Spanish National Bowls Squad
Webmistress Pat Metcalfe National Coach
Test Match / Mini Series Report ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) TEST MATCH Spain arrived for their normal practice session prior to the Test Match in soaring temperatures in the mid 30s. Spanish Team South African Team The South Africa Team stayed in their selected Team As always, there are photos in the Gallery. Written by Pat Metcalfe Spanish National Coach. 
Indalo Bowling Club pulled off a marvellous coup when they acted
as host club to the International Squads of Spain, Scotland, Northern Ireland & South Africa.
Scotland, Northern Ireland & South Africa fielded their full Squads for the forthcoming Commonwealth games to be played in Delhi in October.
The first match of the week was a full test match between Spain and South Africa, (report bellow).
The second half of the week saw the start of a 3-way
mini series between South Africa, Scotland & Northern Ireland, with all three Countries fielding their Commonwealth Games sides, the bowling was of the highest standard and was a treat to witness by all the spectators watching.
With all 3 countries playing each other twice the end result was :
Northern Ireland 14 pts, South Africa 13 pts & Scotland 9 pts.
There were glowing comments from all Countries for Indalo Bowling Club for the smooth running of the competition and the organisation and friendliness of the membersh
ip. John Colquhoun, Indalo club captain, was presented with signed National shirts from all 3 visiting Countries, which will be framed and mounted in their clubhouse as a wonderful reminder of this unique occasion.
South Africa, Scotland & Northern Ireland have already enquired of the possibility of a return visit next year which they will use as their preparation for next years Atlantic championships to be held in Cyprus.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
Photos in Gallery
John Colquhoun
Indalo Club Captain
@
INDALO BC. MOJACAR
21st – 22nd – 23rd July 2010
arlow made a presentation to South Africa Team Manager Ron Weddell. There were 36 games to play over 6 sessions. The first day was three sessions playing all disciplines. Two sessions in the afternoon of the second day with the last session on the morning of the 23rd.
Debbie Colquhoun Santjie Steyn
Peta Rhodes Tracey-Lee Botha Triples Sheri Fletcher Susan Nel
Sabrina Marks Brunie Gerber
Chris Evans Colleen Piketh Pairs
Yvonne Briden Helen Grundlingh Singles
Maggie Lawley
Matt Tew John Duplessis
Russell Marks Wayne Perry Triples
Joe Stamper Gippo Vermuelen
Brian Manser Shaun Addinal
Alex McNeil Gerry Baker Pairs
Dominic Mills Bobby Donelly Singles
positions &
Although 
o both sides.
There was panic on the second day. Perry, our mascot, had gone missing and nobody had noticed for a few hours. He was spotted flying high up the South African flag pole. He didn’t look too happy just hanging there. On our last day, Ron Weddell owned up to being the perpetrator of the dirty deed and said he was surprised it took so long for someone to notice he was missing. Margaret Bunbury (Kodak) was beside herself when she couldn’t find him. She will have to watch him more closely in future. 
The Ladies Singles player, Helen Grundlingh, didn’t lose one game through the whole Test Match. Peta Rhodes came very close to beating Helen in the last tie break. She was level at 1-1 on the second end but Helen drew two perfect bowls on the last end to finish 1-3. Peta also played in the Pairs with Debbie Colquhoun and beat Brunie Gerber and Colleen Piketh in two straight sets. The star of our Men’s Team was Joe Stamper. He won four games out of six against very strong opposition. Two singles, 1 Pairs with Matt Tew and a Triples with Matt & Russell Marks. He nearly made i
t five out of six, but, Gerry Baker had the last bowl of a 4 end tie break in a Pairs with Matt Tew. Joe was holding for the match and Gerry had a lucky rub off a front bowl and took the jack for shot to win the game. Gerry admitted it was a lucky shot and apologised to Joe & Matt. I told Gerry it was akin to Maradonna’s hand of God shot in the World Cup. Being the sportsman he is, he appreciated the banter and was 
well ribbed about it during the rest of the day. Brian Manser, Alex McNeil & Dominic Mills won a Triple in a tie break. Brian Manser & Alex McNeil won a Pairs in a tie break. The sets game can be very cruel when it comes to adding up total scores over 2 sets. There were seven games where the total of all shots added up for 
o to our Special Reserve Maggie Lawley. She supported the rest of Team throughout the three days and made a lot of noise doing so. Maggie played in a Triple with Yvonne Briden & Chris Evans in the last session of the Test. Special thanks also
go to Indalo Bowls Club and John Colquhoun for his organisation of the Markers & Umpires, a steady supply of water and our food requirements. Thanks also to the Ladies who did the food, they were very organised.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
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ENGLAND A GETS A GOOD WORK OUT FROM
ENGLAND B COSTA DEL CHANNEL
The Spanish Team started their campaign with 2 extra training sessions which proved to be invaluable. We had learnt a lot from the Test Match against Wales and practiced some important aspects of playing the sets game. Because the mindset is totally different from the normal game format, you need to be on your toes from the outset. We had a half day at Monte Mar BC and a whole day at Bonalba BC plus the official training session at Emerald Isle BC. We would like to thank the Clubs involved for the use of their greens and equipment. Without the help and support of the Clubs we would not be able to train to the high standard we have achieved. On the first day Perry the Peregrine Falc
on, and his Team prepared for the ensuing games with their normal warm up. We were honoured by the presence of the President of the Federation in Madrid Sr. Jose Luis Boto and fellow Executive Committee member Sr. Luis Fernando Garandillas. The opening ceremony started with the National Anthems being played and the players introduced. 
