PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR AVAILABILITY BY EITHER:-
1 - Ticking or crossing on the notice board sheet. If you cross off YOU MUST ALSO RING ME.
2 - Ringing me on 96 579 6826 or 661195017
3 - eTick. You may confirm your availability by emailing me on moc.liamtoh|ttewojyrrab#moc.liamtoh|ttewojyrrab. I will give a confirmation reply. YOU ARE NOT TICKED OFF UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REPLY.

DODGY WEATHER PROCEDURE.

In case of inclement weather:-
First – Check your email.
Second – If still in doubt – YOU RING ME between 8.15 & 9.00

Barry

DATE: 20 February 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (HOME) V BBC TIGERS.

It was a chilly start this morning when the welcoming speech was delivered by Barry Jowett, but by mid way into the game, the sun shone and we enjoyed a lovely morning for bowling. It certainly seemed a lot warmer for Onyx by the time the scores were totted up at the end of play! What a difference from last week!

This will be my last Onyx Report as I shall miss the last game against Lions due to our family visiting from Australia. So, I wish you the best of luck for the final skirmish of the season.

The Onyx team were unanimous in wishing Brian Collins a successful return to the UK. Does this mean that we have to send our Euro to him each week by post? Good Luck Brian.

The all important scores at the end of the match were:

POINTS ONYX 8 POINTS TIGERS 2
SHOTS ONYX 80 SHOTS TIGERS 37

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves scored in no less than 15 of the 18 ends putting the game totally out of reach of the visitors. There is really not much more that I can add (other than have a look at Derick Lutz’s team performance!)
ONYX 23 – TIGERS 4

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz managed to deliver on 16 of the 18 ends – sorry Dennis! A 6 shot on the 2nd end must have been demoralising for the Tigers. Their number 2 had to be substituted owing to illness and this was, no doubt unsettling for them.
ONYX 27 – TIGERS 5

Mike Tebby, Dave Gardiner and Phil Harding put in a sterling effort and winning on 11 of the 18 ends definitely had a bearing on their eventual victory.
ONYX 16 – TIGERS 9

Phil Woodhead, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling were 10-1 down going into the 9th end, so there was a massive task facing them in the second half. Despite scoring in 6 of the last 9 ends, that 10 shot start proved to be too much and, even though they scored a 3 and 4 shot in those 6 ends, Tigers managed to respond with similar 3 and 4 shots.
ONYX 14 – TIGERS 19

FRIENDLIES

Ann Harding, Emily Bolger and Brian Bolger managed to share 9 winning ends with Tigers, so it is probably fitting that the result was a tie.
ONYX 18 – TIGERS 18

Jim Menzies, Mike Wynne and George Holman built up their lead between the 9th – 13th ends and despite a late rally by Tigers, were able to hold their lead to finish 3 shots ahead.
ONYX 20 – TIGERS 17

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 13 February 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V EL CID SWORDS.

The conditions were almost unbearable today at El Cid, with an icy wind tugging at our hearts giving a feeling of utter despair and despondency – JOKING! That was the result of The Result!

The weather conditions were actually very good and the welcome we received from Swords was equally warming.

Now, the score:

POINTS ONYX 0 POINTS SWORDS 10
SHOTS ONYX 48 SHOTS SWORDS 78

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs were up against an in-form team today who, apart from the 2nd end, maintained their lead throughout. With 12 winning ends to Swords’ credit, further compounded the up hill struggle that faced Onyx.
ONYX 6 – SWORDS 20

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz were definitely in a game of two halves. The first half belonged to Onyx, who led 10-6 at the 9th. However, Swords counter attacked in the second half, scoring in 6 of the last 9 ends, including two lots of 4 shots to dash our hopes.
ONYX 16 – SWORDS 20

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves kept their game very much alive up to the mid point, when Swords got their second wind and won 7 of the remaining ends
ONYX 13 – SWORDS 22

Phil Woodhead, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling kept snapping at Swords’ heels, but never quite got their noses in front after the 2nd end. The game seemed to be taking a turn in favour of Onyx on the very last end, where they were holding 3 shots, which would have given them the game. It was not to be however, as a (very good) trailing second last shot from Swords took the game from our grasp.
ONYX 13 – SWORDS 16

FRIENDLIES

John Lapthorn, Barry Jowett and Dave Gardiner got off to a slow start and found themselves chasing the game. Down 3-12 at the half way mark, it was obviously a monumental task facing them and even scoring in the last 5 ends could not reverse the position.
ONYX 13 – SWORDS 24

Jane Lapthorn, Jim Menzies and George Holman were in a tighter game than the final score would suggest. The score was swinging from side to side, but a 4 shot from Swords on the 14th end proved to be the undoing of the Onyx side.
ONYX 11 – SWORDS 15

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 9 February 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (H) V BBC JAGUARS

Hearing the news this morning that parts of the UK were minus 14C., we should have been thankful that the sun was shining on Javea. However, the game had started at “a very cold” 9C and the players on both sides were togged out as though they were hunting polar bears. The sun soon warmed up the greens and sylph-like figures began to emerge from underneath the 5 layers of thermal clothing! The games also started to warm up too!!
Fortunately, there was just a tiny bit more heat in the Onyx bowling to give a very satisfactory result:

POINTS ONYX 8 POINTS JAGUARS 2
SHOTS ONYX 63 SHOTS JAGUARS 57

Clive Corbin, Dave Gardiner and Dennis Reeves found themselves in quite a close encounter with the score sitting at 8-7 at the 7th end. “The Boys” then scored on the next 6 ends to build up a lead of 20-7 at the 13th. Jaguars then came back, but the Onyx built up lead was too much, and despite Onyx only scoring on 2 of the last 5 ends, the win still went to Onyx.
ONYX 23 – JAGUARS 13

