchin Town 37
On Tuesday night we travelled to Hitchin’s Bancroft Park green to play them in Round 2 of the County’s Club Championship Knock Out competition and beat them by 62 shots to 37. Graham Akers, Alfie Williams, Steve Arnold and Skip Les Parsley won six ends in a row, from the eighth to the thirteenth end, to go from 7 shots apiece to 14-7 ahead. They then won all but two of the closing five ends to win by 19 shots to 12. Keith Smith, Rob Hazeu, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills only lost five ends as they won comfortably by 28 shots to 10. Dickie Jackson, Steve Chamberlain, Derek Henley and Skip Jim Smith had a topsy turvy game where the lead changed five times over the first thirteen ends and with three ends to play, they were 11-15 down. They won those three ends and drew their game by 15 shots apiece.
G.Akers, A.Williams, S.Arnold & L.Parsley beat L.Morris, K.Loosemore, S.Little & P.McKenzie 19-12; K.Smith, R.Hazeu, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat T.Loosemore, B.Richards, R.Gardner & B.Joshua 28-10; D.Jackson, S.Chamberlain, D.Henley & J.Smith drew with G.Goulding, A.Hill, B.Young & M.Prentice 15 all.

Datchworth Gold 29 Welwyn Bucks 30
On Wednesday night Welwyn Bucks were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for an East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and beat the Gold team by the narrowest of margins, one shot, 30 shots to 29. Alan Wybrow, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Chamberlain won the first six ends to lead 11-0. After that the lost the remaining twelve ends 5-7, but they held on to their lead to win by 21 shots to 10. Alan Curtis, Keith Smith and Skip Terry Metcalf only won six ends as they lost by 8 shots to 20.
A.Wybrow, J.Hales & S.Chamberlain beat I.Cogger, D.Blakes & M.Reeves 21-10; A.Curtis, K.Smith & T.Metcalf lost to D.Humphreys, J.Brown & C.Read 8-20.

Datchworth 37 Jesters 31
Hertford Castle’s Jesters team were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green on Thursday night for a Division 2 Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League match and were beaten by 37 shots to 31. Rachel Jones, Jan Smith and Skip Terry Metcalf led 11-2 after six ends and 17-7 after thirteen ends. They then lost the closing five ends but held on to their lead to win by 17 shots to 15. Janet Akers, Julian Hales and Skip Chris Hills were 3-9 down after seven ends, 8-13 down after twelve ends and 12-16 down after fourteen ends. They then won the closing four ends to come from behind to win by 20 shots 16.
R.Jones, J.Smith & T.Metcalf beat J.Bracey, M.Clay & K.Leatham 17-15; J.Akers, J.Hales & C.Hills beat D.Crodon, A.Martin & J.Arber 20-16.

Datchworth 73 Stevenage Town 65
There was another Knock Out competition for our bowlers on Saturday afternoon when we took on Stevenage Town in the 1st Round of the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League Knock Out competition; with two Mixed Triples at home and two away we beat them by 73 shots to 65. At our Turkey Farm green Janet Akers, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills were 8-11 down after nine ends, then they fought back to win all but three of the closing nine ends to win by the odd shot 18-17. Chris Hills, Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley picked up five shots on the fifth end, to lead 8-4. They never looked back after that winning all but four of the remaining thirteen ends to win by 24 shots to 10. At Stevenage Town’s Sish Lane green Pauline Whybrow, Alan Curtis and Skip Steve Chamberlain were level for the second time at eight shots apiece after eleven ends. They lost the next three ends, to go 8-15 down. Despite winning three of the final four ends, they lost by 13 shots to 18. Jean Curtis, Dickie Jackson and Skip Richard Harper dropped a seven on the third end, to go 1-9 down. They worked hard and got within one shot at 14-15 after fourteen ends. Although they shared the closing four ends equally, they still lost by 18 shots to 20.
J.Akers, S.Arnold & P.Hills beat L.Higgs, J.Reeves & D.Daintree 18-17; C.Hills, G.Akers & D.Henley beat P.Kent, T.Kent & S.Wilson 24-10; P.Whybrow, A.Curtis & S.Chamberlain lost to A.North, S.Winter & J.Winter 13-18; J.Curtis, D.Jackson & R.Harper lost to B.North, R.Gasson & K.Smith 18-20.

Datchworth v Royston
This Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match on Sunday afternoon was postponed due to the hot weather forecast. It will be played later in the season.

Website Report for week ending 6th July 2025.

On Tuesday night there should have been three matches for our bowlers but only one was played as our Gold team’s East Herts Bowls League Division 2 home match against Stevenage Reds was postponed, at the request of the Stevenage team, because of the forecast high temperatures. Our Ladies’ North Herts Women’s Bowling Association’s league match was cancelled as Three Horseshoes have withdrawn their team. That left our Blue team’s East Herts Bowls League Division 1 match, against Northaw & Cuffley, as the only one to be played.

Datchworth Blue 40 Northaw & Cuffley 36
Northaw and Cuffley were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green and were beaten by 40 shots to 36. Graham Akers, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley did not find their line and length as well as their opponents did and as a result they were beaten by 19 shots to 10. By contrast, George Campbell, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills did find their line and length as they won the first four ends, to lead by 12 shots to 0. Their lead was 19-2 four ends later. Then their opposition got the Jack and changed its length which helped them reduce their lead to 19-10 after twelve ends. Going into the final end their lead was 27-17 and the overall team lead was just one shot, 37-36, after the other Triple’s game had finished. Before Peter Hills bowled his second wood Northaw & Cuffley held the shot and the overall score was level at 37 shots apiece. His second wood came into the head and with a couple of helpful deflections it picked up the Jack and moved it away from the holding shot and to two of his team’s woods. When his wood stopped his team held three shots. That situation remained unchanged after both Skips bowled their remaining woods and Peter Hills Triple won by 30 shots to 17 and the match was won by 40 shots to 36.
G.Akers, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to R.Heiden, D.Hurford & R.Barwick 10-19; G.Campbell, S.Arnold & P.Hills beat R.Munt, D.King & M.Bryant 30-17.

On Wednesday night our East Herts Bowls League team had a Bye in the 1st Round of the League’s Ranson Cup. This left the Women’s County League match away to Sele Farm as the only match to be played on Wednesday night.

Datchworth Ladies 2 Sele Farm Ladies 40
Our Ladies were completely overrun in a 40 shot to 2 defeat.
J.Akers, N.Berry, A.Pattle & A.Edwards lost to J.Parsley, H.J.Ottley, D.Pratt & E.Lundy 2-40.

Datchworth Gold 24 Rosedale 48
On Thursday night our Gold team took on Rosedale at our Turkey Farm green in an East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and were beaten by 48 shots to 24. Dave Castle, Andy Pattle and Skip Terry Metcalf had built up a lead of 15 shots to 8 with five ends to play. They lost those five ends and dropped seven shots in the process to draw their game 15 shots apiece. Alfie Williams, Daniel Williams and Skip Julian Hales had a disastrous start, losing the first nine ends, to go 0-25 down. They pulled themselves together somewhat and won four of the closing nine ends, but still lost heavily 9-33.
D.Castle, A.Pattle & T.Metcalf drew with B.Turner, D.Hayes & C.Dyer 15 all; A.Williams, D.Williams & J.Hales lost to J.Gorry, D.Earl & F.Cable 9-33.

Datchworth Ladies 11 Hertford 2 Ladies 19
On Friday night our Ladies were back in Hertford for another Women’s County League match, this time at Hertford’s Pegs Lane green to play Hertford 2 Ladies. Rachel Jones, Linda Tyler, Ann Edwards and Skip Jan Smith won three of the first four ends, to lead 6-1. They also won three of the closing four ends. But they lost the intervening ten ends. As a result, they lost by 11 shots to 19.
R.Jones, L.Tyler, A.Edwards & J.Smith lost to M.Whyley, T.Sage, A.Barrett & S.Winglove 11-19.

Datchworth 50 Riverain 58
On Saturday afternoon Riverain were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they beat us by 58 shots 70 50. The match result was basically determined over the closing two ends of each Triple. First, Linda Tyler, David Castle and Skip went into the final two ends all square at 14 shots apiece, after the Riverain Triple picked up one shot on the previous end to square the score. That meant they had the Jack. They changed the Mat position and picked up three shots on the penultimate end. Did the same on the final end and picked up five more shots to win by 22 shots to 14. Jim Whittle, Jan Smith and Skip George Campbell went into the penultimate all square at 12 shots apiece. They picked up five shots on the penultimate end, to lead 17-12. Only to drop a five on the final end to draw 17 shots apiece. That meant they had to play an extra end, which they lost. The last Triple to finish was that of Ian Tyler, Barbara Williams and Skip Keith Smith. They went into the final two ends 19-14 ahead. But they lost those two ends and drew their game 19 shots apiece. Which meant they too had to play an extra end. They won that; which meant that they match was won by Riverain by virtue of winning the only Triple that did not end in a draw by those eight shots 22-14.
L.Tyler, D.Castle & S.Arnold lost to R.Cocks, A.Pearson & D.Jefferies 14-22; J.Whittle, J.Smith & G.Campbell drew with B.Goodey, M.Myles & B.Mills 17 all; I.Tyler, B.Williams & K.Smith drew with J.Jarrett, T.Boon & A.Weaver 19 all.

On Sunday we held our Memorial Day; where we raise money to donate to the charity of choice of one of our past members. The money raised on the day will be donated to The British Heart Foundation, in memory of Jeff Nash. At the end of the day that was approaching a total of £300.00. In the afternoon eight Pairs played four Rounds of Round Robin bowling. With rain and thunder threatened at some point during the afternoon, we managed to miss the only shower we had, and it was a heavy one, as we were on our tea break. After the four Rounds of bowling the Pair of Steve Chamberlain and David Castle came out on top with 24 shots, closely followed by Nicki Berry and Peter Hill, with 22 shots, and Richard Brewster and Ian Green with 21 shots.

Website Report for week ending 13th July 2025.

Datchworth 43 Baldock Town 59
Our week of bowling started on Monday night when Baldock Town were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green for a 3rd Round tie in the County’s Club Championship and they beat us by 59 shots to 43. After picking up 5 shots on the seventh end, to lead 11-4, Keith Smith, Rob Hazeu, Mike Mahoney and Skip Peter Hills then won all but four of the remaining eleven ends to win by 23 shots to 12. Graham Akers, Steve Chamberlain, Steve Arnold and Les Parsley won only five ends as they lost heavily by 5 shots to 24. Dickie Jackson, Alan Curtis, Derek Henley and Skip Jim Smith were leading by 14 shots to 8, after they picked up five shots on the thirteenth end. After that they lost all but the final end to lose by 15 shots to 23.
K.Smith, R.Hazeu, M.Mahoney & P.Hills beat M.Roberts, L.Saunders, S.Andrews & J.Claydon 23-12; G.Akers, S.Chamberlain, S.Arnold & L.Parsley lost to B.Todd, S.Budge, P.Haskins & P.Andrews 5-24; D.Jackson, A.Curtis, D.Henley & J.Smith 15-23.