Spain: Women - Sabrina Marks, Sheri Fletcher, Ann Eagle, Jan Dando,Debbie Colquhoun, and Yvonne Briden.
Men - Russell Marks, Tony McKenna, Paul Brown, Mick Johnson, D
ominic Mills and Joe Stamper.
England: Women: Ellen Faulkner, Sian Gordon, Sandy Hazell, Natalie Melmore, Amy Monkhouse and Jamie Lea Winch. Men: Stuart Airey, Mark Bantock, Mervyn King, Robert Newman, Graham Shadwell and Sam Tolchard.
The first session started with 6 pairs. Spain got of to a good start winni
ng 3 and losing 3.
Just before lunch, President Sr. Jose Luis Boto made the presentation of a Plaque to commemorate the event, to John Bell, the England Team Performance Director. John then reciprocated and presented Sr. Jose Luis Boto with a Plaque from England. Perry looked on in amazement, thinking, let’s h
ope we have more of this in the future.
After lunch the first session of the afternoon started with 6 Singles and2Triples. Spain won 2 Singles. Joe Stamper beat Sam Tolchard in 2 straigh
t sets and Jan Dando beat Ellen Faulkner in a tie breaker, lost 4 and also lost both Triples. 4 out of 8 games went to Tie Breaks. The second session was also 6 Singles and 2 Triples. Again Spain won 2 Singles. Paul Brown beat Mervyn King in a tie breaker and Sabrina Marks
beat Sian Gordon in a tie breaker, lost 4, also losing both Triples. 3 out of 8 games went to Tie Breaks.
Spain was up against one of the Top C
ountries in the World and a very young squad, Jamie Lea Winch is just 19 yrs old, and had all the experience of playing at World Bowls level. Before coming to Spain, England had been in India and Australia. Stuart Airey and Mervyn King won the Australian Open Pairs. Graham Shadwell was runner up in the Australian Open Singles. Mark Bantock, Graham Shadwell and Robert Newman won the Men's Triples Gold Medal in the Test Tournament in Delhi and Jamie Lea Winch, Sandy Hazell and Sian Gordon won Women's Triples Gold. Spain kept their heads held high and did themselves proud. They played their best against the best. Some brilliant bowls and fantastic shots being played by both sides ke
pt the spectators glued to their seats. The second day started with another presentation. John Bell had told Spain Manager Nick Bunbury, the day before, that he had forgotten his hat. Nick decided he would help John out. That night Nick bought a hat and presented it to him before the games started. It matched his England outfit perfectly even though it sparkled in the sun. Very pleased with his new item of clothing, John wore it all morning and when comments were made, he said, “
When you have style you can wear anything”. It kept the sun off him very well. The first session started with 4 Triples. England won all 4 with some of the sets being lost by 1 or 2 shots. After lunch the s
econd session started with 4 Pairs and 4 Singles. Spain won 2 and lost 2 in the pairs. Won 1 and lost 3 in the Singles. The third and last session was the same, with 4 Singles and 4 Pairs. The ends in the sets were reduced to 7 instead of nine because of the time set for the closing dinner. Spain won 1 Singles and lost 3 and won 1 Pairs and lost 3. Most games being very close in the sets. Would we have won them over the 9 ends? Who knows.
The final overall result was 12 games to Spain and 30 games to England.