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz got off to a great start and by the mid point of the game were 9 shots in front at 13-4. Now, I am not superstitious but…..! Well, Maybe I am a wee bit now! We were held at 13 for the next 8 ends. The “unlucky” 13 might have been a bit of a bogey for us, but we only allowed them to score 7x1 shots and 1x2 shot, so we still managed to hold the lead. A 3 on the next end for Onyx proved to be the deciding shot.
ONYX 16 – JAGUARS 14

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs at 7 all at the 9th end it was all still to play for. Onyx had to slug it out and make every shot count. They did just that by scoring in 5 of the last 9 ends, with 2x2’s in the mix, against the single shots Jaguar could only achieve in their 4 scoring ends.
ONYX 14 – JAGUARS 12

Phil Woodhead, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling found themselves level at the mid point with the score 7-7. Things then swung Jaguars’ way in the second half with 11 shots against Onyx’s 3.
ONYX 10 – JAGUARS 18

FRIENDLIES

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Barry Jowett led the way from the 5th end, and by scoring in 13 of the 18 ends were well rewarded with their win
ONYX22 – JAGUARS 7

John Lapthorn, Jim Menzies and Mike Wynne had a difficult game on rink 5
ONYX 6 – JAGUARS 21

Emily Bolger, George Holman and Brian Bolger sitting 7 shots behind by the 5th end, “The Wizard” cast his spell and with one more abracadabra (or 1 extra shot on the 18th end) could have “spelled” a win!
ONYX 19 – JAGUARS 19

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 30 January 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V CALPE

Captains Preface - After last weeks stumble, today saw a performance that the whole of the Onyx squad can be proud of. The teams performed superbly in front of numerous squad members who had turned up to offer their vocal support.
There have been a few head turning league results this year. It is nice that Onyx have delivered one of the most notable.
Finally - Many thanks to John Pittaway for being so quick of the mark to offer his congratulations. It was most appreciated and we wish Quartz well at the Swords on Wednesday.

Barry

I am really busting to tell you how this match went, but as is my wont, a weather report is the norm (especially if we have lost as it hides some of the hurt!). In the north-east of England there is a coastal town called Whitley Bay and today almost took me back those umpteen years when I regularly visited that Northumbrian resort. I vividly remember the day such as today, with the sun shining and a balmy breeze blowing. It was the only warm day in hundreds of visits. It happened to be in July and it was one of the warmest days on record!! I think that gives a flavour of the weather today.

Calpe have had a good run this season and at the commencement of today’s game were only 5 points behind us, but with 2 games in hand. At our last meeting at Javea they won 8-2, so it was a case of total concentration and to for us try for a decent score. YIPPEE!!

POINTS ONYX 10 POINTS CALPE 0
SHOTS ONYX 87 SHOTS CALPE 55

Alan Hall, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz were scratching their heads as to how on earth they were going to recover from a 9-1 deficit as early as the 4th end. A 5 shot on the very next end lifted their spirits and they had even tied at the 9th end. But, Calpe then pressed on and scored on the next 3 ends, so Onyx again found themselves 18-11 down. Onyx then dug in their heels to score in 5 of the last 6 ends to take the game.
ONYX 24 – CALPE 21

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves scored 3 on the 1st end which is always a good way to start and this put them in good stead, but by the 4th end they had been caught by Calpe. Fortunes then swung in favour of Calpe, then back again to Onyx. From the 12th end Onyx took command as the final score shows.
ONYX 22 – CALPE 9

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs scored 4 on the very 1st end and were not about to relinquish their lead. They fought doggedly to hold the advantage, which they did for the remainder of the game to add 14 shots into the Onyx pot..
ONYX 24 – CALPE 10

Ritva McAuliffe, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling were 14-6 down by the 10th end, so thing looked positively fraught. This was not the time to lie down, so they kept at it. Scoring in 6 of the last 7 ends turned the game around from what earlier had looked like a definite defeat for Onyx into a great win.
ONYX 17 – CALPE 15

All in all a very satisfactory result for Onyx.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 23 January 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V FINCA GUILA

With 10 points gained from our last match against Finca Guila at home in December and a lovely sunny day in the offing, we might have been excused if we had thought that this was going to be easy, but this was not in our mindset. Finca Guila have recently had some impressive wins against strong opposition, so we knew we were in for a fight. And a fight we got!

POINTS ONYX 2 POINTS FINCA GUILA 8
SHOTS ONYX 70 SHOTS FINCA GUILA 78

Ritva McAuliffe, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling were our saviours today! They only trailed on the 2nd end, and seemed to be coasting to a win for the next 5 ends. Finca Guila then came back in the second half and looked as if they might just steal it from our trio, but the nail in the home side’s coffin was a great 6 shot from our guys on the 17th. Lid closed!
ONYX 21 - FINCA GUILA 14

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs found themselves chasing from the outset and despite a lovely 5 shot on the 3rd end, were unable to get themselves in front.
Onyx 17 – FINCA GUILA 29

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves were struggling in the early stages and the phrase “a game of two halves” could not be more apt to describe this tussle. The first half truly belonged to Finca Guila who scored in 6 of the 9 ends. The second half was Javea’s turn with 6 wins from the last 9 ends, but the decider was a 2 shot on the final end to Finca Guila
ONYX 16 – FINCA GUILA 17