Datchworth 45 W.G.C. 70
On Tuesday afternoon we travelled to Digswell Park to play W.G.C. in a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 70 shots to 45. In the game involving Mike Usher, Barbara Williams and Skip Graham Akers the lead changed hands for the sixth time when they won the fifteenth end, to lead 12-11. They then lost the closing three ends to lose by 12 shots to 16. Debra Freeman, Ian Green and Skip Steve Arnold only won four ends as they lost heavily 7-26. David Stock, Janet Akers and Skip Terry Metcalf trailed from the fourth end until they won the fifteenth end to lead 11-10. They then lost the closing three ends to lose by 11 shots to 13. The lead changed hands for the fourth time in the game involving Howard Carrick, Ann Edwards and Skip George Campbell when they led 15-13 with two ends to play. They then lost those two ends and drew their game 15 shots apiece.
M.Usher, B.Williams & G.Akers lost to K.McNeil, A.Reed & J.McNeil 12-16; D.Freeman, I.Green & S.Arnold lost to L.Richardson, B.Stewart & J.Earnshaw 7-26; D.Stock, J.Akers & T.Metcalf lost to C.Gibbs, R.White & E.Avery 11-13, H.Carrick, A.Edwards & G.Campbell drew with M.Foulser, J.Norton & M.Pike 15 all.

Datchworth 30 Sele Farm 25
On Wednesday night Sele Farm were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 match and were beaten by 30 shots to 25. Pauline Whybrow, Alan Curtis and Skip Daniel Williams were level at 7 shots apiece after nine ends. They then won just three of the remaining nine ends and lost by 11 shots to 14. Lucy Williams, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Julian Hales were level at 10 shots apiece after eleven ends. They then won all but one of the remaining seven ends to win by 19 shots to 11.
P.Whybrow, A.Curtis & D.Williams lost to J.Parsley, I.Bosward & J.Parsley 11-14; L.Williams, P.Holzbauer & J.Hales beat B.Kirby, H.Ottley & S.Kelley 19-11.

Datchworth Ladies 37 Royston Ladies 32
On Thursday night our Ladies travelled to Royston to take on their counterparts in a North Herts Women’s Bowling Association League match and came away with a commendable 37 shots to 32 win. Rachel Jones, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Jan Smith picked up seven shots on the fourth end, to lead 11-1. They later picked up a total of 14 shots between the eleventh and fourteenth end, to stretch their lead to 27-14. The closing four ends were shared equally as they won by 29 shots to 17. Linda Tyler, Janet Akers and Skip Ann Edwards had a close game for thirteen ends, when the score was 8-7 in favour of the home team. They then won just one of the closing five ends to lose by 15 shots to 8.
R.Jones, J.Holzbauer & J.Smith beat T.Powell-Burley, M.White & R.Powell-Burley 29-17; L.Tyler, J.Akers & A.Edwards lost to J.Thompson, T.Grayson & J.Homer 8-15.

There should have been three matches for our bowlers on Friday night with our East Herts Bowls League Division 1 Blue team, our Division 2 Gold team and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team all in action. But our Gold team match was postponed because of the forecast high temperatures; meaning only two were played.

Datchworth Blue 28 Welwyn Stags 48
Our Blue team were away to Welwyn and District’s Stags team and were beaten by 48 shots to 28. The front end of Ian Bartlett, Clyde Martindill and Skip Derek Henley’s team were out-bowled, which contributed to them to be beaten by 31 shots to 11. After twelve ends George Campbell, Steve Arnold and Skip Jim Smith led 13-7. That lead was cut to 13-12 with three ends to play. They then picked up four shots on the next end, to lead 17-12 with two ends to play. But they followed that by losing the closing two ends, dropping five shots in the process, to draw their game 17 shots apiece.
I.Bartlett, C.Martindill & D.Henley lost to P.Bowyer, J.Oliver & C.Valle 11-31; G.Campbell, S.Arnold & J.Smith drew with L.Tye, K.Knowles & P.Jones 17 all.

Datchworth 45 Kimpton 32
Kimpton were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green and were beaten by 45 shots to 32. Rachel Jones, Barbara Williams and Skip Keith Smith lost just five ends as they ran out comfortable winners by 30 shots to 15. It was a different story for Janet Akers, Ann Edwards and Skip Jan Smith, as, despite winning the end-count 10-8 they dropped two 5s on their way to losing by 15 shots to 17.
R.Jones, B.Williams & K.Smith beat N.Burns, B.Kazwini & G.Durrant 30-15; J.Akers, A.Edwards & J.Smith lost to D.Desborough, L.Donovan & D.Truscott 15-17.

Datchworth 50 Aston 37
On Saturday afternoon we played our first of two away matches in the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League when we travelled to play Aston. We won by 50 shots to 37. Janet Akers, Phil Holzbauer, Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley picked up two successive fours in the sixth and seventh end, to lead 10-5. They held onto that lead until they dropped an unexpected six on the penultimate end, to be pegged back to 16 shots apiece. They then picked up three shots on the final end to win by 19 shots to 16. Jan Smith, Ian Williams, Keith Smith and Skip Peter Hills dropped five shots on the tenth end, to trail 6-15. They did win all but one of the closing ends, but it was not good enough to stop them losing by 13 shots to 14. Barbara Williams, Clyde Martindill, George Campbell and Skip Steve Arnold only lost four ends as they ran out winners by 18 shots to 7.
J.Akers, P.Holzbauer, G.Akers & D.Henley beat J.Warner, M.Hett, M.Chambers & D.Noble 19-16; J.Smith, I.Williams, K.Smith & P.Hills lost to M.Beahan, J.Buck, L.Smith & E.O’Hanlon 13-14; B.Williams, C.Martindill, G.Campbell & S.Arnold beat K.O’Hanlon, T.Phipps, M.Allington & S.Mahoney 18-7.

Datchworth 50 Knebworth 42
On Sunday afternoon it was a case of “It all changes after tea.” for our visit to Knebworth’s green. Janet Akers, John Ellis, Julian Hales and Skip Peter Hills were 5-16 down when they went in for tea, after ten ends. After tea they won five of the closing eight ends, to reduce their losing deficit to 15-20. Chris Hills, Sue Ellis, Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley went into tea 6-12 down. After tea they fought back to win all but two of the closing eight ends to draw their game 15 shots apiece. Then, according to the League Rules an extra end had to be played, which they won. Rachel Jones, Debra Freeman, George Campbell and Skip Steve Arnold went into tea 10-7 up, after picking up 5 shots on the tenth end. After tea they never lost an end and stretched their winning advantage to 20-7.
J.Akers, J.Ellis, J.Hales & P.Hills lost to P.Matthews, S.Smith, P.Veale & D.Percival 15-20; C.Hills, S.Ellis, G.Akers & D.Henley drew with C.MacLeod, R.Matthews, M.Sprigge & R.Davis 15 all; R.Jones, D.Freeman, G.Campbell & S.Arnold beat S.Corrigan, L.Ayre, J.MacNair & J.Matthews 20-7.

Website Report for week ending 20th July 2025.

Datchworth 66 Three Horseshoes 52
On Tuesday night our bowlers were involved in the Semi Final of the Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League Knock Out competition, with 2 Mixed Triples at home and 2 away, against Three Horseshoes they beat them by 66 shots to 52. At our Turkey Farm green Chris Hills, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Derek Henley led 10-5 after nine ends. Five ends later the scores were level at 13 shots apiece. They won, lost and then won the following three ends, to go into the final end at 15 shots apiece. They picked up two shots on the final end to win by 7 shots to 15. Barbara Williams, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills lost just four ends as they won by 20 shots to 4. At Three Horseshoes’ Broadhall Way green Rachel Jones, Graham Akers and Skip Les Parsley were all square at 8 shots apiece after eight ends, but three ends later they were 8-14 down. From there they remained behind until they lost 13-19. Pauline Whybrow, Janet Akers and Skip George Campbell trailed 0-6 after three ends before they fought back and were all square for the fourth time at 14 shots apiece on the penultimate end. They then picked up two shots on the final end to win by 16 shots to 14.
C.Hills, P.Holzbauer & D.Henley beat G.Waugh, A.Waugh & S.Roles 17-15; B.Williams, S.Arnold & P.Hills beat R.Hurst, K.Wilkinson & K.Lovelock 20-4; R.Jones, G.Akers & L.Parsley lost to M.Cooper, D.Briars & P.Dale 13-19; P.Whybrow, J.Akers & G.Campbell beat S.Cole, M.Pattison & C.Cole 16-14.

Datchworth v Harperbury
This Friendly match on Wednesday afternoon was called off as Harperbury could not field a full team.

Datchworth Blue 32 Rosehill Badgers 32
On Wednesday night our Blue team travelled to play Rosehill Badgers in an East Herts Bowls League Division 1 match and drew with them by 32 shots apiece. Dickie Jackson, Les Parsley and Skip Jim Smith went from 4-0 up to 4-9 down from the third end to the ninth end. From there they went from 11-13 down with three ends to play to win all of those three ends, to win by the odd shot 14-13. In the game involving Rob Hazeu, Derek Henley and Skip Peter Hills the lead changed hands for the fourth time on the thirteenth end after they picked up four shots to lead 15-12. On the fifteenth end they dropped five shots to trail 16-17. They finished their game by picking up one shot on the final end to lose by 18 shots to 19.
D.Jackson, L.Parsley & J.Smith beat B.Saint, R.Pateman & S.Ayton 14-13; R.Hazeu, D.Henley & P.Hills lost D.Kenton, N.Elmes & P.Shemilt 18-19.

Datchworth Blue 37 Ware Wolves 28
Our Blue team were in action again on Friday night, this time at home to Ware Wolves and, with the match being played on probably our two trickiest rinks, beat them by 37 shots to 28. Graham Akers, Les Parsley and Skip Jim Smith trailed 1-4 after four ends, then, four ends later, after getting to grips with their line and length, they led 8-4. They remained in the lead after that and by picking up four shots three times over the closing six ends increased their lead to win by 24 shots to 11. Derek Henley, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills struggled to find the right line and length on their rink as they trailed 0-5 after three ends. They were all square at 5 shots apiece after six ends. They then continued struggling to find the right line and length as they lost seven of the remaining twelve ends and lost by 13 shots to 17.
G.Akers, L.Parsley & J.Smith beat C.Britten, M.Bentley & A.Franklin 24-11; D.Henley, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to R.Carter, S.Ellis & N.Walker 13-17.

