Love of bowls

So my mate Tony doesn't miss his Tuesday afternoon roll up, having marked for me in the Over 60s match, we have a friendly. Play much better. More consistent length. The line is never a problem these days. Our game is curtailed by the rush of those playing in the roll up for the serving of tea and biscuits. A win to me, 18-8. The scorecard is shown below.

As I'm gathering my bowls I notice one of our oldest bowlers slowly making his way along the bank. Left way behind by all the others, he's bent over at a funny angle. Doesn't look like he's going to make the clubhouse. Then I notice he's lugging his carrier containing four bowls.

Only played against him once. Then he'd been a bowler for 71 years. In my second season, didn't think I even had the right to be on the same green. But he was past his best then and I won the game. He now has great difficulty stepping down onto the green or up into the clubhouse.

Having rushed to take his bowls, I help him into the clubhouse for a cup of tea and biscuits. After, he holds my arm to reach his mobility scooter. It's a miracle he survives more than two hours on the green in full sun.

I've seen it a few times over my short bowls career. Players who are terminally ill, physically handicapped or just back from major surgery, yet manage to get up and down the green. Even those who can no longer play still arrive to sit in comfort on the terrace, watch play and have a snooze. A love of bowls is an amazing motivator. Our club is 109 years old. It must have been a lifeline for hundreds of senior residents of the town. Maybe why I feel so strongly about supporting St Ives Bowls Club.

Hope it can keep me going to my hundredth birthday and beyond!