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz found themselves up against the same trio from the previous meeting back at Javea (we won that one!). This game turned out to be a “fall back, then catch up” sort of game for both sides. Unfortunately, it was Finca Guila’s turn to catch up on the last end, where they came from 3 down to win by 2.
ONYX 16 – FINCA GUILA 18

FRIENDLIES

Phil Woodhead, Jim Menzies and Barry Jowett were evenly matched against their opposition until the 9th end when a 5 shot changed the game in our favour. Finca Guila could not recover – game ours.
ONYX 21 – FINCA GUILA 14

Alan Hall, Mike Wynne and Helen Hall gave no quarter and the score line tells most of the story, but scoring in 13 of the 18 ends was the final episode.
ONYX 29 – FINCA GUILA 4.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 19 January 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (HOME) V EL CID SCIMITARS

I could go on about the chilly morning that turned in no time at all to a beautiful sunny and warm day – but I won’t!
Instead, I will get on with the report. And, what a great result to report!
Today, there were 4 scoring teams, 2 friendlies and 1 in-house friendly, so all rinks were in use.

POINTS ONYX 10 POINTS SCIMITARS 0
SHOTS ONYX 96 SHOTS SCIMITARS 49

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs got off to a great start and in no time at all were 7 shots in front. However, nothing is ever too easy in this game and Scimitars managed to draw 12 all by the 15th end, followed by a further 1 on the 16th, putting them in the lead. Our trio had to show their mettle, and they did with a 4 shot, a 2 and another 2 shot to grab the points
ONYX 20 – SCIMITARS 13

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz got off to a flyer, and by the 5th end were 8 shots in front. Scimitars then snapped at our heels up to the 11th end, when they levelled the score at 10-10. Coming from sturdy north-eastern stock, our trio was not taking this lying down. We then fired in a 2 shot, then another 2…. And wait for it – an 8 shot on the 14th. OK, so they got a 6 later in the game, but by then we more or less had the game in the bag
ONYX 24 – SCIMITARS 17

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves romped ahead from the off and held the lead for the entire game. They scored in 12 of the 18 ends, giving Scimitars no chance of winning this one. Yes Dennis, we know you are a great team, but you must be trying for the Guinness Record with your scorecard reading 2221 – 11.
ONYX 21 – SCIMITARS 11 (that’s the correct score!)

Ritva McAuliffe, Brian Collins and Ken Ayling were 4-7 down by the 6th end, but were they downhearted – well, maybe they were, but they pulled up their socks and everything else they could pull up and only allowed Scimitars to score once over the last 12 ends! That’s the way to do it!
ONYX 31 – SCIMITARS 8

FRIENDLIES

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall really pushed hard and with 13 scoring ends, which contained three 5 shot ends and a 4 shot, made absolutely certain that there could only be one outcome – a win!
ONYX 30 – SCIMITARS 9

Phil Woodhead, Jim Menzies and Barry Jowett put in a sterling effort, with 12 winning ends to their credit
ONYX 28 – SCIMITARS 12

IN HOUSE FRIENDLY

Thanks go to the two teams of (1) Dianne Wynne, Bob Morris and Brian Bolger and (2) Emily Bolger, Bill Barrie and Mike Wynne who played in the in-house friendly. I am sure that both teams won in their different ways.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 9 January 2012.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V. EL CID SABRES

Well! Another year dawns and despite January being part of the “winter season” the day turned out to be glorious, with sunshine and warmth caressing the bowlers (except on rink 6, where the sun first appeared about 5 minutes before the game end!!). However, today the sun really shone on the Onyx team with a good final result.

Today there were 4 scoring teams and 2 “Friendlies”

POINTS ONYX 8 POINTS SABRES 2
SHOTS ONYX 61 POINTS SABRES 58 Phew that was close!

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling held the lead throughout the entire game apart from the 5th end. Despite a bit of sabre rattling and a fight back on the 14th, 15th and 16th ends from the opposition, Ken and his team parried every thrust and swing thrown at them and their determination to win shone through. Ken even killed an end to save a single shot
ONYX 15 – SABRES 13

Mike Tebby, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs had a fight on their hands with this game, which could have gone either way. There were no less than 5 drawn ends, but more crucially for Onyx, we led on 11 of the remaining 13 ends. With the game tied on the 16th end, Onyx placed a lovely 3 shot on the 17th and Sabres could only respond with a 2 shot on the last end.
ONYX 15 – SABRES 14

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves are facing a steward’s enquiry. Whatever happened on the 1st end? They allowed Sabres to take a 1 shot lead. Fortunately, the trio pulled themselves together and were in front for the remaining 17 ends! OK, you are forgiven!
ONYX 19 – SABRES 11

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall were competing in a game of 2 distinct halves. Onyx were very much in control for the first half, but Sabres came back with a flourish in the second half, scoring in the last 8 ends
ONYX 12 – SABRES 20

FRIENDLIES

Phil Woodhead, Barry Jowett and Brian Collins got off to a slow start and despite scoring in 5 of the last 8 ends, the deficit built up earlier proved to be fatal.
ONYX 11 – SABRES 24

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz were behind until the 6th end, then Onyx hit the gas by pulling 1 shot in front, From that point, Onyx took possession of the lead for the rest of the game.
ONYX 22 – SABRES 14

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 12 December 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V OPALS

With this being the last game of the year for our two Javea Green teams and a good Christmas lunch in the offing, our two Team Captains, Tony and Barry wished their opposing teams the very best wishes for Christmas and success in their remaining games to the season end. A contest also took place at the end of the match to find who could end up with their wood nearest the jack, placed in the centre of the rink. All bowls had to be delivered from the sides of the green and all sent within 5 seconds – Mayhem! Derick Lutz took the bird! The lunch was a great success and the Club were very appreciative of the efforts from Jan and her staff – Well done!