At the closing dinner, Graham Marlow thanked everyone for their support and co-operation in getting this Test Match organised. Thank you to the Umpires and Markers who gave up their time. A special thank you to President June and Keith Jones and the Emerald Isle Bowling Club for hosting the Match. John Bell, being a
well known after dinner speaker, was coaxed onto the stage to respond. Well, John never misses a chance of some banter with the diners. This occasion was no different. He calls the Spanish Squad, “England B Costa Del Channel”. He said that he was impressed at the level the Spanish Team has risen to over the past couple of years. He also thanked the Team for making England work for their success and giving them a very good work out. He then presented Graham Marlow and John Muldoon, our new National Director, with an England tie. Nick Bunbury was also given an special England pin. We were all given a bowls cloth from the England sponsor Comfitpro.
Before the start of the Test Match, Nick Bunbury asked the Team to predict what Spain’s winning margin would be, but he wouldn’t say what his prediction was. He later informed the Team that he had predicted 30% and that is exactly what we achieved. As far as the Spanish Team are concerned, they did very well.
As the National Coach for Spain I would just like to say that since The Atlantic Games in South Africa 2009, the Spanish Squad have improved their overall ability and skill to play at the top level in World events. It was very unfortunate that Tony McKenna & Sabrina Marks did not get to Australia for the World Cup due to the Volcanic Ash situation. I am absolutely positive they would have come back triumphant. I am so proud of our Squad I now know how Jose Marino feels. I also speak for the general management of the Spanish National Bowls Team, and that includes, of course, the Team mascot Perry the Peregrine Falcon. Well done to everyone.
We would like to wish England Good Luck when they go to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October. I am sure they will come back with a few medals.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
Written by Pat Metcalfe
Spanish National Team Coach
Photos in Gallery
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Volcanic Ash stops European Countries
from travelling to Australia to compete
in the World Cup at Warilla.
Spain was among Countries of the British Isles & other European Countries who could not take part in the World Cup in Australia because of the Volcanic Ash problem grounding all flights to and from the Continent. The only 2 European 
Countries that took part was Cyprus and Guernsey. Spain's Sabrina Marks spent 3 days of untold hours on the Internet trying to find alternative arrangements for herself and Tony McKenna. Everytime something looked promising, the ban on flights was extended. In the end it was too late. Let's hope that they both get their money back from the Travel Insurance.Unlike other Countries, Spanish International Bowls Teams are not funded by any Sports Council or Governing body. Therefore, they have to be self funding and rely on their own travel insurance.
Sabrina Marks
Tony McKenna
Written by Pat Metcalfe
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SPAIN FEELS THE FIRE OF The Red Dragon of Wales proved to be just a bit too hot for Perry the Falcon and his Spanish Team.
THE RED DRAGON 
After a very cloudy start to the first day, following the opening ceremony and playing of the National Anthems, out came the Sun. There were 22 games on the first day played over 3 sessions. All games were 2 Sets of 9 ends with a tie break of 3 ends if the Sets were drawn. The first session was 6 games of 3 Bowl Pairs.
Wales won 4 games in 3 straight sets and 1 tie breaker. Spain won 2 in 1 straight sets and a tie breaker. 