Datchworth v Hitchin Town
This Friendly match on Saturday afternoon was called off in the morning because of the forecast of heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

Datchworth 80 Sele Farm 89
Datchworth travelled to Hertford’s Hartham to play Sele Farm in a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 89 shots to 80. In the game involving Howard Carrick, Rachel Jones and Skip Derek Henley the lead changed hands for the fifth time when they dropped three shots on the fourteenth end to trail 17-20. The lead changed for the sixth and final time when they picked up two shots on the final end to win by 22 shots to 21. Jim Whittle, Alan Curtis and Skip Les Parsley, up against a Triple Skipped by his brother Jim, dropped four shots on the third end, to trail 1-5. They remained behind for the rest of their game until they lost by 12 shots to 18. Jean Curtis, David Castle and Skip Jim Smith won six of the first seven ends, to lead 7-1. They then lost the next seven ends to trail 7-18. They finished by winning the closing four ends to reduce their losing deficit to 15-18. Linda Tyler, Dickie Jackson and Skip Alan Wybrow lost the first five ends and trailed 0-8. They followed that by winning all but five of the remaining thirteen ends to reduce their losing deficit to 14-16. Jenny and Phil Holzbauer and Skip Richard Harper had a close game throughout, with never more than three shots separating the sides until they dropped four shots on the sixteenth end, to trail 11-16. From there they won the closing two end and by picking up two shots on the final ends they edged a close game by the odd shot, 17-16.
H.Carrick, R.Jones & D.Henley beat M.Sell, H.Ottley & E.Lundy 22-21; J.Whittle, A.Curtis & L.Parsley lost to K.Barringer, B.Kirby & J.Parsley 12-18; J.Curtis, D.Castle & J.Smith lost to O.Mitchell, B.Karn & H.Wright 15-18; L.Tyler, D.Jackson & A.Wybrow lost to M.Bennion, I.Shelley & J.Lake 14-16; J.Holzbauer, P.Holzbauer & R.Harper beat C.Reeve, I.Bosward & P.Dougherty 17-16.

Website Report for week ending 27th July 2025.

On Monday night our busy week of bowling started with two matches, our East Herts Bowls League Division 2 Gold team travelled to Cheshunt to play Whit Hern Reds and our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team made the short trip to Shire Park Green’s Tewin’s green.

Datchworth Gold 27 Whit Hern Reds 43
At Whit Hern Red’s green our Gold team lost by 27 shots to 43. Andy Pattle, Ian Green and Skip Terry Metcalf led 8-4 after six ends and 13-5 after ten ends. But a late substitution by the home team, due to an injury to one of their players changed the face of the game. From there they won all but three of the remaining eight ends to win by 19 shots to 16. Alan Wybrow, Dave Castle and Skip Steve Chamberlain only won six ends as they were beaten by 24 shots to 11.
A.Pattle, I.Green & T.Metcalf lost to E.Byrne, A.Sheperd/J.Belinos & C.Crockford 16-19; A.Wybrow, D.Castle & S.Chamberlain lost to D.Bell, M.Carroll & B.Freeman 11-24.

Datchworth 40 Shire Park Green 31
At Tewin our Welwyn Hatfield team won by 40 shots to 31. Janet Akers, Jan Smith and Skip Keith Smith won four of the first five ends to lead 9-1. That lead helped them win by 22 shots to 15 despite losing seven of the remaining thirteen ends. Rachel Jones, Chris Hills and Skip Richard Harper shared the ends equally and trailed 9-11 after the dropping three shots on the eleventh end. They were also behind, 15-16 with one end to play. They picked up three shots on that final end to win by 18 shots to 16.
J.Akers, J.Smith & K.Smith beat A.Goddard, D.Costigan & R.Kenway 22-15; R.Jones, C.Hills & R.Harper beat J.Brown, T.Crane & D.Venables 18-16.

On Tuesday night there were two County League matches played at the Turkey Farm, our Men were up against their counterparts from Hertford, while our Women were up against their counterparts in the form of Bishop’s Stortford 3.

Datchworth Men 26 Hertford Men 39
Our Men lost 26-39. Keith Smith, Ian Green, Mike Mahoney and Skip Derek Henley won just two of the first eight ends, to trail 5-13. From there they won only four of the remaining ten ends to lose by 11 shots to 22. Dickie Jackson, Graham Akers, Steve Arnold and Skip Jim Smith picked up five shots on the second end, to lead 5-1. From there they lost the following five ends, to trail 5-10. Despite winning all but four of the remaining eleven ends they lost by 15 shots to 17.
K.Smith, I.Green, M.Mahoney & D.Henley lost to C.Millard, A.Warren, C.Sage & V.Greenberg 11-22; D.Jackson, G.Akers, S.Arnold & J.Smith lost to J.Moore, A.Costin, M.Rowe & M.Toynton 15-17.

Datchworth Women 9 Bishop’s Stortford 3 Women 16
Our Women, Rachel Jones, Jenny Holzbauer, Ann Edwards and Skip Jan Smith lost a close match where one shot was picked up on eleven of the eighteen ends, but as they only won six ends they lost by 9 shots to 16.
R.Jones, J.Holzbauer, A.Edwards & J.Smith lost to W.Green, L.Philpott, S.Weston & F.Collings 9-16.

Datchworth 67 Kimpton 70
On Wednesday afternoon Kimpton were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Mixed Friendly which ended in a close 67 shots to 70 loss for us. Ian Tyler, Sue Ellis and Skip Phil Holzbauer fell behind 2-4 on the third end and try as they may they never caught up, eventually losing by 16 shots to 18. Linda Tyler, John Ellis and Skip Alan Curtis fell behind earlier, at 1-3 down on the second end. They too never caught up, eventually losing by 12 shots to 23. It was a different story for Jim Whittle, John Gordon and Skip Chris Hills. They won the first five ends and led 8-0. It was a lead they never lost as the ran out winners by 20 shots to 11. It was touch and go for Jean Curtis, Howard Carrick and Skip Julian Hales. They were 5-10 down after seven ends, then 16-10 up five winning ends later. Only to go one shot adrift at 17-18 with one end to play. They then picked up two shots on the final end to snatch the win by 19 shots to 18.
I.Tyler, S.Ellis & P.Holzbauer lost to S.Truscott, B.Kazwini & A.Brown 16-18; L.Tyler, J.Ellis & A.Curtis lost to D.Desborough, K.Horan & L.Donovan 12-23; J.Whittle, J.Gordon & C.Hills beat J.Littlefield, C.Saunders & A.Fitzjohn 20-11; J.Curtis, H.Carrick & J.Hales beat T.Cotton, G.Rumble & M.Saunders 19-18.

Datchworth 35 Northaw and Cuffley 40
Also, on Wednesday night we took on Northaw and Cuffley in the East Herts Bowls League’s Ranson Cup and with one Rink at home and one away we were beaten by 40 shots to 35. At our Turkey Farm green Keith Smith, George Campbell, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley dropped six shots on the first end and it took then till the eighth end to draw level at 11 shots apiece. The scores we level for the fourth time after that at 17 shots apiece on the penultimate end. Then to cap a symmetrical game they picked up six shots of their own to win by 23 shots to 17. It was a different story at Northaw and Cuffley’s green for Graham Akers, Terry Metcalf, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills. They lost six ends in a row to go 1-13 down after eight ends. They never really got back in the fight and ended up losing by 12 shots to 23.
K.Smith, G.Campbell, D.Henley & L.Parsley beat D.Hurford, M.Bryant, J.Dowler & R.Barwick 23-17; G.Akers, T.Metcalf, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to D.King, M.Manzi, R.Brewer & D.Fryett 12-23.

Datchworth Gold 23 Bishop’s Stortford Ospreys 37
On Thursday night our Gold team travelled to Bishop’s Stortford to play their Ospreys team in an East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and were beaten by 37 shots to 23. Andy Pattle, Julian Hales and Skip Terry Metcalf won just seven ends as they lost by 7 shots to 27. Alan Curtis, Ian Green and Skip Steve Chamberlain restricted their opposition to seven winning ends as they won by 16 shots to 10.
A.Pattle, J.Hales & T.Metcalf lost to I.Mortimer, P.Cross & P.Vincent 7-27; A.Curtis, I.Green & S.Chamberlain beat N.Reed, J.Henson & A.Yarborough 16-10.

Datchworth Women 0 points Baldock Women 3 points
Also, on Thursday night we hosted Baldock Town in the North Herts Women’s Bowling Association’s Challenge Shield and were beaten by 3 points to 0. In the Singles Jan Smith put up a good fight against Ness Graham. She led from the start and was caught at 8 shots apiece on the eighth end. From then on, she trailed until she picked up two shots on the twenty first end, to draw level at 19 shots apiece. She then dropped two shots on the following end to lose by 19 shots to 21. It was a different story in the Pairs and Triples games. In both the Baldock Women were too strong for our Women. Lucy Williams and Skip Chris Hills were beaten by 27 shots to 7 and in the Triples Rachel Jones, Janet Akers and Skip Ann Edwards were beaten by 17 shots to 8.
J.Smith lost to N.Graham 19-21; L.Williams & C.Hills lost S.Berry & J.Mutter 7-27; R.Jones, J.Akers & A.Edwards lost to J.Undrell, M.A.Haskins & K.Dear 8-17.

Datchworth 50 Luton West End 75
On Friday afternoon we travelled to Luton to play Luton West end in a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 21 shots to 13 after most bowlers on both sides struggled to find their line and length on a slow green. Celia Gordon, Anette Hutchinson and Skip Steve Arnold went down 13-21. John Gordon, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Graham Akers went down 7-21. Debra Freeman, Pauline Whybrow and Skip Phil Holzbauer went down 7-26. Our only winning Triple was that of David Stock, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Brewster. They mastered the green condition much better than any of the other Datchworth Triples and much better than their home opposition as they restricted them to just four winning ends, as they ran out comfortable winners by 23 shots to 7.
C.Gordon, A.Hutchinson & S.Arnold lost to S.Kitchener 13-21; J.Gordon, J.Holzbauer & G.Akers lost to T.Dawes, R.Kitchener & M.Mappley 7-21; D.Freeman, P.Whybrow & P.Holzbauer lost to S.Gonsalves, P.Clennett & V.Brodie 7-26; D.Stock, J.Akers & R.Brewster beat S.Hopper, H.Donkin & A.Lelliot 23-7.