Now what about the match – there were 4 scoring teams from each side and 5 friendly teams, so all rinks were in use.

POINTS ONYX 6 POINTS OPAL 4
SHOTS ONYX 66 SHOTS OPAL 58

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling found themselves in a game where the scores were swinging from side to side until the Onyx trio got their noses in front at the 14th end. They fought hard and succeeded in hanging on to their lead. Further 2 shots on the 17th and again on the 18th ensured victory.
ONYX 17 – OPAL 12.

Phil Woodhead, Dave Wood and Jill Nobbs got into their stride from the 2nd end and by the 6th were 15-1 up. However, nothing is ever certain in this world or in a game of bowls and Opal scored on the next 3 ends. This seemed to spur us on and by the 15th we were back in a commanding position. Again Opal came back with a 5, which gave us a bit of a wobble, but we held on to the end.
ONYX 27 – OPAL 14

Alan Hall, Mike Tebby and Helen Hall were 5-1 down by the 5th end, which eventually proved to be very important for Opal. Despite a fight back by Onyx they never quite reversed those earlier 5 shots.
ONYX 11 – OPAL 15

Christine Reeves, Phil Harding and Denis Reeves were trailing by 8 shots at the 5th end, so there was a lot to do to reverse that situation. In the vent it proved too much on the day for our Onyx side.
ONYX 11 – OPAL 17

FRIENDLIES

Anita Ellis, Peter Ellis and Mick Brownlow were in a see-saw game, although they seemed to be marginally favourites to win. Opal then spoilt the party with a 3 on the 16th and a 4 the next end. Even with a 2 from Onyx on the 18th it was not enough to win.
ONYX 14 – OPAL 16

Olive Lutz, Len Nobbs and Derick Lutz were even stevens at the 8th end and the game remained close with neither side giving any quarter. A 3 shot on the 10th from Opal seemed to be the deciding factor in the result
ONYX 14 OPAL 16

Sadie Carr, Jane Lapthorn and John Lapthorn found themselves chasing Opals and even managed to get within 1 shot by the 12th end, but Opals scored on 5 of the last 6 ends to get the victory.
ONYX 16 – OPAL 28

Jim Menzies, Barry Jowett and George Holman were in a real head to head tussle up to the 11th with the score even at 10-10. Onyx then showed their mettle by scoring in all but 1 of the remaining ends
ONYX 21 – OPAL 14

Ann Harding, Emily Bolger and Brian Bolger were 7-0 down by the 4th end but managed to claw themselves back to a 7 all draw by the 10th, and even got their noses in front on the 11th, so it all looked quite rosy, but it then all seemed to go wrong with Opal scoring in 5 of the next 7 ends.
ONYX 15 – OPAL 24.

So that’s it folks, for this year. I hope that you agree that I have tried to capture fairly the essence of the games by simply reading the score cards.

All that remains is for me to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a spectacularly good 2012.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

8 Dec 2011

NORTHERN LEAGUE - ONYX HOME TO QUARTZ

Onyx 0 Points – Quartz 10 Points
Shot Difference to Quartz 100/54

Our scribe was so beside himself today with our woeful result that he forgot to take the match details home.
As a result yours truly has the painful duty.

Scoring Sides – We all took a stuffing!

Olive Lutz, Derick Lutz & and Dave Wood lost 28/15
Phil Woodhead, Mike Tebby & Barry Jowett lost 23/13
Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner & Helen Hall lost 27/15
Christine Reeves, Phil Harding & Dennis Reeves lost 22/11

No excuses – Quartz were the better team and deserved their win.

Friendly Sides – Ahhhh much better!

Jim Menzies, George Holman & Jill Nobbs won 14/11
Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett & Ken Ayling won 15/10
Ann Harding, Brian Bolger & Emily Bolger would have won by one shot had Brian not converted a 5 up into a 5 down. Sorry Brian.. but you did tell me!

Barry Jowett

1 December 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (HOME) V FINCA GUILLA

POINTS FOR ONYX = 10 POINTS FOR FINCA GUILLA = 0
SHOTS FOR ONYX = 95 SHOTS FOR FINCA GUILLA = 51

Can I just preface this report by saying how much easier it seems to be to do the write-up when we get such a great win!!

Captain Barry could hardly contain himself after lunch and even told his joke with a smile on his lips and pride in his eyes!
Captains Comment - I think I am going to be sick after that bit Dave ;-)

It was a clean sweep today with the Friendlies also winning their games.

Phil Woodhead, Mike Tebby and Barry Jowett took off like a rocket for the 1st half, but then Finca Guilla staged a bit of a come-back. This however, was short lived as our trio held on to their lead despite a thundering 4 shot from the visitors on the 16th. Not to be daunted it was then all to play for and we did!
ONYX 18 – FINCA GUILLA 15.

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall scored on no less than 13 of the 18 ends, and there are not many teams that could recover from that. The addition of multi shot ends resulted in the magnificent score for Onyx
ONYX 35 – FINCA GUILLA 7

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz found ourselves down on the 5th and 12th ends but we were able to stage a fight back, in both cases. We won 11 of the 18 ends, which put us in good stead and winning 5 of the last 6 ends finally made certain of an Onyx win.
ONYX 19 – FINCA GUILLA 13.

Clive Corbin, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs held the lead until the 5th end, then Finca Guilla took over, then Onyx took over then…. I think you get the flavour of the game! Onyx scored a 4 shot on the 14th end to level the score at 15 all. Onyx then secured the win by scoring in 3 of the last 4 ends adding 8 shots to their tally.
ONYX 23 – FINCA GUILLA 16.