The many spectators were treated to a wonderful display of Bowls from both sides, with lots of ooooos and aaaaaars as the heads built up. I think this is the first time that such an exciting exhibition of superb bowls has been witnessed in an International Test Match here in Spain. In the 2nd session after lunch, there were 6 Singles and 2 games of 2 Bowl Triples. Wales won 4 Singles games in 3 straight sets and 1 tie breaker. Spain won 2 games, both were tie breakers. By now the weather had changed and it was quite cold and windy which could have affected the last session. In the Triples, Spain won both games in 1 straight sets and 1 tie breaker. At this stage I would like to point out that although Wales had the upper hand, the Spanish Team were playing superbly. A lot of the games were being lost by only 1 or 2 shots, mainly due to the superb acc
uracy of Wales in taking out a specific bowl when needed. The last session of the day was also 6 Singles and 2 games of 2 bowl Triples. In this session Wales won 5 Singles games in 3 straight sets and 2 tie breakers. Spain won 1 Singles game in straight sets. Wales also won both Triples games in 1 straight sets and 1 tie breaker. By now we were freezing cold and Perry hadn’t brought hi
s long johns. He tried to cuddle up to the Welsh Dragon but it didn’t make a lot of difference. He was now looking forward to a nice hot bath and an early night ready for the second day. The next day started in bright sunshine and with everyone refreshed and recharged the games were underway. Perry occupied his usual position at the side of the green and prepared for another superb display of bowls. The morning session w
as 4 games of 2 bowl Triples. Wales won 3 games in 2 straight sets and 1 tie breaker. Spain won 1 tie breaker. It was won on an extra 4th end as the score was tied after the normal 3 ends. We even had a hotshot of 6 on the 5th end of the first set. Well done to Spain. After lunch, the final session of the Test Match got underway with 6 games of 3 bowl pairs. Wales won 5 games in 2 straight sets an
d 3 tie breakers. Spain won 1 game in straight sets. Total points: Spain 18 Wales 46. The scores are not a true reflection of a very exciting and supe
rbly fought match. Well done to Wales and we wish them the best of luck in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this year. Also, very well done to Spain. A great hard fought 2 days losing a lot of the games by only 1 or 2 shots. In the closing ceremony, Graham Marlow presented Hazel Wilson, Ladies M
anager, with a plaque to commemorate the Test Match. Phil Young, Men’s manager, presented June Jones, President of Emerald Isle BC, with a Silver Plate in commemoration of the Match. We 
would like to thank Emerald Isle BC for their hospitality in hosting this Test Match. Also, thanks to the Markers and Umpires for giving their time. We play England here on the 8th & 9th May. If this was anything to go by, we are in for another superb display of Top World Class International Bowls. Please come and support us, you will not be disappointed.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
Written by Pat Metcalfe
Photos with names in the Gallery
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Challenge Match
Spain v Malaga Select
22nd & 23rd March 2010
@ Indalo Bowls Club
PERRY THE PEREGRINE FALCON TAMES
THE MALAGA TIGER
We started o
ur campaign with a practice game against Indalo BC on the
20th April which proved to be a success winning by
5 shots overall. Thanks to all who took part.
After another wet start on the 1st day of the Test Match. Perry the Peregrine Falcon got wet and had to endure the pain & 
embarrassment of being called a cockerel. Some people have no imagination, but, that did not dampen his spirit and determination to tame the Malaga Tiger. After an early lunch we manage to get 4 rinks playable at each end of the green. We played 2 Rinks & 2 Singles. John C
olquhoun, Captain of Indalo, managed to squeegee 2 more rinks and within 20 mins we had another 2 Rinks playing. John had to work a bit harder on the middle rinks and with the help Graham Marlow, our Team Director, we managed to get the last 2 Singles underway. All the games were finished except the last 2 Singles which had to be curtailed to 14 ends because of the rain. Spain won the first day 12 pts – 4pts. A good start for Spain to take into the next day. Perry the Peregrine Falcon was now looking for a nice warm 
& relaxing evening to recharge his batteries for the 2nd day. We arrived at Indalo in glorious sunshine. Perry got out his deckchair out and prepared himself for a long day. Because the games were curtailed the day before, we had to have 3 sessions instead of 2. Pairs & Triples started at 9am.followed by Singles & Rinks. A late lunch was followed by the last Pairs & Triples. The overall points, after all games were played was 51 to Spain 13 to Malaga. Well done Spain. Perry the Peregrine Falcon had succeeded in his efforts to tame the Malaga Tiger. There was s
ome great bowling over the 2 days by both side
s, despite the weather. I must pay tribute to D (Derek) J Hilton who has worked tirelessly in forming a Malaga Select Squad called “Malaga Tigers”. They were all in Squad shirts and looking very smart. Well done DJ you must be very proud. Finally, a big thank you to John Colquhoun and the Indalo Bowling Club for supplying food & drink for both Teams. Also Umpires, & Markers for the Singles.
Written by Pat Metcalfe.
More photos in the Gallery.
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Hong Kong & China Bowls 2010
We arrived at the Charterhouse hotel where all the other overseas bowlers were staying.
We went down to the CCC venue, where we would be playing our games, to get in some much needed practice as it was on grass which looked like it would bowl heavy and slow. We asked around if we could practice. The green keeper was watering the grass even though it was drizzling at the time! A CCC official spotted us and informed us that there would be no practice allowed. OH NO! (in a Scottish accent) We decided to go to the HKFC venue to get some practice which was also grass. This facility is very impressive and is used for the famous Hong Kong seven’s rugby tournament and the Happy Valley racecourse surrounds the whole complex. During practice Fred was attacked from a great height and his head and clothing were in a mess. I think this is why there were 3 rinks between us and the other teams. After we managed to convince the USA team that Fred would get cleaned up, they gave us a 1 hour game. We played well and won. We returned in the evening to pick up our Tiger Bowls shirts and get a lowdown on the rules of the competitions. 