Datchworth 47 Baldock Town 55
On Saturday afternoon Baldock Town were paying their second visit of the week to the Turkey Farm, this time for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they won for the second time, this time by 55 shots to 47. Chris Hills, Jim Whittle, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold trailed from the start and never caught up and despite playing against three players and those three having shots deducted at the end because they were playing shorthanded, they still managed win by 13 shots to 10. Jenny Holzbauer, Howard Carrick, Terry Metcalf and Skip Les Parsley lost the lead on the second end and fought back to take the lead back on the twelfth end, 14-13. But they lost the remaining five ends to lose by 15 shots to 22. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers, Alan Curtis and Skip Derek Henley had a close game where the lead changed hands for the seventh time on the seventeenth end when the visitors picked up four shots to lead 20-19 going into the final end. But they dropped three shots as the home team sneaked a 22 shot to 20 win.
C.Hills, J.Whittle, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to N.Graham, J.Russell & P.Haskins 10-13; J.Holzbauer, H.Carrick, T.Metcalf & L.Parsley lost to M.Haskings, P.Chatfield, M.A.Haskins & M.Ingram 15-22; B.Williams, G.Akers, A.Curtis & D.Henley beat W.Mar, J.Graham, J.Mutter & M.Parsons 22-20.

On Sunday we held our 2 Wood Singles competition for both our Men and Women. In the Men’s competition Derek Henley fought his way through three rounds of K.O. competition to face Keith Smith, who, thanks to two of his scheduled opposition, fought through two rounds of K.O. competition, in the Final. In the Women’s competition Jan Smith won through to their Final after playing in just the Semi Final due to the late withdrawal of her opposition in the Quarter Final. She will play Ann Edwards, who did play a Quarter Final before she won her Semi Final. Both Finals will be played over our Finals Weekend of the 23rd and 24th August.

Website Report for week ending 3rd August 2025.

There were two matches for our bowlers on Monday night; our East Herts Bowls League Division 2 Gold team travelled to play Cheshunt, our Women were at home to Sawbridgeworth 1 Women.

Datchworth Gold 12 Cheshunt 57
At Cheshunt our Gold team struggled to find their line and length on the green. Andy Pattle, Keith Smith and Skip Terry Metcalf only lost the end-count 8-10, but they dropped twice as many shots than they won, in their 10 shots to 20 loss. It was worse for Dave Castle, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper as they only won just two ends as they were crushed by 37 shots to 2.
A.Pattle, K.Smith & T.Metcalf lost to J.O’Loughlin, D.Baker & M.Johnson 10-20; D.Castle, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to I.Alexander, G.Thurgood & G.Mackpherson 2-37.

Datchworth Women 10 Sawbridgeworth 1 Women 26
At our Turkey Farm green Sawbridgeworth’ Women were too strong for our Women. They built up a 13 shot to 3 lead after nine ends before our Women fought back and cut their deficit to 9-13 three ends later. But they only won one more end before being beaten by 26 shots to 10.
P.Whybrow, L.Tyler, N.Berry & C.Hills lost to S.Edwards, B.Levey, S.Best & H.Carson 10-26.

There were two more matches on Tuesday, both at our Turkey Farm green; a Mixed Friendly against Hitchin Town and our East Herts Bowls League Division 1 Blue team were up against Sawbridgeworth Red.

Datchworth 35 Hitchin Town 107
Hitchin won convincingly by 104 shots to 35. Ian Tyler, David Stock and Skip Terry Metcalf led from the start until they dropped five shots on the tenth end to trail 6-7. They then won just two of the remaining eight ends and lost by 9 shots to 20. Debra Freeman, Mike Usher and Skip Richard Harper won just five ends in their 8 shots to 26 defeat. Annette Hutchinson, Howard Carrick and Skip Dave Castle won seven out of the eighteen ends in their 11 shots to 23 defeat. Jim Whittle and Skip Roger Tomlinson won just five ends in their 7 shots to 31 defeat.
I.Tyler, D.Stock & T.Metcalf lost to J.Morris, G.Goulding & D.Hare 9-20; D.Freeman, M.Usher & R.Harper lost to P.Newbury, S.Little & K.Gray 8-26; A.Hutchinson, H.Carrick & D.Castle lost to C.Young, L.Morris & B.Joshua 11-23; J.Whittle & R.Tomlinson lost to D.Sanders & M.Prentice 7-31.

Datchworth Blue 28 Sawbridgeworth Red 37
Our Blue team also lost, by 28 shots to 39. George Campbell, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills were 6-5 ahead after seven ends, but six losing ends later they were 6-20 down. They then won three of the closing five ends as they lost by 13 shots to 22. Rob Hazeu, Derek Henley and Skip Les Parsley had a closer finish. They lost the lead on just the second end and after picking up six shots on the twelfth end were 12 shots to 13 down. After that they won two of the closing six ends and lost by 15 shots to 17.
G.Campbell, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to J.Major, K.Tyrrell & I.Casey 13-22; R.Hazeu, D.Henley & L.Parsley lost to T.Wright, L.Smith & K.Brown 15-17.

Datchworth 67 North Herts 38
North Herts were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for another Mixed Friendly on Wednesday afternoon and it finished in a 67 shots to 38 win for us. Linda Tyler, Lucy Williams and Skip Richard Harper won a close game, where the ends were shared equally, after they won the closing two ends to win by 20 shots to 18. John Ellis, Alfie Williams and Skip Graham Akers won the first nine ends, to lead 17-0. They then dropped just three of the remaining nine ends as they won by 27 shots to 11. Sue Ellis, Janet Akers and Skip Terry Metcalf also shared the ends equally, but, as they only dropped one shot each time, they ran out winning by 20 shots to 9.
L.Tyler, L.Williams & R.Harper beat B.Gilder, S.Douglas & P.Riseborough 20-18; J.Ellis, A.Williams & G.Akers beat A.Morris, S.Field & J.Atkinson 27-11; S.Ellis & J.Akers & T.Metcalf beat M.Summerville, L.Brown & D.Gilder 20-9.

Datchworth Gold v Potters Bar Kytes
This East Herts Bowls League Division 2 away match was conceded to the Kytes as we could not field a full team.

Datchworth Women 42 L.G.C. Women 29
On Friday night our Women travelled to play their counterparts from Letchworth Garden City in a North Herts Women’s Bowling Association league match and beat them by 42 shots to 29. Janet Akers, Chris Hills and Skip Ann Edwards went 3-17 down after eight ends before they fought back by winning six of the remaining ten ends to cut their losing deficit to 17 shots to 21. Sue Ellis, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Jan Smith restricted their opponents to six winning ends as they ran out winners by 25 shots to 8.
J.Akers, C.Hills & A.Edwards lost to C.Collis, J.Sparkes & C.Ottaway 17-21; S.Ellis, J.Holzbauer & J.Smith beat C.Biasioli, L.Bailey & L.Docherty 25-8.

Datchworth 39 Three Horseshoes 47
Another home match on Saturday afternoon ended in defeat for us on Saturday afternoon with a 39 shot to 47 defeat against Three Horseshoes in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match. Sue Ellis, Keith Glynn, Jan Smith and Skip Graham Akers led 10-3 after six ends. They were caught at 10 shots apiece after nine ends. They then led 15-12 after fourteen ends. Were caught again after sixteen ends, at 15 shots apiece. They then led 16-15 going into the final end, only to drop two shots on the final end to lose by 16 shots to 17. Jenny Holzbauer, John Ellis, Steve Arnold and Skip Keith Smith only won five ends as they were beaten by 18 shots to 8. Pauline Whybrow, Phil Holzbauer, Janet Akers and Skip won the first seven ends, to lead 8-0 and despite winning four of the remaining eleven ends they held on to win by 15 shots to 12.
S.Ellis, K.Glynn, J.Smith & G.Akers lost to M.Dunne, J.Vooght, K.Wilkinson & S.Roles 16-17; J.Holzbauer, J.Ellis, S.Arnold & K.Smith lost to G.Waugh, R.Cockerton, A.Waugh & K.Lovelock 8-18; P.Whybrow, P.Holzbauer, J.Akers & T.Metcalf beat M.Cooper, R.Streathfield, D.Wilkinson & C.Cole 15-12.

Datchworth 62 Hoddesdon and Rye Park 107
Hoddesdon and Rye Park were the visitors to the Turkey Farm on Sunday afternoon for a Mixed Friendly and returned home following a comfortable 107 shot to 62 win. Debra Freeman, David Stock and Skip Graham Akers picked up six shots on the sixth end to lead 10-5 and they never looked back after that as they ran out winners by 25 shots to 14. It was a different story for John Gordon, Rachel Jones and Skip Phil Holzbauer as they only won five ends as they were beaten by 22 shots to 8. It was similar stories for Linda Tyler, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Alan Curtis, as they lost 6-27, and Jean Curtis, Mike Usher and Rob Hazeu, as they lost 12-29. It was a much closer game for Celia Gordon, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Harper. Both teams won nine ends each. No team picked up more than 2 shots an end. The difference was that they picked up just two 2s, while they dropped six 2s, and they lost 11-15 as a result.
D.Freeman, D.Stock & G.Akers beat L.Norman, B.Ffitch & C.Milner 25-14; J.Gordon, R.Jones & P.Holzbauer lost to S.Farrington, A.Martarela & B.Metzner 8-22; L.Tyler, J.Holzbauer & A.Curtis lost to T.Ffitch, B.Gray & M.Towers 6-27; J.Curtis, M.Usher & R.Hazeu lost to D.Thomas, K.Gray & B.Hayter 12-29; C.Gordon, J.Akers & R.Harper lost to T.Rogers, S.Metzner & P.Jaggs 11-15.

Website Report for week ending 10th August 2025.

Datchworth 44 Hertford Wild Cards 28
Our week of bowling started on Monday night when Hertford Wild Cards were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 match and it ended with a 44 shot to 28 win for us. Jan Smith, Chris Hills and Skip Keith Smith won all but one of the first nine ends, to lead by 21 shots to 1. After that they only won three more ends, but held on to win by 29 shots to 11. It was a different story for Rachel Jones, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Harper. Their scores were level for the fourth time at nine shots apiece on the twelfth end. After that they won four of the closing six ends but dropped two fours on the ends they lost and lost 15-17 as a consequence.
J.Smith, C.Hills & K.Smith beat B.Morrison, P.Gardner & T.Gardner 29-11; R.Jones, J.Akers & R.Harper lost to K.Heath, S.Hill & D.Wild 15-17.