FRIENDLIES

Ann Harding, Jim Menzies and George Holman made sure of their win by scoring on no less than 12 of the 18 ends PLUS a 6 shot on the 11th end AND a 5 on the very next end for good measure.
ONYX 26 – FINCA GUILLA 16

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling seemed to have a game plan, which was to let the opposition take the lead up to the 5th end – and it seemed to work! Ken and his girls then took the lead and held that advantage all the way to the end.
ONYX 19 – FINCA GUILLA 15.

A GOOD DAY!!

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 14 November 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V BBC LIONS.

Only 6 shots prevented Onyx from leaving BBC with 4 points today which, although a disappointment, shows how close we were in the final tally. Two games went right to the wire going into the last end for both, but unfortunately for us Lions did just enough to get the wins and those important 4 extra points.

POINTS FOR ONYX = 0 POINTS FOR LIONS = 10
SHOTS ONYX = 57 SHOTS LIONS = 82

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling were on the receiving end in the 1st half, being 2 – 9 down by the 7th end, but they then picked up the pace to get within 1 shot going into the last end. Today it was not to be for Onyx, with Lions scoring 2 on that 18th end. So near! ONYX 12 – LIONS 15

Jim Menzies, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs found themselves up against a Lions team who so obviously knew their own rink and who scored in 7 of the 1st 9 ends. Onyx then found the green and by scoring in 5 of the next 6 ends looked as though they had a very good chance to turn the game around, but they were still trailing when Lions again hit back with a 1, a 2 and a 3 shot in the last 3 ends. ONYX 14 – LIONS 27

Jane Lapthorn, Alan Hall and Helen Hall found themselves trading blows with Lions throughout the entire game, which could have gone either way. Through tenacity (not to mention skill) Onyx were 2 shots up going into the last end. It came down to the very last bowl from Lions to add to their already 2 shots lying in the head to take the game. ONYX 16 – LIONS 17

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves were pleased that by the 9th end they were within 2 shots of Lions. However, Lions then stepped up the pressure in the 2nd half with high scoring ends. Onyx managed to take 5 of the last 9 ends, but those higher shot ends from Lions proved to be enough to take the win to them.

FRIENDLIES

Ann Harding, John Lapthorn and George Holman did very well to pull back an early 5 shot advantage to Lions to 2 shots by the half way point only to see Lions score in 6 of the remaining 9 ends.
ONYX 11 – LIONS 19

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz had a score line sitting at 6 all at the 9th end so were aware this was not going to be easy. In the event Onyx scored in 6 of the next 9 ends, which included a lovely 5 at the 11th
ONYX 16 – LIONS 10

Phil Woodhead, Mike Tebby and Barry Jowett Whoops! 4 – 1 down going into the 4th end. Onyx responded with a 4 shot, followed by a 3 and then an 8 – now that must have hurt Lions! Onyx kept up the pressure for the remainder of their game. The stats show they scored 1 x 3 shots, 4 x 4, 1 x 5 and 1 x 8 shots. End of story!
ONYX 33 - LIONS 9

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 7 November 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V BBC TIGERS

POINTS FOR ONYX = 8 POINTS FOR TIGERS = 2
SHOTS ONYX = 73 SHOTS TIGERS = 61 (Difference = 12)

It was touch and go whether we would be able to play the match due to rain, but Captains Malcolm and Barry did not want to be seen as fair weather bowlers so they decided to soldier on as any other self respecting bowler would do!
In the event, apart from rain on the first 2 ends and the 18th end, the weather was particularly well behaved and we were able to play the match in its entirety.
Enough of the weather – how did we do?

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling found themselves in a tight game with the lead changing from side to side in the first half. With only 1 shot between them going into the 10th – thanks to a well timed 4 shots in the 9th from Onyx – the game continued in the same vein for the 2nd half up to the point where the score stood at 16 shots apiece at the commencement of the final end. Onyx held their nerve to capture the 1 single shot needed to win the game.
ONYX 17 – TIGERS 16.

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves played in what is becoming their customary fashion by winning! The “Trio” got their noses in front at the 2nd end and there was no way that Tigers were going to get back in the lead – and so it proved to be. They led from the 2nd end for the entirety of the game, but what happened on the 17th end? - A 6 shot against them – Hmm!!
ONYX 19 – TIGERS 13

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall were level by the 12th end having seen the score going backwards and forwards between Onyx and Tigers. However, by scoring in 5 of the last 8 ends (which included two 3 shot ends) they made sure of the Onyx victory.
ONYX 19 – TIGERS 13

Jim Menzies, Phil Harding and Jill Nobbs got off to a good start and were putting good shots into the head to lead 12 – 8 at the half way mark. They continued their good bowling and were 3 shots in front going into the 17th, but unfortunately for Onyx, Tigers managed to squeeze in a single shot on the 17th and a 3 on the 18th.
ONYX 18 – TIGERS 19

FRIENDLIES

Ann Harding, Emily Bolger and Brian Bolger were leading at the 9th end, but a 3 shot followed by a 5 from Tigers put Tigers in to the lead, which they held for the remainder of the game
ONYX 14 – TIGERS 21

Phil Woodhead, Dave Wood and Barry Jowett managed to get their noses in to the lead until the 5th end, when an ill timed 5 from Tigers put them in front. However, we very quickly redressed the balance by taking back the lead, which we held for the rest of the game
ONYX 22 – TIGERS 15

Jane Lapthorn, John Lapthorn and George Holman lost the first 2 ends, but more than made up the deficit by returning the complement, with wins over the next 5 ends! This put them in to the lead for the rest of their game.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 31 October 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (HOME) V EL CID SWORDS

POINTS FOR ONYX = 2, POINTS FOR SWORDS = 8
SHOTS ONYX = 55, SHOTS SWORDS = 66. (Difference = 11)

Onyx were facing the league leaders today, who have the rather enviable record of having not lost a match so far. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the time! However, as the story unfolds, it can be seen that we were not successful in our quest to knock them off their pedestal. Next time perhaps!!