We played our annual match against the local HKFC, who looked very smart in their blue and white uniform. We also won this well. We were up at 6.30am the next morning and after breakfast it was off to the CCC to play against our 1st opponents in the Tiger Bowls tournament, CCC-F. They were a local team and obviously knew the green very well. We played well and won 7pts, we were well chuffed. We estimated that the green was running at about 8-9seconds so very different to what we are used to back home. Our next opponents were our friends from Jersey. This was a tight match but we came through and won 5pts. The next match was against another local team, FSLBC. Another good performance saw us pick up 6pts. After lunch it was LBTC-D. This proved to be a very difficult match. The LBTC is a Lawn Bowls Teaching College and have won this tournament on several occasions. It was 2pts apiece after the first 2 skins. It all depended on the last end (8th). We were holding 3 shots (we needed just 2 shots for 6pts), with the opposing skip about to bowl the 1st of his 2 bowls. He took out our 3rd bowl with an excellent fi
ring shot and then completed our agony and took out our remaining 2 woods with his 2nd firing shot. We ended up with 2 pts and our first defeat. Next up were the tournament favourites, China A, who have won this event on several occasions. However, we played out of our skins (pardon the pun!) and picked up 7pts and possibly knocking out the tournament favourites! The 27pts won meant we were top of our group and indeed in 11th place overall, out of 78 teams, and easily qualifying for the Cup stage. We were drawn in a very tough group with Israel, Jersey, Canada A and 2 local teams, LTBC-A, B, who had won this competition before. First up was a very strong team from Israel. We won 7pts. We met Jersey for the 2nd time and won by the same score as before, 5pts to us. Next up was LBTC-A. A convincing win for us here and 8pts picked up. LBTC-C was next. A very tough game and a great final bowl from our skip on the 8th end gave us 4pts thus avoiding a defeat whilst gaining much valuable points. Canada A were our final opponents and we knew a good victory here would put us in the running for a top 4 spot. We played well again and picked up 6 pts. This meant we had topped our group whilst unbeaten against stiff opposition, surely we earned a place at the top table! We went to the scoreboard and found out that we were in 4th place. Fiji were 7pts behind us and their opponents, USA, could not catch us. So as long as Fiji did not gain more than 6 pts we were in the semi’s. OH NO! The result came through and Fiji arrived at our venue leaping with joy. They had won 7pts to win the 4th place by 5shots as we had the same number of points. We were absolutely gutted! Reports came back that the U.S.A skip had taken out his own shot wood to give Fiji the 7 points they needed.
CHINA OPEN
We checked out of the Charterhouse hotel and took the hired coach to Shenzhen. The journey was about 1.5 hours. The weather was poor with rain and drizzle on and off
. We had a choice given to us by Jacky Wong, either we get the bus to practice in the rain or we get a free massage. After a very long consultation between the team, it was finally decided to go for some practice. The choice of practice was never in any doubt, honest! OH NO! The greens were even slower than CCC. There were 2 greens. Green A was running at about 7-8secs whilst Green B was probably running at 6-7secs. We practiced on our own and then we challenged Israel to a game for a cup of hot coffee. We let them win because we knew that the coffee was free! Our group consisted of Netherlands, Wanchai, Guangzhou, Australia C, Macau, Canada B and Malaysia B. First game started at 8.30am, so an early rise to get the coach.