Datchworth 50 Shire Park Green 17
On Tuesday night Shire Park Green were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 match and were beaten by 40 shots to 17. Barbara Williams, Terry Metcalf and Skip Keith Smith were involved in a close game where only one or two shots were picked up each end. As they won the end-count 10-8, they edged the game by 14 shots to 10. It was a somewhat easier game for Roger Tomlinson, Jan Smith and Skip Richard Harper as they won the first thirteen ends, to lead 25-0. They then only won one more end as they ran out winners by 26 shots to 7.
B.Williams, T.Metcalf & K.Smith beat A.Goddard, R.Adams & D.Venables 14-10, R.Tomlinson, J.Smith & R.Harper beat C.Hoare, A.Childs & B.Kleiser 26-7.

There was a Triple header at the Turkey Farm on Wednesday night when both of our East Herts Bowls League teams were in action and our Women were in action in a North Herts Women’s Bowling Association league match.

Datchworth Blue 36 B.S.P. 26
Our Blue team were up against B.S.P. in a Division 1 match and won by 36 shots to 26. Graham Akers, Steve Arnold and Skip Jim Smith went from 0-4 down after two ends to 7-6 up after six ends. From there they restricted their opposition to five winning ends and won by 15 shots to 12. Dickie Jackson, Rob Hazeu and Skip Peter Hills picked up five shots on the third end, to lead 7-0. From there they held on to the lead to win by 21 shots to 14.
G.Akers, S.Arnold & J.Smith beat D.Ingram, N.Dickenson & G.Smith 15-12; D.Jackson, R.Hazeu & P.Hills beat T.Barber, P.Matthews & J.Matthews 21-14.

Datchworth Gold 17 Stevenage Blue 49
Our Gold team were up against Stevenage Blue team in a Division 2 match and were beaten by 49 shots to 17. Alan Curtis, Andy Pattle and Skip Terry Metcalf only won five ends as they were beaten by 21 shots to 5. Ian Green, Keith Smith and Skip Steve Chamberlain only won six ends as they were beaten by 28 shots to 12.
A.Curtis, A.Pattle & T.Metcalf lost to J.Holmes, D.Daintree & R.Gasson 5-21; I.Green, K.Smith & S.Chamberlain lost to R.Cox, P.Sparrow & P.Wilkinson 12-28.

Datchworth Women 23 Stevenage Women 36
Our Women were also up against Stevenage in the North Herts Women’s Bowling Association league match and were beaten by 36 shots to 23. Rachel Jones, Janet Akers and Skip Jan Smith lost twice as many ends than they won in their 9 shots to 18 loss. Sue Ellis, Linda Tyler and Skip Ann Edwards won the first five ends, to lead 6-0. They remained in the lead until they dropped four shots on the twelfth end to trail 9-10. They never regained the lead and eventually lost by 14 shots to 18.
R.Jones, J.Akers & J.Smith lost to N.Cox, L.Higgs & S.Winter 9-18, S.Ellis, L.Tyler & A.Edwards lost to P.Kent, B.North & L.Crick 14-18.

Datchworth Men 51 Sawbridgeworth Men 26
On Thursday night the Men from Sawbridgeworth were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Men’s County League match and were beaten by 51 shots to 26. Dickie Jackson, George Campbell, Mike Mahoney and Skip Derek Henley won four ends in a row, from the fourth to the seventh end, to lead 16-4. From there they lost the end-count 5-6 but held onto their lead to win by 28 shots to 13. Graham Akers, Rob Hazeu, Steve Arnold and Skip Jim Smith won five of the closing seven ends, picking up a couple of fours and a five, to come from 8-10 down to win by 23-13.
D.Jackson, G.Campbell, M.Mahoney & D.Henley beat S.Jones, B.Bennett, G.Inge & K.Tyrrell 28-13; G.Akers, R.Hazeu, S.Arnold & J.Smith beat P.Jordan, J.Levy, N.Goff & I.Casey 23-13.

Datchworth v Parkside Woods
This re-arranged Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Division 2 match was conceded to us by Parkside Woods as they could not field a full team.

Datchworth Men 51 Whitethorn Men 82
On Friday night our Men were in action again, this time with two Pairs at home and two away against their counterparts from Whitethorn in Letchworth and District Bowling Association’s Cairns Cup and were beaten by 82 shots to 51. At our Turkey Farm green Ian Green and Skip Steve Arnold dropped three shots on the first end and drew level at eight shots apiece after nine ends. They then dropped another three shots on the tenth end before getting to 14-15 down with two ends to play. They lost both of those ends to lose by 14 shots to 17. Alan Curtis and Skip Steve Chamberlain picked up five shots on the fifth end, to lead 8-3. They were 15-10 ahead with four ends to play but they lost all of those ends and drew 15 shots apiece. At Whitethorn’s green neither Pair settled with their line and length and as a result both were beaten. Graham Akers and Skip Derek Henley were beaten by 25 shots to 7 and Keith Smith and Skip Rob Hazeu were beaten by 25 shots to 15.
I.Green & S.Arnold lost to D.Martine & C.Morley 14-17; A.Curtis & S.Chamberlain drew with D.Marr & T.Graham 15 all; G.Akers & D.Henley lost to T.Hennessey & B.Chaudhery 7-25; K.Smith & R.Hazeu lost to R.Devine & T.Pinchin 15-25.

Datchworth 47 St Ippolytts 50
St Ippolytts were the visitors to our Turkey Farm green for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and they won narrowly by 50 shots to 47. Barbara Williams, Keith Glynn, Terry Metcalf and Skip Derek Henley won the first three ends, to lead 9-0. From there they never lost the lead and ran out winners by 20 shots to 11. Rachel Jones, Linda Tyler, Alan Curtis and Skip Richard Harper won the first five ends, to lead 10-0. They held their lead until they dropped two shots on the final end to lose by 15 shots to 16. Jenny Holzbauer, Jean Curtis, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Steve Arnold only won one of the first seven ends, to trail 1-13. They never got back in the hunt and lost by 12 shots to 23.
B.Williams, K.Glynn, T.Metcalf & D.Henley beat J.Dudley, J.Brown, B.Impey & C.Farley 20-11; R.Jones, L.Tyler, A.Curtis & R.Harper lost to J.Farley, R.Orchard, L.Johnstone & I.Hanks 15-16; J.Holzbauer, J.Curtis, P.Holzbauer & S.Arnold lost to D.Howard, A.Veitch, R.Carter & P.Moodey 12-23.

Datchworth 48 Baldock Town 111
On Sunday morning we played Baldock Town in the Final of Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League Knock Out competition and with two Mixed Triples at home and two away we were heavily beaten by 111 shots to 48. At our Turkey Farm green Barbara Williams, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills were 10-9 ahead after ten ends, but, dropped a five on the eleventh end, to go 10-14 down. They only won three more ends and dropped two more fives as they lost by 16 shots to 26. Chris Hills, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Derek Henly lost the first nine ends, to trail 0-26 and only won three ends after that, to lose by 8 shots to 38. There was one bright spot at Baldock though; Jan and Keith Smith and Skip Rob Hazeu picked up a six on the fourth end, to lead 9-2. It was a lead they never lost as they won by 20 shots to 14. But Jenny Holzbauer, George Campbell and Skip Graham Akers only won four ends as they were crushed by 33 shots to 4.
B.Williams, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to R.Castle, H.Undrell & J.Claydon 16-26; C.Hills, P.Holzbauer & D.Henley lost to W.Budge, H.Chambers & S.Budge 8-38; J.Smith, K.Smith & R.Hazeu beat M.Haskins, J.Russell & P.Haskins 20-14; J.Holzbauer, G.Campbell & G.Akers lost to J.Undrell, M.Hayzelden & S.Andrews 4-33.

Datchworth 60 Holwell 64
On Sunday afternoon we travelled to play Holwell in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League league match, and with three of those that played against Baldock in the morning, we were narrowly beaten by 64 shots to 60. Andy Pattle, Jean Curtis, Jan Smith and Skip Derek Henley led from the first end until they dropped a five on the fifteenth end, to trail 12-15. They won one more end as they lost 13-18. Anna Pattle, Dave Castle, Terry Metcalf and Skip Keith Smith won just three of the first ten ends and trailed 5-18 as a result. They fought back well, winning the following seven ends, to lead 22-18, after picking up a seven and a five in those ends. But they dropped a five on the final end, to lose by 22 shots to 23. The game involving Rachel Jones, Ann Edwards, Alan Curtis and Skip Richard Harper could not have started better, as they picked up a “Hot shot” eight on the first end. They lost the lead on the seventh end but then went on to win ends nine to fifteen, to lead 25-15. They lost the closing three ends but held on to win by 25 shots to 23.
A.Pattle, J.Curtis, J.Smith & D.Henley lost to A.Pearson, T.Gardner, D.Little & E.Pearson 13-18; A.Pattle, D.Castle, T.Metcalf & K.Smith lost to S.Bailey, J.Smith, D.Johnson & D.Hooper 22-23; R.Jones, A.Edwards, A.Curtis & R.Harper beat M.Wilson, K.Scott, M.Carrick & C.Gardner 25-23

Website Report for week ending 17th August 2025.

Datchworth 67 Townsend 52
On Monday afternoon we travelled to St Albans to play Townsend in a Mixed Friendly and came away with a 67 shot to 52 win. Anna Pattle, Dave Castle and Skip Graham Akers restricted their opponents to six winning ends as they won by 22 shots to 8. Andy Pattle, Janet Akers and Skip Richard Harper dropped a four on the sixth end, to trail 3-6 and after dropping a six on the thirteenth end, they trailed 8-25. They won just one more end as they lost by 12 shots to 21. Rachel Jones, Terry Metcalf and Skip Derek Henley were level for the third time at 6 shots apiece after nine ends. They then went on to lose just three more ends as they won by 17 shots to 14. Linda Tyler, Howard Carrick and Skip Steve Arnold had a tight game for the first twelve ends and only led by one shot, 9-8. After that they only lost the final end as they won by 16 shots to 9.
A.Pattle, D.Castle & G.Akers beat B.Connelly, J.Dixon & B.Padget 22-8; A.Pattle, J.Akers & R.Harper lost to R.Wilson, J.Oakley & G.Watson 12-21; R.Jones, T.Metcalf & D.Henley beat N.Whittle, L.Perkins & A.Scarborough 17-14; L.Tyler, H.Carrick & S.Arnold beat P.Waller, R.Ransted & I.Forster 16-9.

Datchworth 57 Riverain 65
On Tuesday night we travelled to Hitchin to play Riverain in a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League league match and were beaten by 65 shots to 57, despite winning two of the three Triples played. Janet Akers, Terry Metcalf and Skip Steve Arnold picked up five shots on the sixth end, to lead 10-4. They maintained their lead till the end, winning by 24 shots to 11. Jan Smith, George Campbell and Skip Graham Akers trailed 7-16. They won four of the next five ends to lead 19-17. Two losing ends later they trailed again, 19-24 going into the final end. To cap an unlikely comeback, they picked up six shots on the final end to edge a 25-24 win. Ann Edwards, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Keith Smith only won six ends as they were well beaten by 30 shots to 8.
J.Akers, T.Metcalf & S.Arnold beat B.Goodey, D.Stephenson & G.Brown 24-11; J.Smith, G.Campbell & G.Akers beat T.Boon, D.Truscott & A.Weaver 25-24; A.Edwards, S.Chamberlain & K.Smith lost to R.Cocks, A.Pearson & M.Myles 8-30.