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall fought tooth and nail to level the score by the 7th end. By the 10th they were in front at 11 – 8, but got stuck on the 11shots until the 15th end when they managed a 3 shot to get level again. Swords then came back with 5 shots gained over the next 3 ends to take the match
ONYX 15, SWORDS 17

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz held Sabres to a level score at the mid point and it seemed that we were in with a chance, but an ill timed 5 shots delivered by Swords on the 11th end put them in the lead. From that point we were forever chasing. Scoring 2 on the last end was too late to influence the game.
ONYX 13, SWORDS 20.

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves were again the “Reliable Trio”, bringing home the much needed 2 points. But, it was not an easy win as the score card shows they were trailing 5 – 10 on the 10th end. As is a habit of theirs, they came up trumps again by scoring on the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16th ends to get a well deserved victory.
ONYX 16, SWORDS 13.

Jim Menzies, Barry Jowett and Brian Collins got off to a great 4 shot start, but by the 9th end both teams had notched up 8 shots. There followed a flurry of activity from Swords, scoring in 6 of the last 8 ends, which included a 3 shot. This proved to be too great a hurdle for us to overcome.
ONYX 11, SWORDS 16.

FRIENDLIES
Phil Woodhead, Mike Tebby and Jill Nobbs with a lead of 13 – 0 going into the 6th end, it looked very promising for Onyx, but Swords managed to score in 10 of the remaining 13 ends. ONYX 16, SWORDS 20.

Ritva McAuliffe, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling were drawing 9 all at the 9th end, and despite getting to within 1 shot at the 17th, Swords scored the all important 2 on the last end. ONYX 15, SWORDS 17.

IN – HOUSE FRIENDLY between Jane Lapthorn, John Lapthorn and George Holman on one side and Anita Ellis, Peter Ellis and Brian Bolger saw George’s team take the lead by the 4th end, then it was all systems go with them scoring in 11 of the next 14 ends.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

DATE: 24 October 2011.

NORTHERN LEAGUE – ONYX (AWAY) V BBC JAGUARS

ONYX 7 BBC JAGUARS 3
SHOT DIFFERENCE ONYX 69 BBC JAGUARS 53

With a blustery wind blowing across the rather wet surface and the well known wide and fast greens of BBC, the Onyx players knew that this was not going to be an easy match. Not only did we have to fight the Jaguars, we also had “Captain Invincible” watching every move, which was probably scarier than even the wildest Jaguar!

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall had a great game, scoring in 16 of the 18 ends. Jaguars did score a 2 on the 1st end and (what happened?) a 5 on the 5th end! Showing such consistent scoring was a great achievement. Very well done! ONYX 18; JAGUARS 7.

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz only got on to the scoreboard on the 5th end, but fortunately had kept the score down to 1shot on each of the preceding ends. Onyx suffered with a 4 shot on the 9th and again on the 10th, which cost us dearly. We managed to score on 6 of the last 8 ends, but those 4’s proved to be our undoing. ONYX 11; JAGUARS 18

Jim Menzies, Phil Harding and Brian Collins found the green and the pace after the 7th end. They then really piled on the pressure with shots of 3, 4, 5, and a 6 together with 2 singles in the remaining ends. A great result, with a very helpful shot difference. ONYX 26; JAGUARS 11.

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Dennis Reeves had to fight really hard for the final result, with the game swinging from side to side throughout. Holding 2 shots going into the 18th looked promising for Onyx, but Jaguars had to go and spoil it! All in all, a draw might be considered a fair result. ONYX 14; JAGUARS 14

FRIENDLIES

Mike Tebby, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling managed a 5 shot on the 5th end, which put Onyx back into the game, having trailed up to then. This was followed by another “quiet” spell for Onyx, but they really took off at the 11th end, scoring 12 shots in the remaining ends. ONYX 20; JAGUARS 12

Ritva McAuliffe, Emily Bolger and Brian Bolger were unable to catch Jaguars, who managed to hold the lead throughout the game. ONYX 8; JAGUARS 22

Phil Woodhead, Jill Nobbs and George Holman had some strategically placed 3 shots throughout the game, which allowed Onyx to keep leap-frogging the opposition. An even better 5 shot on the 14th more or less sealed the Jaguars fate. ONYX 23; JAGUARS 15.

DAVE WOOD – ONYX SCRIBE

20 October 2011

NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME – ONYX (HOME) V CALPE

SCORE = ONYX 2 - CALPE 8.
SHOT DIFFERENCE = ONYX 58; CALPE 69.

On the TV news this morning they reported that they had to scrape the ice off their windscreens; that was the UK. Here in Spain we too were feeling the cold – it was at least 22C! However, being of sturdy stock we soldiered on, but as the game finally panned out there had, after all been a chill wind blowing in the direction of Onyx!