First was the Netherlands and we knew it was important to get off to a good start. It was drizzly and cold making it difficult to grip your bowls properly. This was the way it was going to be for the whole day. However, we started off well and although Netherlands came back at us in the final few ends we held on for a good victory, 12-9. Next was Wanchai, who had won their first game convincingly. We were finding it tough going and although we played reasonably well Wanchai were in top form and of course this is when you get all the breaks. The score of 7-14 did not really reflect on the game. Next was the local team, Guangzhou, who had thrashed Australia C by an unbelievable 41-0! This was later found to be due the T to T jacks that the local team employed. The “older” Australian lads could not reach without a huge effort (they said they were firing every wood down the green but seldom reached the jack) and certainly not with any accuracy. Anyhow we played superbly using our “tactics” and we won 16-10. A superb result! So after our first day we had won 2 and lost 1. We were still on course for qualification. Next day it was sunny and the greens had changed dramatically. We played Australia C on Green A, which was not bowling as heavy due to the weather change. We did not play as well as we had been and struggled with the pace. However
, we ground out a 13-12 result. 3 out of 4, things were going OK. Next we had to play Macau. This was one of those games where nothing would go right for us and everything went right for them. Very frustrating and nothing you could do about it. We eventually lost 13-15. Back onto Green A to play Canada B. Our luck certainly was not with us today as the Canadians also got off to a flyer and we were fighting to get back into the game, which we did. Only 1 shot down going into the last but the head changed several times in the Canadians favour. We lost 11-14. The good news was that after the first 2 days the group was tied with all teams having won 3 and lost 3. It was all on the final game next morning. We played a very good team, Malaysia B, who had an excellent skip (although not as good as ours!) who saved his team time and time again. Again we were 1 down going into the last end. We were building up a good head and holding 4 when the number 3 bowled up 2 woods straight up the middle, we all thought they were far too tight and would not affect the head, how wrong we were. They both landed next to the jack! Although we played much better than 
the previous afternoon, we lost 11-14, our participation was over. On reflection, we did not have a good second day afternoon and it cost us qualification.
It was a terrific experience and the team camaraderie was second to none. We are still a bit disappointed that we did not bring back a trophy.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
Written by Alex McNeil
More photos in the gallery.
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Test Match Spain v Guernsey
@
Emerald Isle Bowling Club
20th & 21st February
SPAIN BREAKS THE MOULD
AGAINST GUERNSEY
Perry the Peregrine Falcon, Spain’s mascot, took his usual pride of place overlooking the main green at 
Emerald Isle for the practice day on Friday the 19th of February. It wasn’t long before he was looking decidedly bedraggled and would have been happier had he been a duck! The lower green resembled the other complexes sports facility, a swimming pool and consequently no play was possible during the morning. We managed to while away the time with discussion and having rustled up a D.V.D. player showed a coaching DVD entitled Bowls Ballistics, no that really was the title!
Many thanks to the owner and staff of Emerald Isle for closing off an area for us, making it completely private and as the weather was starting to improve we had an early lunch and soon had practice going on the top two rinks.
Saturday, the first day of the Test Match, commenced with the Team from Guernsey parading with Spain and after the raising of the flags to the National anthems the players were introduced to rapturous applause from a lonely dog and our two travelling groupies Wendy and Dennis Wood,
who came all the way from the Costa del Sol to support us. It is a pity that more local folk did not come to witness bowling at its best during the Test Match! Maybe local publicity could have been stronger and I will provide dates for your diary that will be too good to miss.
32 games, with a mixture of Pairs, 2 Wood Triples, 3 Wood Triples and Singles were played in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games format to be held in Delhi India later this year. 
Guernsey are a Test playing Nation and their Men’s Team just pipped Spain, to an automatic qualifying place for World Bowls 2012 being held in Adelaide Australia, in the Atlantic Championships in Johannesburg last year, so they could not be taken lightly. Spain’s Ladies, of course, did qualify during that Tournament. Our visitors were here to hone their skills on our outdoor artificial surface, as that is the type of green to be used in Delhi.
With 32 points on offer, a winning total of 16 and a half, or more was needed and as Spain has habitually lost Test matches on the first day only to put the Management through torment by winning the last day, going on to win overall, the omens were not good. This weekend was to see a change to all that and Spain finally broke the mould by winning 17 games and losing only 5 on the very first day!! So now we had an unassailable position. One small step for the players, one giant leap for Spain. I’m sure I have heard that somewhere before!
Day two started with weather warnings, but thankfully the forecast rain did not materialise and we were able to complete the Test Match and I am happy to report that another good day was had by Spain enabling us to run out winners, overall, by the commanding margin of 24 and a half to 7 and a half and an impressive shot difference of plus 218!
Many thanks to Guernsey for their spirit and good nature and we wish them well in the Commonwealth Games, 
also thanks to the Spanish Team who on this occasion were represented by Yvonne Briden, Debbie Colquhoun, Jan Dando, Sheri Fletcher, Lynn Greenland and Sabrina Marks for the Ladies and Paul Brown, Nick Cole, Mick Johnson, Tony McKenna, Alex McNeil and Russell Marks for the Men, a job well done. Spain can now be seen as a force to be reckoned with and “Lord” John Bell of Wigmore, where is Wigmore? The Performance Director of Bowls England calls us England B from the Costa del Channel, due to our exploits against his England Team of the past two years and his full Commonwealth
Games Team is to play Spain on the 8th and 9th of May this year and that is a date for your diary that you really shouldn’t miss!! England are packed with World-class bowlers in every department as are Wales who visit us on the 16th and 17th of April, another date you should pencil into your diary.