There were two matches for our bowlers on Wednesday night, our East Herts Bowls League Division 2 Gold team were away to Rosehill Otters, our North Herts Women’s Bowling Association team were at home to their counterpart from Baldock Town.

Datchworth Gold 17 Rosehill Otters 43
At Rosehill’s green our Gold team continued their unwelcomed record of losing every match played, by 43 shots to 17. Ian Williams, Keith Smith and Skip Daniel Williams won the first four ends, to lead 5-0. They then lost the next four ends, to trail 5-8. They never regained the lead and lost by 10 shots to 19. It was worse for Alan Curtis, Alfie Williams and Skip Richard Harper, as they only won five ends in their 7 shots to 24 loss.
I.Williams, K.Smith & D.Williams lost to P.Goodchild, M.Hall & R.Morris 10-19; A.Curtis, A.Williams & R.Harper lost to P.Tilley, W.Aitken & K.Antoniou 7-24.

Datchworth Women 26 Baldock Town Women 34
At our Turkey Farm green our Women were beaten by 34 shots to 26. Barbara Williams, Janet Akers and Skip Jan Smith led 5-0 after two ends, but six losing ends later they were 5-10 down. Although the remaining ten ends were shared equally, they out-scored their opponents by 10 shots to 7, but lost by 17 shots to 16. Nicki Berry, Linda Tyler and Skip Ann Edwards also won the first two ends, then the scores were level for the second time four ends later. They dropped three shots on the seventh end, to trail 4-7, after which they never got back in the hunt and eventually lost by 17 shots to 10.
B.Williams, J.Akers & J.Smith lost to C.Pomfrey, S.Berry & K.Dear 16-17; N.Berry, L.Tyler & A.Edwards lost to J.Turner, N.Graham & M.A.Haskins 10-17.

Datchworth 31 Hatfield 38
On Thursday night Hatfield were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green for a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League match and won by 38 shots to 31. Despite losing twice as many ends than they won Roger Tomlinson, Howard Carrick and Skip Jan Smith did well to only lose by 13 shots to 19. Barbara Williams, Alan Wybrow and Skip Terry Metcalf lost the first three ends, to trail 0-4. They took the lead, 9-8, on the ninth end, only to lose it on the next end. Try as they may they never led again, but they got close to it as they only lost by one shot 19-18 at the end.
R.Tomlinson, H.Carrick & J.Smith lost to S.Sabine, J.Paley & T.Kingsbury 13-19; B.Williams, A.Wybrow & T.Metcalf lost to D.Sankey, M.Nichols & G.Gray 18-19.

Datchworth Women 22 St Ippolytts Women 37
On Friday night our Women were in action again in the second North Herts Women’s Bowling Association league match of the week, at home to St Ippolytts and were beaten by 37 shots to 22. Nicki Berry, Ann Edwards and Skip Jan Smith were up against a pair from St Ippolytts, Debarah Howard and Skip Celia Farley, as they were one player short on the night. They were beaten by 21 shots to 9 after 25% of the St Ippolytts shots were deducted; as per the Rules of Bowls. Janet Akers, Linda Tyler and Skip Chris Hills had a much closer game and only lost 16-13 after leading 13-10 with four ends to play.
N.Berry, A.Edwards & J.Smith lost to D.Howard & C.Farley 9-21; J.Akers, L.Tyler & C.Hills lost to J.Butcher, L.Johnstone & H.Southall 13-16.

Datchworth 77 Ware 74
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Ware for a Friendly and narrowly won by 77 shots to 74. Jan Smith, Alfie Williams and Skip Les Parsley led for all but five of the eighteen ends played. The last two of these ends were the last two ends of their game. They dropped two 3s over these ends; the first was to be pegged back to all square at 14 shots apiece, the second was to go 14-17 down. Janet Akers, Keith Smith and Skip Steve Arnold won seven of the first nine ends to lead 16-5. They never lost the lead after that and won by 25 shots to 11. Barbara Williams, Graham Akers and Skip Rob Hazeu won the first two ends and only lost the lead for one end, as they won by 18 shots to 12. Terry Metcalf, George Campbell and Skip Derek Henley came from 1-6 down, after five ends, to 12-9 up after fourteen ends, only then to lose the closing four ends to lose by 12 shots to 17. Ian Green, Ian Williams and Skip Jim Smith were just 3-4 down after seven ends before they won just four of the remaining eleven ends, to lose by 8 shots to 17.
J.Smith, A.Williams & L.Parsley lost to T.Allen, J.Upton & J.Metcalf 14-17; J.Akers, K.Smith & S.Arnold beat M.Challis, M.Upton & H.Mason 25-11; B.Williams, G.Akers & R.Hazeu beat C.Mason, R.Davis & D.Thompson 18-12; T.Metcalf, G.Campbell & D.Henley lost to D.Marley, J.Evans & B.Hammond 12-17; I.Green, I.Williams & J.Smith lost to A.Morgan, D.Marley & K.Myall 8-17.

Datchworth 78 Harpenden 38
Harpenden were the visitors to the Turkey Farm on Sunday afternoon for our second Friendly of the weekend and were beaten by 78 shots to 38. Despite winning just two more ends than they lost Keith Glynn, Alan Curtis and Skip Terry Metcalf ran out comfortable winners by 23 shots to 9. Linda Tyler, Mike Usher and Skip Derek Henley were 2-6 down after six ends but 9-6 up five winning ends later. They lost just two of the remaining seven ends to win by 17 shots to 10. Debra Freeman, Barbara Williams and Skip Ian Williams had built up a healthy 19-6 lead with two ends to play. They lost both of those ends, including dropping a five on the final end, to win by 19 shots to 13. To complete winning all the Triples played Jean Curtis, David Stock and Skip Steve Arnold lost just six ends as they won by 19 shots to 6.
K.Glynn, A.Curtis & T.Metcalf beat H.Westcott, A.Farrell & M.Arnold 23-9; L.Tyler, M.Usher & D.Henley beat D.Keith, J.Dill & G.Burrows 17-10; D.Freeman, B.Williams & I.Williams beat A.Walker, J.White & J.Millins 19-13; J.Curtis, D.Stock & S.Arnold neat T.Walker, B.Gilbert & I.Thomas 19-6.

Website Report for week ending 24th August 2025.

On Monday night there were two matches for our bowlers; our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team were home to Bengeo and our Men’s County League team were away to Rosehill.

Datchworth 25 Bengeo 38
At our Turkey Farm green Bengeo won by 38 shots to 25. Nicki Berry, Janet Akers and Skip Keith Smith won just two of the first seven ends, to trail 3-7. They then won just five of the remaining fourteen ends to lose by 11 shots to 17. After winning all but one of the first ten ends Phil Berry, Roger Tomlinson and Skip Jan Smith built up what looked like a healthy 12-3 lead. But it was not to be, as they then only won two more ends and were eventually overhauled and beaten by 21 shots to 14.
N.Berry, J.Akers & K.Smith lost to R.Boyd, P.Glasscock & J.Glasscock 11-17; P.Berry, R.Tomlinson & J.Smith lost to T.Barber, K.White & A.Brown 14-21.

Datchworth Men 37 Rosehill Men 28
At Rosehill’s green our County League team won by 37 shots to 28. Graham Akers, Richard Harper, Rob Hazeu and Skip Jim Smith won five of the first six ends to lead 9-2. From there the remaining twelve ends were shared equally as they won by 19 shots to 13. Dickie Jackson, Ian Green, Steve Arnold and Skip Derek Henley had a close game and were tied at 8 shots apiece after ten ends. From there they won five of the closing eight ends to win by 18 shots to 15.
G.Akers, R.Harper, R.Hazeu & J.Smith beat T.Francis, M.Fry, K.Antoniou & T.Day 19-13; D.Jackson, I.Green, S.Arnold & D.Henley beat A.Kennedy, M.Hall, W.Aitken & K.Mizen 18-15.

Datchworth 44 Whitethorn 50
On Tuesday afternoon Whitethorn were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and won by 50 shots to 44. Barbara Williams, Jim Whittle, George Campbell and Skip Keith Smith had a somewhat mixed game. They led 4-0 after four ends, trailed 4-6 after seven ends, led 9-7 after twelve ends and lost 12-13 after eighteen ends. Janet Akers, Alan Wybrow, Richard Harper and Skip Graham Akers led 7-0 after four ends, then trailed 10-12 after twelve ends. They then won four ends in a row to lead 16-12 with two ends to play. They dropped a two on the first of those ends and picked up a four on the final end to win by 20 shots to 14. Jan Smith, Mike Usher, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Steve Arnold had one of those games where nothing seemed to go right for them; as they won only six ends and lost by 12 shots to 23.
B.Williams, J.Whittle, G.Campbell & K.Smith lost to J.Davies, D.Turner, D.Marr & T.Pinchin 12-13; J.Akers, A.Wybrow, R.Harper & G.Akers beat L.Morley, J.Doyle, D.Nicholls & C.Morley 20-14; J.Smith, M.Usher, S.Chamberlain & S.Arnold lost to J.Snape, B.Snape, D.Ward & A.Fabris 12-23.

Datchworth 32 Jesters 37
On Thursday night our Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League team were in action again as they travelled to Hertford to play Hertford Castle’s Jesters team in a Division 2 match and were beaten by 37 shots to 32. Howard Carrick, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper led 7-4 after six ends, then trailed 7-9 three ends later. They were 14-11 ahead with three ends to play. They lost those three ends, including dropping six shots on the penultimate end, to lose by 14 shots to 21. Phil Holzbauer, Terry Metcalf and Skip Jan Smith mirrored that scoreline up to the ninth end, as they too trailed 7-9. By the sixteenth end they trailed by 12 shots to 16. They then picked up five shots on the penultimate end and one shot on the final end to come from behind to win by 18 shots to 16.
H.Carrick, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to J.Arber, A.Newman & C.Phillips 14-21; P.Holzbauer, T.Metcalf & J.Smith beat J.Bracey, M.Clay & K.Leathan 18-16.