Phil Woodhead, Jill Nobbs and Barry Jowett forged ahead of Calpe up to the 6th end, where the score stood at 8 – 3 in our favour, so the situation looked quite rosy for the home side However, things tend never to go totally to plan and a blistering 5 at the 7th from Calpe wiped out that lead. Onyx, as expected staged a further push, but another 5 shots on 11th from Calpe proved to be the killer blow for Barry and his team. Onyx 15 – Calpe 21.

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz were in a tie situation at the 8th end despite winning 5 of those ends ( don’t you just hate it when you have a multiple shot position in the head, for the last shot to take out 4 or 5 of your shots!!) Anyway, I digress. Calpe started to pull ahead but we fought back to within 1 shot between the 2 teams at the 16th. The 17th and 18th proved to be our undoing, despite trying to hang on to the shots we were holding in the head. Onyx 11 – Calpe 18.

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves managed another win for Onyx but, as the scorecard shows, it was anything but easy. At the mid point of the game, things looked as though Onyx were totally in control, but a 5 from Calpe on the 7th end wiped out the advantage Onyx had managed to build up. At the 13th end we were still trailing by 1 shot. In order to save the game (and spare the blushes of our Captain Invincible in the after lunch speech!) our trio scored a 3, 3, 4 and 1 in the last 5 ends. Oh, Happy days! Onyx 20 - Calpe 14.

Alan Hall, Dave Gardiner and Helen Hall were 2 shots in front at the end of the 9th, despite having a 4 shot against them at the 7th. It really could have been either side claiming the victory up to the 13th end, but today it was Calpe who got their second wind by scoring in 4 of the last 5 ends. Onyx 12 – Calpe 16.

FRIENDLIES

Jim Menzies, Phil Harding and Brian Collins did not get on to the scorecard until the 4th end, but they then drew on the 4th and really set a blistering pace by scoring in 10 of the 14 remaining ends. Onyx 24 – Calpe 9.

Mike Tebby, Joy Jowett and Ken Ayling found themselves on a roller coaster, with the scores going up and down until the 11th end. However, Onyx made sure that they were on the crest of the ride by scoring a match winning 6 shots on the 13th (it has to be a lucky number sometimes!) Onyx 26 – Calpe 20.

DAVE WOOD

29th of September AND 6 October 2011.
NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME – ONYX (HOME ) V EL CID SABRES.

Onyx 8, Sabres 2
Shot Diff to Onyx 84/62

To avid readers of such waffle as this it is important to state that this really was a game of two halves. The first half took place on Thurs 29th of Sept and the second on Thurs 6th of Oct. Why you may ask… because the heavens opened on the 29th leaving the Inn on the Green rink as a very passable boating lake.

Phil Woodhead, Phil Harding and Barry Jowett
Part one – 10/10 after nine ends when it rained yet we had won 6 ends. A stunning 6 by the Sabres in the 3rd took some clawing back.
Part two – A scruffy start saw Onyx trailing by four after twelve ends. However we gave ourselves a collective kick up the backside and only lost one of the last six to take the points Onyx19, Sabres 16

Jill Nobbs, Mike Tebby and Brian Collins
Part one - 10/12 down after 11 was a bit harsh on Brian’s triple as they shipped a four as the rink flooded. In hindsight it might have been a smart move to run for cover earlier!!!
Part two – Two substitutes had to be drafted in as Jill was in the UK and begpardon Tebby pulled up lame with a strained back. Probably caused by all his years down the pit… but I digress! So in came Jim Menzies and Alan Hall to keep Brian company. Alas things went from bad to worse as the triple shipped eight in the first two ends after the restart. A good fight back in the last few ends helped the shot difference, but the game was lost. Onyx 18, Sabres 23.

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves
Part one – 11/5 up after 10 was pretty respectable at the deluge but……
Part two – Our intrepid triple racked up the points after the restart with a STUNNING HOTSHOT effectively ending the game as a contest in the 12th end. However an understandable waft of complacency crept in and the Sabres won five ends on the spin, but no serious damage was done. Onyx 26, Sabres 12.

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz
Part one – 13/5 to the good when the brollies came out was a comforting sight for yours truly. Five biggish ends at the start did the trick.
Part two - saw much of the same except that a different Dave ( Gardiner in for Wood ) joined the party as a sub. Looking at the scorecard it appeared pretty routine for Derick and Olive, but no doubt there were a few dodgy moments on the way. Onyx 21, Sabres 11

FRIENDLIES

Alas the friendlies could not be completed due to availability issues, but rest assured we were winning well in both when the rains came.

So ended a rain splattered saga that has made a total mess of my performance spreadsheet! Mind you all that matters in another eight points in the bag!

Two weeks with your feet up now Onyx. Enjoy the rest.

Barry Jowett

5 October 2011.
NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME – ONYX (AWAY ) V EL CID SCIMITARS.

What a difference a week makes. Last week we were being bombarded by rain, thunder and lightning and then today we were playing in glorious sunshine, After a warm welcome from the El Cid players, the game got underway.