2 Test matches of the highest quality the like of which have not been seen on our shores before! Don’t miss them!!
May I take this opportunity to offer our facilities to all other Test playing Nations as next year the Atlantic Championships are being held in Cyprus, again on artificial surfaces similar to ours.
Special thanks to the Consejo Superior de Deportes for their support.
See you on the Green
Nick R Bunbury
Manager Spanish International Lawn Bowls Team
Spain v Guernsey Scores | ||||
|
|
| Points | |
Saturday am 6 Prs | Score | Esp | Guer | |
| Sheri Fletcher v Jean Simon | 27-11 | 1 | 0 |
| Yvonne Briden v Lucy Beere | 15-09 | 1 | 0 |
| Jan Dando v Jackie Nicolle | 08-18 | 0 | 1 |
| Russell Marks v Nigel Collins | 15-17 | 0 | 1 |
| Nick Cole v Matt Le Ber | 27-11 | 1 | 0 |
| Mick Johnson v Gary Pitschou | 25-12 | 1 | 0 |
Saturday 1pm 6 Singles & 2X2wood Triples | ||||
S | Paul Brown v Gary Savident | 21-04 | 1 | 0 |
S | Nick Cole v Nigel Collins | 21-06 | 1 | 0 |
S | Russell Marks v Matt Le Ber | 10-21 | 0 | 1 |
S | Lynn Greenland v Shirley Petit | 21-02 | 1 | 0 |
S | Sabrina Marks v Pauline Leadbeater | 21-07 | 1 | 0 |
S | Yvonne Briden v Jackie Nicolle | 21-06 | 1 | 0 |
T | Sheri Fletcher v Lucy Beere | 27-07 | 1 | 0 |
T | Mick Johnson v Gary Pitschou | 13-20 | 0 | 1 |
Saturday 4pm 6 Singles & 2x2wd Triples | ||||
S | Debbie Colquhoun v Lucy Beere | 21-17 | 1 | 0 |
S | Jan Dando v Jean Simon | 21-18 | 1 | 0 |
S | Sheri Fletcher v Gwen De La Mare | 21-19 | 1 | 0 |
S | Tony McKenna v Gary Pitschou | 17-21 | 0 | 1 |
S | Mick Johnson v Don Batiste | 21-09 | 1 | 0 |
S | Alex McNeil v Garry Collins | 21-09 | 1 | 0 |
T | Yvonne Briden v Jackie Nicolle | 21-08 | 1 | 0 |
T | Nick Cole v Matt Le Beur | 23-13 | 1 | 0 |
Total Points to date | 17 | 05 | ||
Sunday am 4 Triples | ||||
| Mick Johnson v Matt Le Beur | 22-20 | 1 | 0 |
| Nick Cole v Gary Pitschou | 19-23 | 0 | 1 |
| Sheri Fletcher v Lucy Beere | 17-17 | .5 | .5 |
| Yvonne Briden v Jean Simon | 20-14 | 1 | 0 |
Sunday pm 6 Pairs | ||||
| Yvonne Briden v Lucy Beere | 16-15 | 1 | 0 |
| Jan Dando v Jackie Nicolle | 24-17 | 1 | 0 |
| Sheri Fletcher v Jean Simon | 21-08 | 1 | 0 |
| Mick Johnson v Gary Pitschou | 22-12 | 1 | 0 |
| Russell Marks v Matt Le Ber | 28-14 | 1 | 0 |
| Nick Cole v Nigel Collins | 11-15 | 0 | 1 |
Total overall points | 24.5 | 7.5 | ||
Total overall Shots | Spain | 638 | +218 | |
Guernsey | 420 | +177 | ||
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Practice Game against
Greenlands Bowls Club
@
Torrevieja 30th & 31st January
We went to Greenlands Bowls Club for a day and a half practice session in preparation for playing Guernsey at Emerald Isle Bowls Club in February. We normally do our practice sessions between ourselves, but this proved to be a great success with very good opposition. There were 6 Ladies & 6 Men on both sides playing in the Commonwealth Games Format of Singles, Pairs & Triples. On the first day we played 6 Pairs. At the end of the session the points were level but we were ahead on shot difference. Some very close games. On the second day we played 6 Singles & two 2bowl Triples.