Datchworth 31 Stevenage Town 63
On Friday night we travelled to Stevenage for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were beaten by 63 shots to 31. Jan Smith, Phil Holzbauer, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold won just five ends as they were beaten by 23 shots to 6. It was a similar story for Barbara Williams, John Ellis, Terry Metcalf and Skip Richard Harper as they won just six ends and were beaten by 26 shots to 9. It was a much closer game for Sue Ellis, Howard Carrick, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Keith Smith as they won the end-count by 10-8 and their game by 16 shots to 14.
J.Smith, P.Holzbauer, I.Williams & S.Arnold lost to N.Cox, R.Smith, T.Bailey & D.Daintree 6-23; B.Williams, J.Ellis, T.Metcalf & R.Harper lost to B.Piggott, L.Higgs, P.Sparrow & S.Wilson 9-26; S.Ellis, H.Carrick, S.Chamberlain & K.Smith beat A.North, S.Flannagan, D.Cox & R.Gasson 16-14.

It was our Finals’ Weekend this weekend started on Saturday morning with three Finals being played. In the Arnold Memorial Trophy Alfie Williams won the first two ends against Andy Short, then lost the next four ends, to trail 3-7. He then only won a further three ends as Andy won by 21 shots to 8. In the Ladies’ 2 Wood Singles Jan Smith restricted Ann Edwards to three winning ends as she ran out winning by 18 shots to 4. It was a similar story for Alan Curtis, who started with a three-shot advantage, in the Handicap Singles Final as he restricted Dickie Jackson to four winning ends in his 21 shots to 5 win. In the afternoon there were three more Finals played. In the Open Fours Final Phil Holzbauer, Ruby Williams, Rob Hazeu and Skip Steve Arnold led Jan Smith, Richard Harper, Ian Williams and Skip Les Parsley 14-7 after ten ends. They then lost six out of the next seven ends, to trail 16-18 with four ends to play. They won those four ends, including picking up five shots on the nineteen end after Steve Arnold picked up the Jack with his first wood and moved it behind the head to turn a three-shot deficit into a five shot advantage and taking the lead by 23 shots to 18. They finished winning by 25 shots to 18. In a closely fought Yardstick Final, where no more than three shots separated Mike Mahoney and Keith Smith, while Derek Henley was gradually losing contact with them. Mike stayed ahead of the pack from the third end until the nineteenth end, when things changed. He picked up one shot on the closing three ends, to finish with 45 shots, while Keith picked up three shots on all three ends, to finish on 48 shots to win. Derek finished on 39 shots. In the Mixed Pairs Final Chris and Peter Hills only lost six ends as they ran out winners by 27 shots to 7 against Sharon French and George Campbell.
On Sunday morning in the Men’s Pairs Final, Neil Mean and Mike Mahoney won the first three ends, against Alan Curtis and Jim Smith, to lead 8-0. From there they remained in the lead and eventually won by 24 shots to 15. In the Ladies’ Pairs Final Ruby Williams and Jan Smith built up a lead of 11-3 after seven ends. It was a lead they never lost as they beat Ann Edwards and Chris Hills by 25 shots to 16. In the Men’s 2 Wood Singles Final Keith Smith won the first five ends, to lead Derek Henley 8-0. Derek managed to cut the lead down to 8-7 after eleven ends. But that was as close as he got as Keith won by 15 shots to 10. In the afternoon session Peter Hills led Dickie Jackson 5-0 after three ends. The scores were all square at 8 shots apiece after ten ends. Peter went on to win all but one of the next ten ends, to win by 23 shots to 10. In the Open Triples Final Chris Hills, Graham Akers and Skip Les Parsley built up a 11-6 lead after ten ends, but they then only won one more end as Jenny Holzbauer, Rob Hazeu and Skip Jim Smith came from behind to win by 18 shots to 12. In the Ladies Singles Final Jan Smith won the first eight ends, to lead 14-0 over Lucy Williams. Lucy then won five of the next ten ends, but could not stop Jan from winning by 22 shots to 8. In the 4-3-2-1 Final, where the winner is the first to score 91 points, Keith Smith built up a 43 points to 27 lead after seven ends, over Mike Mahoney. After that Mike outscored him on six of the following ten ends as he came from behind to win by 93 points to 77.

Website Report for week ending 31st August 2025.

Datchworth Gold 32 Stevenage Reds 30
On Monday night our Gold team played Stevenage Reds at our Turkey Farm green in a re-arranged East Herts Bowls League Division 2 match and proved the old proverb “If at first you do not succeed, try try again” is true, as they beat Stevenage Reds by 32 shots to 30, after losing their previous twelve matches. Ian Green, Ian Williams and Skip Keith Smith restricted their opponents to six winning ends as they won by 21 shots to 10. Alfie Williams, Julian Hales and Skip Terry Metcalf led 8-3 after seven ends then lost the next ten ends, to trail 8-20. They won the closing two ends as they lost by 11 shots to 20.
I.Green, I.Williams & K.Smith beat S.Argent, R.Miller & P.Smith 21-10; A.Williams, J.Hales & T.Metcalf lost to J.Reeves, K.Webb & G.Smith 11-20.

There were two matches for our bowlers on Tuesday, a Mixed Friendly at home to W.G.C. in the afternoon and a Welwyn Hatfield Bowls League Jubilee Cup Semi Final against Hatfield in the evening.

Datchworth 65 W.G.C. 72
We were beaten by 72 shots to 65 by W.G.C. Sharon French, Ian Williams and Skip Alfie Williams won just seven ends as they were beaten by 21 shots to 12. Babara Williams, Roger Tomlinson and Skip Rob Hazeu shared the ends equally and by picking up two shots on the final end they edged their game by 19 shots to 17. John Gordon, Julian Hales and Skip Steve Arnold dropped a six and a seven on their way to losing by 10 shots to 25. Mike Usher, Alan Curtis and Skip George Campbell lost only five ends as they won by 24 shots to 9.
S.French, I.Williams & A.Williams lost to A.White, T.Summers & C.Hewitt 12-21; B.Williams, R.Tomlinson & R.Hazeu beat C.Gibbs, L.Richardson & J.Kilmister 19-17; J.Gordon, J.Hales & S.Arnold lost to M.Fousler, P.Davis & L.Kilmister 10-25; M.Usher, A.Curtis & G.Campbell beat R.White, S.Viccars & M.Pike 24-9.

Datchworth 22 Hatfield 34
In the evening, with one Rink at home and one away we were beaten by Hatfield by 34 shots to 22. At our Turkey Farm green Ian Green, Alan Wybrow, Terry Metcalf and Skip Steve Chamberlain won just six ends as they were beaten by 19 shots to 6. At Hatfield’s green Jan Smith, Ann Edwards, Keith Smith and Skip Richard Harper lost the lead on the fourth end and remained behind until they drew level at thirteen shots apiece after fifteen ends. They then lost the following two ends to go into the final end 13-15 behind, they then managed to pick up three shots on the final end, to win by 16-15.
I.Green, A.Wybrow, T.Metcalf & S.Chamberlain lost to T.Kingsbury, M.Nichols, G.Gray & A.Langley 6-19; J.Smith, A.Edwards, K.Smith & R.Harper beat U.Harman, A.Edwards, A.Parsonage & A.Harman 16-15.

Datchworth 46 Stevenage Town 45
On Wednesday night Stevenage Town were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for the second time in the week, this time for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and in a closely fought match were beaten by 46 shots to 45. The first Rink to finish was that of Jan Smith, John Ellis, Richard Harper and Skip Jim Smith were all square at eight shots apiece after eleven ends. They then won just two more ends as they lost by 10 shots to 14. The next to finish was that of Chris Hills, Steve Chamberlain, Keith Smith and Skip Derek Henley. They trailed 3-10 after six ends before they won all but one of the remaining twelve ends, to win by 19-12. At that point we were ahead by three shots and the Rink of Dickie Jackson, Sue Ellis, Steve Arnold and Skip Peter Hills were playing their final end and holding shot, with their score sitting at 17 shots apiece and with the Stevenage Skip, Steve Wilson, having his last wood to play. That wood came into the head and knocked our shot wood out of the head and left them holding two shots and a measure for the third. That measure was lost by a couple of millimetres at the most and left them holding just two shots and winning the game by 19 shots to 17 and the match lost by one shot, 45-46.
J.Smith, J.Ellis, R.Harper & J.Smith lost to P.Smith, B.North, R.Miller & P.Wilkinson 10-19; C.Hills, S.Chamberlain, K.Smith & D.Henley beat J.Reeves, S.Winters, D.Cox & J.Winter 19-12; D.Jackson, S.Ellis, S.Arnold & P.Hills lost to N.Cox, P.Sparrow, L.O’Brien & S.Wilson 17-19.

On Friday afternoon, as Hertford could not field a team to play us, we played an in-house game for those that were due to play Hertford. It resulted in Sue Ellis, Phil Holzbauer, Rob Hazeu and Skip Peter Hills beating Sharon French, Maureen Blunt, Keith Smith and Skip Graham Akers 16-15, and Jan Smith, John Ellis, Dave Castle and Skip Derek Henley beating Chris Hills, Mike Usher, Richard Harper and Skip Jim Smith 22-9.

Datchworth 76 Cheshunt 56
On Saturday afternoon Cheshunt were the visitors to the Turkey Farm green for a Mixed Friendly and were beaten by 76 shots to 56. Rachel Jones, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold trailed 4-13 with five ends to play. They won all but one of those ends, including picking up seven shots on the fifteenth end, for a come from behind 18 shots to 15 win. Jean Curtis, Chris Hills and Skip Terry Metcalf won just six ends as they lost by 7 shots to 23. Linda Tyler, Dave Castle and Skip George Campbell won all but six of the eighteen ends to win by 24 shots to 10. Mike Usher, Alan Curtis and Skip Graham Akers copied that ends won record as they won by 27 shots to 8.
R.Jones, I.Williams & S.Arnold beat C.Stone, T.Day & C.Hall 18-15; J.Curtis, C.Hills & T.Metcalf lost to L.Kemp, K.Roslin & P.Prog 7-23; L.Tyler, D.Castle & G.Campbell beat T.Page, N.Boad & G.Boad 24-10; M.Usher, A.Curtis & G.Akers beat S.Anstee, P.Keeble & W.Anstee 27-8.

Website Report for week ending 7th September 2025.