Phil Woodhead, Phil Harding and Barry Jowett got off to a slow start which Scimitars capitalised upon by holding the lead for the game. A 4 shot by Onyx on the 6th end was maybe going to be the turning point, but it was not to be and Scimitars took the game. Scimitars 24, Onyx 12

Alan Hall, Mike Tebby and Brian Collins found themselves in an up and down 1st half, with either side taking turns to hold lead. However, Onyx showed their mettle in the rest of the game and despite a blip at the 15th when Scimitars drew level, we scored a game-saving 6 on the16th and another 4 on the 18th.The game was then ours.
Scimitars 16, Onyx 24

Christine Reeves, Clive Corbin and Denis Reeves were down 10 – 4 at the 8th end, so it did not look too promising for Onyx, but by scoring in 7 of the next 10 ends, Onyx reversed their fortunes to capture the win.
Scimitars 15, Onyx 21

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz got off to a great start and by the 6th end were 13 – 0 in front. This is where that accursed 13 seemed to come into play (again!!). We were unable to score for the next 6 ends, but thankfully managed to keep their scores to ones or twos. By the time we started to score we were only 3 shots in front. We scored in 5 of the next 7 ends, which included 2 x 4 shots, so victory was ours. Scimitars 16, Onyx 26

FRIENDLIES

Ann Harding, George Holman and Ken Ayling started the way they intended to finish, by taking the initial lead and keeping it right to the end. They scored in 11 of the 18 ends to secure the win. Scimitars 14, Onyx 31

Jim Menzies, Dave Gardner and Helen Hall had a slight hiccup in the mid point of the game, but then powered their way to victory in the 2nd half. Scimitars 12, Onyx 20

Dave Wood

NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME – ONYX (AWAY) V JAVEA GREEN QUARTZ

22 SEPTEMBER 2011.

We knew we were in for a tough game today, playing Quartz, with their new captain (John Pittaway) at the helm. The games were friendly, but were they competitive!!

Mike Tebby, Jill Nobbs and Brian Collins got off to a good start and were leading in the first 4 ends, but some heavy scoring by Quartz in the next 4 ends turned the game around. Onyx managed to claw back to within 3 shots at the half way point, but then it was the turn of Quartz to pile on the pressure, to put the game out of the reach of Onyx. Quartz 30, Onyx 13.

Christine Reeves, Barry Jowett and Denis Reeves lost the 1st end, but then started to pile on the pressure. They led for the entire game from the 2nd end, with only a slight wobble at the 10th, when Quartz got within 2 shots. However, Onyx held their nerve and scored in 7 of the remaining ends. Quartz 11, Onyx 23.

Anita Ellis, Alan Hall and Helen Hall had a real tussle for supremacy, with the game swinging back and forward from both sides. With only 1 shot separating the two teams going in to the last end, it could have been either side taking the points – today it was Quartz! Quartz 16, Onyx 14.

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz were holding the lead going into the 13th end (who says 13 is unlucky!), when Quartz scored 2, 3 and 4 over the next three ends. This put Quartz into the driving seat, but Onyx staged a fight back by scoring in the 16th, 17th and 18th end, but not quite enough to get the win. Quartz 17, Onyx 14

SCORE = ONYX 2 POINTS, QUARTZ 8 POINTS SHOTS = ONYX 64, QUARTZ 74

FRIENDLIES

Jane Lapthorn, Joy Jowett and John Lapthorn scored in 11 of the 18 ends and Onyx was well rewarded with their win. Quartz 11, Onyx 21

Ritva McAuliffe, Jim Menzies and Peter Ellis like their competition they scored in 9 of the 18 ends, so it was down to their superiority in shots that counted in the end. Quartz 13, Onyx 21

Phil Woodhead, Dave Gardiner and Brian Bolger led at halfway but things went the Quartz way for the remainder of a very tight match. A three on the 16th end proved decisive alas. Quartz 15, Onyx 13.

DAVE WOOD

NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME – ONYX (HOME) V JAVEA GREEN OPAL

19 SEPTEMBER 2011.

The first game of the season for both teams, so there was an air of expectancy (or was it fear?). Captain “Fearless” that is Captain Barry, of Onyx for the uninitiated, was pacing up and down like a caged tiger checking that his boys and girls (a loose term, but quite complimentary, I think!) were completely psyched up for the contest. Having welcomed Captain Tony Crease and the Opal team, the game got underway.

Mike Tebby, Jill Nobbs and Brian Collins got off to a flying start and by the end of the 9th end were holding a commanding lead of 17 – 6, which they were able to build upon in the second half, and a 7 shot on the 11th end probably took the game out of reach for Opal. A very good performance resulting in a 31 - 11 win.

Olive Lutz, Dave Wood and Derick Lutz got the feeling this was going to be a tough one – and so it proved to be. Onyx and Opal were trading places up to the 13th end with the score even at 10 all. So, it was all to play for. Derick and team managed to pull ahead from that point by scoring 7 shots on the last 5 ends against Opal’s 3 shots response. 17 – 13 win

Phil Woodhead, Phil Harding and Barry Jowett found themselves in a game of nip and tuck, with honours even at the 10th end. However, a wonderfully timed 5 shot gained by Onyx on the 11th proved to be crucial, as both sides then managed to score 5 shots each over the remaining 7 ends. 19 – 14 win

Anita Ellis, Alan Hall and Helen Hall found themselves at level score by the half way point and not much changed in the second half, with the game swinging from side to side right to the wire 19 – 19 draw

SCORE = ONYX 9 POINTS – OPAL 1 POINT. SHOTS = ONYX 86 – OPAL 57

FRIENDLIES

Jim Menzies, Emily Bolger and Brian Bolger found themselves trailing by 2 shots at the 9th end, from which they recovered in the very next end. They then held the lead to the finish. 19 - 17 win.

Ann Harding, Ritva McAuliffe and Peter Ellis got their heads in front from the very 1st end and held their lead throughout the entire game. 19 – 13 win

Jane Lapthorn, Joy Jowett and Dianne Wynne were in a fairly evenly matched game up to the 9th end, but with consistent scoring in the next 9 ends (scoring in 7 of the last 9 ends), they took the game 16 – 10 win

Captain Invincible will be putting us on a diet of raw meat to get us ready for the next in-house gladiatorial contest against Quartz on Thursday.

DAVE WOOD