Bedfordshire Goes International
Sunday 8th February saw Bedfordshire host
the first ever International Carpet Bowls match against a team
from Norway. The match was arranged by the English Carpet Bowls
Association Chairman and played at Colmworth.
The Norwegian players were collected from
their hotel and arrived at Colmworth ready to play. There were
six players. Who had won their chance to represent Norway, in
the first Norwegian national competition. The Bedfordshire team
were selected by the County Chairman.
Travelling with the Norway squad were health
leaders from Halden, who are promoting carpet bowls in Norway.
Along with Tommy Dahlgren (Chairman Bowls Sweden) who is assisting
in the development of Carpet Bowls in Scandinavia.
The match started with a couple of Triples
games then a coffee break followed by Triples and Fours before
a super lunch provided by the Bedfordshire hosts. After lunch
the Mayor of Bedford joined us and watched a demonstration fours
and pairs before trying his hand too, and meeting the delegates
from Norway and Sweden.
The Bedfordshire team were impressed with
their opposition who were very enthusiastic despite having only
played the game for a short time. It was a fun day and a pleasure
to meet them. The result was a Bedfordshire win! But this was
not important, as this was an opportunity for the Norwegian players
and leaders to study carpet bowls in England and to hone their
skills.
A huge thank you goes to the visitors for
a fantastic day and to the following Bedfordshire players for
their help with transport, food, setting-up, playing and making
our visitors so welcome; Shirley Knapton, Sandra Lee Dell, Trevor
& Christine Tumber, Keith & Janet Cockings, Harold &
Patricia Ball, Betty Johnson, Paul & Lyn Hurren and Mike
Walker for making all the arrangements .
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