We couldn’t have asked for a more fitting way to end the outdoor season at Denham Bowls Club than with the traditional Ladies vs Gents exhibition match. It truly had it all—sunshine, thunderstorms, heavy rain, topsy-turvy matches, moments of brilliance, and a few not-so-brilliant bowls!
This year’s finale was all about fun and flair, with a bright theme that saw members dressing to impress, lighting up the day even when the weather couldn’t. While the bowling skills may not have brightened up the rainfall, the colourful outfits certainly did!
It was a true battle of the elements, with sunshine turning into thunderstorms, followed by a downpour, before the sun returned to grace the final moments of the match. The drama extended to the teams too, as Daron Ayris, often the talisman for the Gents, controversially switched allegiances to join the Ladies in a fun twist to balance the numbers. With 3 rinks of triples, the match was as unpredictable as the weather!
Although it was an exhibition, the busy season had clearly taken its toll, with the bowling feeling a bit more labored than usual. But it was all in good spirit, with plenty of laughs, great camaraderie, and moments of top-notch play. In the end, the Gents took home the win (sorry, Daron!), but the real victory was the fun we had.
Post-match, Daron and Karen Ayris played heroes in the kitchen, serving up delicious jacket potatoes with all the toppings—chilli, cheese, and beans. Karen’s closing speech marked the official end to what has been another long and eventful outdoor season at Denham Bowls Club.
As we draw the curtains on the 2024 outdoor season, we turn our focus to the winter months and Short Mat Bowls. Thank you to everyone for making this season one to remember!