We returned from our annual Bowls Tour on Friday afternoon, from Sandown, Isle of Wight. We travelled to the island on Monday, arriving at Fishbourne before travelling to play Ventnor; missing the rain showers on the way. Rain was to make an appearance every day of our Tour. Every morning, apart from Friday morning, the rain was lashing down, the wind was blowing and the sea was rough. On Friday morning the sun was shining and the sea was like a mill pond.
At Ventnor we fielded 6 Mixed Rinks, won four of them and lost two, winning by 107 shots to 85 overall. Our highest winning Rink was that of Maureen Blunt, Celia Gordon, Ian Williams and Skip Steve Arnold. They led 4-0 after four ends, then trailed 6-12 after eleven ends. They then won the closing seven ends to come from behind and win by 21 shots to 12. Closely followed by the Rink of Sharon French, Roger Tomlinson, Richard Harper and Skip Les Parsley were 13-17 down after fifteen ends. They then won the closing three ends, picking up twelve shots on the way, to also come from behind and win by 25 shots to 17. Janet Akers, Alan Curtis, Ann Edwards and Skip Derek henley won the last two ends of their game to also come from behind and win, by 19 shots to 13. Rachel Jones, Gill Parsley, Ian Green and Skip Clyde Martindill lost the last two ends of their game, but held on to win by 17 shots to 15. Dickie Jackson, Keith Glynn, Chris Hills and Skip Graham Akers also lost the last two ends of their game, dropping four shots, to lose by 13 shots to 14. Barbara Williams, John Gordon, Alan Wybrow and Skip Peter Hillslost the last three ends of their game, dropping six shots, to lose by 12 shots to 14.
On Tuesday afternoon we fielded 7 Mixed Rinks against Totland Bay. In a match affected by a couple of passing showers we narrowly lost by 98 shots to 102, after winning three Rinks and losing four. Our highest winning Rink was that of Chris Hills, Jack Harper and Jim Whittle, who shared half a game each, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henley. They won comfortably by 23 shots to 10. Janet Akers, Roger Tomlinson, Alan Curtis and Skip Ian Williams won by 17 shots to 12. Rachel Jones, Debra Freeman, Clyde Martindill and Skip Les Parsley dropped two threes on the sixteenth and seventeenth ends, to go 14-16 down. Only to pick up a three of their own to win by 17 shots to 16. Linda Tyler, David Stock, Ian green and Skip Peter Hills were beaten by 17 shots to 11. Barbara Williams, Jean Curtis, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Steve Arnold were beaten by 19 shots to 10. Keith Glynn, Gill Parsley, Ann Edwards and Skip Richard Harper were beaten by 14 shots to 11. And Sharon French, Jenny Holzbaier, Alan Wybrow and Skip Graham Akers were beaten by 14 shots to 9. After the match Rachel Jones, Ann Edwards, Alan Curtis and Skip Richard Harper had their photo taken with their certificates and badges they were awarded for picking up a “Hot shot” eight on the first end of their game against Holwell in early August.
Wednesday’s match against Cowes Media was called off in the morning because of the prolonged rain forecast.
Thursday’s match against Plessey, which was lost by 72 shots to117, was cut short because of the rain. We only had one winning Rink and that was that of Keith Glynn, Celia Gordon, Maureen Blunt and Skip Les Parsley; who went undefeated as Skip over the three Rinks he Skipped on the Tour. They restricted the home Rink to four winning ends, of the fifteen played, before the rain came and ended proceedings, with the score 17-4 in their favour. Debra Freeman, David Stock, Alan Curtis and Skip Graham Akers lost by 7 shots to 26. Roger Tomlinson, Ann Edwards, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Peter Hills lost 9-20. Alan Wybrow, Jim Whittle and Jack Harper, who again shared the game, Barbara Williams and Skip Steve Arnold drew 14 all. Phil Holzbauer, Linda Tyler, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henlet lost 12-21. Gill parsley, Jean Curtis, Ian Williams and Clyde Martindill lost 8-13. Sharon French, John Gordon, Janet Akers and Skip Chris Hills lost 5-19.

Datchworth 88 Holwell 35
On Saturday afternoon it was back to normal business for our bowlers as Holwell were the visitors to the Turkey Farm for a Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match and were convincingly beaten by 88 shots to 35. The main contributions to that score came from the Rink of Jan Smith, Terry Metcalf, Keith Smith and Skip Peter Hills, as they won by 47 shots to 4. They restricted their opposition to just three winning ends and picked up on average over three shots an end, over those fifteen that they won. Chris Hills, Ann Edwards, Rob Hazeu and Skip Derek Henley averaged over two shots an end over the twelve that they won, in their 28 shots to 8 win. Rachel Jones, Jim Whittle, Julian Hales and Skip Richard Harper averaged just over two shots and end, over the ends that they won. But they conceded just under two shots an end, over the ends that they lost. But as they lost the end-count 6-12, they lost their game by 23 shots to 13.
J.Smith, T.Metcalf, K.Smith & P.Hills beat J.Brodie, J.Ashworth, C.Gardner & C.Miller 47-4; D.Hills, .Edwards, R.Hazeu & D.Henley beat P.Brodie, D.Lewison, K.Scott & S.Park 28-8; R.Jones, J.Whittle, J.Hales & R.Harper lost to B.Hilditch, W.Pennicott, D.Johnson & S.Bailey 13-23.

Website Report for week ending 14th September 2025.

This week was the penultimate week of bowling for us, but unfortunately, both of our matches this week were not played. Our home Friendly match against Co-Op Luton was cancelled on Tuesday afternoon as they were on Tour. Coincidently, they were on Tour, like us the previous week, on the Isle of Wight. Not only that, they were staying at the same hotel as we were in on the Sandown sea front.
Our re-arranged Stevenage and District Mixed Bowls League match on Friday night, away to Royston, had to be called off as it was not possible to play due to the fading light.

Website Report for week ending 21st September 2025.

Unlike last week, all of our matches in our final week of bowling were played.

Datchworth 45 Shephalbury 54
Our Friendly match at home on Monday afternoon ended in a 54 shot to 45 win for our visitors from Shephalbury. Chris Hills, Alan Curtis and Skip Keith Smith won four of the first five ends, to lead 5-1. It was a lead they never lost as they won by 17 shots to 10. Despite winning the first four ends, to lead 5-0, Jean Curtis, Richard Harper and Skip Derek Henley only won another four ends including picking up 5 shots on the final end, could not prevent them from losing by 14 shots to 27. It was all fairly close for Howard Carrick, Jan Smith and Skip Peter Hills after seven ends, as only 1 shot was picked up or dropped by each team and the score stood at 5-2 in the favour of the visitors. Then despite winning eight of the remaining twelve ends they managed to end up on the losing side 14-17.
C.Hills, A.Curtis & K.Smith beat P.Moore, M.Shelley & B.Blackmore 17-10; J.Curtis, R.Harper & D.Henley lost to A.Wilson, S.Parsloe & A.Brown 14-27; H.Carrick, J.Smith & P.Hills lost to M.Geddes, H.Gault & J.Daily 14-17.

Datchworth 72 Sele Farm 53
Sele Farm were the visitors to the Turkey Farm on Tuesday afternoon for a Friendly match and were beaten by 72 shots to 53. Sharon French, Alan Curtis, Keith Smith and Skip Peter Hills were 4-9 down after eight ends. But they then went on a winning streak, winning all but two of the remaining ten ends to win by 21 shots to 13. Sue Ellis, Terry Metcalf, Steve Chamberlain and Skip Les Parsley only won two more ends than they lost but picked up twice as many shots than they lost in their 18 shots to 9 win. Jan Smith, John Ellis, Richard Harper and Skip Jim Smith had a close game for fifteen ends, when the score was 13 shots apiece. Over the closing three ends they picked up 8 shots, to win by 21 shots to 13. Our only losing rink was that of Jean Curtis, Keith Glynn, Dickie Jackson and Skip Derek Henley lost twice as many ends than they won but only lost by six shots as they lost by 12 shots to 18.
S.French, A.Curtis, K.Smith & P.Hills beat J.Parsley, K.Berringer, J.Lake & J.Parsley 21-13; S.Ellis, T.Metcalf, S.Chamberlain & L.Parsley beat M.Sell, H.Ottley, J.Dunne & S.Kelley 18-9; J.Smith, J.Ellis, R.Harper & J.Smith beat B.Kirby, B.Turner, J.Jones & E.Lundy 21-13; J.Curtis, K.Glynn, D.Jackson & D.Henley lost to M.Bennion, H.Ottley, J.Ottley & H.Wright 12-18.

Datchworth 45 Luton West End 58
Our home Friendly against Luton West End on Saturday afternoon was cut short by the ever-changing weather conditions and ended in a 58 shot to 45 win for the visitors. After half of the ends Jean Curtis, Ian Williams and Skip Richard Harper played they were all square at 4 shots apiece. After that they only picked up two more shots while dropping nine as they lost by 6 shots to 13. Rachel Jones, Alan Curtis and Skip Steve Arnold lost the first three ends and never got back in the hunt, losing by 8 shots to 11. Debra Freeman, Phil Holzbauer and Skip Graham Akers led 11-0 after five ends and held on to their lead until they won by 22 shots to 14. Despite leading 6-0 after two ends David Stock, Jenny Holzbauer and Skip Derek Henley then won just three more ends as they lost by 9 shots to 20.
J.Curtis, I.Williams & R.Harper lost to J.Spendley, J.Dephney & R.Spendley 6-13; R.Jones, A.Curtis & S.Arnold lost to P.Brien, P.Clennett & G.Thompson 8-11; D.Freeman, P.Holzbauer & G.Akers beat S.Kitchener, R.Kitchener & V.Brodie 22-14; D.Stock, J.Holzbauer & D.Henley lost to M.Ainsworth, T.Dawes & A.Lelliott 9-20.

Datchworth 68 Bengeo 60
Our last match of the season, a Friendly against Bengeo was played at our Turkey Farm green and ended in a 68 shot to 60 win for us. Barbara Williams and Maureen Blunt shared the game at lead, along with Richard Harper and Skip Steve Arnold they won the first end then lost the next four, to trail 1-4. They never got back on terms and eventually lost by 11 shots to 15. Jim Smith, Terry Metcalf and Skip Derek Henley lost the first three ends, to trail 0-5, four ends later they were ahead 8-6. They remained in front till they end, winning by 17 shots to 13. John Ellis, Ian Williams and Skip Les Parsley had a close game throughout. The ends were shared equally and it was only by picking up 3 shots on the final end that they managed to win by 19 shots to 18. Sue Ellis, George Campbell and Skip Graham Akers picked up a 6 on the seventh end to lead 8-4. Then on the thirteenth end they picked up 5 shots, to retake the lead 15-14. They then won the remaining five ends to win by 21 shots to 14.
B Williams/M.Blunt, R.Harper & S.Arnold lost to K.Treeby, A.Moyle & B.Grimmett 11-15; J.Smith, T.Metcalf & D.Henley beat S.Wells, F.Spence & K.White 17-13; J.Ellis, I.Williams & L.Parsley beat C.Fairhead, W.Cant & J.Bullen 19-18; S.Ellis, G.Campbell & G.Akers beat H.Seeley, R.Boyd & G.Bullen 21-14.