After this session, the points were still level but Greenlands had overtaken us on shot difference. The final session consisted of 2 Men's Triples & 2 Ladies Triples.
We won 2 & lost 2 keeping the points level but we managed to win on a shot difference of 12. A very close call and just what we needed for our practice. The games were enjoyed by everyone on both sides. So much so that the Greenlands Captain, Derek Toozer, said he would like to keep it an annual fixture with more people playing. This was welcomed and will be looked into.
On behalf of the Spanish National Team, I would like to thank Greenlands for the use of their Green. Also the Caterers who donated the Water free of charge. I would also like to thank Bob Donnelly for Umpiring and the Markers in the Singles.
We welcome any Club to Challenge the Spanish National Team to a match. If anyone is interested please contact Pat Metcalfe Spanish National Coach. My email is on the Contact us page.
Unfortunately we do not have a photographic record of the above match because we didn't have a camera between us.
Written by Pat Metcalfe
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SPAIN V PORTUGAL
10/11th November 2009
@
VILAMOURA BOWLING CLUB
Wowee!!!!! What a Test Match this turned out to be. It was the most exciting one we have had against Portugal. Down to the last bowl of the last game.
After a very long day driving to Portugal, everyone arrived safely at the Vila Gale 
Marina Hotel.
Apart from some gusty winds on the way down, the weather was great.
The first day was our practice day, and the Team worked hard to master the speed of the grass greens which were very heavy and very tricky in places. On 1 rink you had to send the bowl straight down the middle and slightly against the bias to get it to come back to the centre. 
The first day of the Test Match started with the opening ceremony of raising the Portugese & Spanish Flags. We then started our warm up exercises. Since coming back from South Africa, we have been doing our warm up exercises to 60s music. This was the normal start to everyday for some of the countries in the Atlantic Championships. 
Ruth Compton, Assistant National Coach, takes the Team through their paces every time. This time some of the Portugal Team joined in and enjoyed it as well.
The first games were played using 1 rink on the second green because there were only 7 rinks on the main green. In the morning session there were 4 Pairs & 4 Triples. The Ladies & Men played 2 Pairs & 2 Triples. The Ladies won 1 and lost 1 in the Triples and the same in the pairs. The Men won 1 and drew 1 in the Triples and lost both pairs. Jackie Breslin & Dominic Mills lost their Pairs match by 1 shot after going into the last end 2 down on the board. 14 – 15. The afternoon games were Singles & Rinks. The Ladies won 1 Singles and lost 1. Ann Eagle beat Janeth Rocha 21 – 14. In the Rinks Yvonne Briden’s Team with Mary Cockell, Lynn Greenland & Carol Meare, won their match and we lost the other 1. Our Men lost both Singles and won 1 Rink and lost the other. Russell Mark’s Team with Dominic Mills, Fred Roberts & Jackie Breslin, beat Stewart Banks Team 27 – 17. At the end of the first day we were minus 6 points.
The second day started much better. In the morning session, the Ladies won both their Triples and 1 Pairs game. Unfortunately the Men lost both the Triples and Pairs. Paul Brown & Nick Cole were 16 all going into the last end and lost by 1 shot.
We were now minus 10pts. ove
rall. Not a good start for the afternoon session.
We had to win 7 of the 8 games left.
Russell Marks was the first to finish in the singles against Gerry Jones. He won his game 22 – 17.
The day before, Gerry had beaten Nick Cole in the singles 21 – 17.
Nick Cole beat Amadeu Rocha 22 – 12. We were starting to feel confident because the Ladies won both their singles games.
Carol Meare beat Mary Banks 21 – 15. Peta Rhodes beat J. Drewer 21 – 18.
We needed three more wins. Mick Johnson’s Rink with Tony McKenna, Paul Brown & Alex McNeil, won their game by 1 shot after being 15 – 4 up. Portugal scored 10 shots on the last 5 ends to catch up and finish the game 15 – 14 to Spain.
Unfortunately Jackie Breslin’s Rink lost 16 – 20.
The final games now became “must wins”. Yvonne Briden’s Rink with, Diane Ridley, Lynn Greenland & Maggie Lawley, won their game comfortably 19 – 8. The overall points were now level. Everything depended on the last game, skipped by Sheri Fletcher with, Mary Cockell, Sabrina Marks & Jan Dando.
On the 8th end Spain was 4 – 8
