MarchMount 29th October 2023
When Marchmount held their annual competition, the Gretna and Springfield club sent 2 teams of triple to compete. After a long day of games, team 1 headed by Alastair, Sam and Pon only won their last game, a shame though they tried their best which is the most important. Team 2 with Jonathan, Kelvin and Coling however manage to scrap their way to being in contention for winning the whole thing!
Unfortunately they were off from the winner by 1 point. While the next 3 teams had the same points, of which our heroes came 4th with 1 shot difference to 3rd Place. But they still did very well so well done to them, also won a bit of money so no harm done.
Team 2
Jonathan Ritchie, Kelvin Anderson, Colin Dobie
Pairs Finalists Alastair &Jonathan Ritchie
Inverurie Trip
Scottish Triples Championships
& Open Pairs 2023
Six members went to Inverurie for the Scottish Triples Championships & Open Pairs we also had a reserve Club Member William Leslie (Bill) who now lives up there, the teams were changed to give Bill a game Team 1 Chris Scales, Alastair Ritchie, Bill Leslie Team 2 Jonathan Ritchie, Mark Thomson & Colin Dobie and our youngest member 12 Kelvin Anderson, both teams were drawn in the same group, both teams lost all there games and in their last game the teams met each other, and after some close ends it was the team skipped by Alastair to give them the bragging rights.
For the Pairs we had 7 players that means someone would have to sit out but Bill came to the rescue he asked Hazel Stephen from his club at Inch to play which she did that made 4 pairs Bill & Chris, Alastair & Jonathan, Hazel & Mark & lastly Colin & Kelvin they were all drawn in different groups, all the groups were well contested with only the top pair going through 2 teams were 3rd in there group 1 team 4th in there group. It was Alastair & Jonathan’s Group that was the closest every team in that group lost 1 game and it was down to shots, which it was Alastair & Jonathan got through. That was them now in the quarter finals, in that game it was very close it was even with 2 ends to go, which the boys won. In the semi-final in was the best game I have ever seem by both teams and it was the constant pressure the both Alastair & Jonathan were putting their opponents under they shook hands after 8 ends. In the final it was nip & tic all the way, it was all even till the 8th end when they lost 3 to Alan Masson & Paul Walker from Garlogie Aberdeenshire. The game was then shut down and they lost 11-9 well done to both teams
Finalists Alastair, Winners Paul Walker & Alan Masson, Jonathan
The Mary Hatcher Memorial Triples
Brampton
First: Hugh Little Caroline McMath Jock McGarrie
Second: Joan Edgar John ? Alastair Ritchie
On Sunday 23rd October 22 we had five teams entered in a total of eighteen all the funds raised will be donated to the British Heart Foundation. The teams were from all over from Castle Douglas to Port Carlisle Springfield to Wetheral they were all close games Castle Douglas with 20pts &38 shots Springfield were second 19pts & 24 shorts and third with 18pts & 27 shots fifth 15pts 22shots, the prizes were given out by Mary’s Daughter winners r/l Hugh Little, Caroline McMath & Jock McGarrie
Second Joan Edgar John from Brampton & Alastair Ritchie third were Simon Kamar, Margaret Burrell & Jonathan Ritchie Fifth was Brian Saxton Pon Brady and David from Brampton
Third: Simon Kamar Margaret Burrell Jonathan Ritchie
Springfield.Gretna S.M.B.C Potters Tour 2022
20 Bowlers went to Potters on the tour 7 from Castle Douglas Jock & Kate McGarrie, Madge Marshall, Robin McCartney, Hugh Little & Sam Sample 1 from Brampton Rona Gilbert, Roddy Gillies from near Isle of Skye 12 from Springfield.Gretna Donald, Jamie & Kayleigh Johnstone, Joan Edgar, Brian Saxton, Peter Woodley, Lee Wright, Alastair & Jonathan Ritchie, Chris Scales & Lorraine Atkinson & Mark Thomson. After a seven hour journey the ones that travelled on the coach were glad to be finally at Potters at 4.30 so they could relax, but that didn’t last long. The pairs Knockout draw was at 5.30 with 112 teams what was the odds of all 10 pairs from us drawn to play at 8pm or 8.50 it was time to go for dinner not long to relax, at the end of the bowling there were still 7 pairs that got through to play the next night at 8pm, meanwhile the draw was done for the next days Triples, there were 16 groups of 8 so all triples played 7 games winners in each group goes through to the knockout stages, all of our 7 triples out of the 128 teams were to play at 10am 3pm & 5pm Tuesday & Wednesday and 10am Thursday then into the knockout which all 7 triples made the last 16, 4 made the Quarters 3 made the semi-finals and finally Jonathan Brian & Valerie who was a stand in was in to make up the triple and they were up against Jock, Kate McGarrie & Sam Semple from Castle Douglas who won 11-5 well done to all the teams it was a very hectic and tiring with some teams playing 5 games a day.
Now back to the pairs the 7 pairs that were left got through to the last 16 where 4 teams unfortunately met each other Mark Thomson Peter Woodley got beat 8-5 by Kayleigh Johnstone & Roddy Gillies. 4 teams got through to the quarter final where Jamie & Donald Johnstone met their sister and daughter Kayleigh & Roddy Gillies who went through to the semi finals so that was the 2 Scottish teams in the semi-finals unfortunately got beat so what a great week
Winners Jock Kate & Sam Runners Up Jonathan Valerie & Brian
Pairs Beaten Semi-finalists Kayleigh Johnstone & Roddy Gillies
& Robin McCartney & Hugh Little
Scottish Rinks & Open Pairs
Held in Stranraer
1st and 2nd October 2022
Chris Scales & Alastair Ritchie Jonathan Ritchie & James Bethune
Four of the club members Alsatair & Jonathan Ritchie, Chris Scales and James Bethune took part in the Scottish Rinks on the Saturday they played five games in their group they were all close games they won three and just beaten in the last end that stopped them going through to the knockout stages. On the Sunday they split into two pairs Alastair Ritchie & Chris Scales and Jonathan Ritchie & James Bethune it was Jonathan & James that got through the group stages into the knockouts and played well they were just beaten in an extra end that stopped getting to the final but it was on the back of these result the James was asked to play in the Scottish Team in the UK Championships in Belfast in November
Well Done Everyone
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Defibrillator Goes Live 19/7/22
Jonathan Ritchie Bowling Club Treasurer & Ruth Walton Social Club Manager
Springfield.Gretna & District Short Mat Bowling Club who bowl at Gretna Social & Athletic Club every Tuesday and Thursday 7pm till 9pm, came together to raise £2000+ for a Defibrillator and all the necessary accessories that go with it. It will benefit both groups initially and other groups that may use the Club. Its also available for locals
Thanks, must also go to Gretna and Rigg Community Council for their donation of £500 which helped us to reach our target in 6 weeks.
Originally it was going to be sited outside the club for Public to use in an emergency, but with a great fear of attracting vandalism it was decided to place inside. It is now boxed inside the bar. The bowling club have been there now for six years it is open to any age and abilities, over that time two bowlers have had heart attacks that’s why we wanted to get a Defibrillator
Short mat bowling is for all ages its great fun and gentle exercise anyone who would like to try please come along all you need is flat soled shoes or slippers and we will supply the rest bowls and tuition and a good social evening.
The Defibrillator is now live on the Heart Foundation Circuit which means that anyone that dials 999 and needs a Defibrillator they will be directed to the nearest available one. The Social Club one is available who needs it iduring opening hours
The photograph shows Jonathan Ritchie Treasurer of the Short Mat Bowling Club & Ruth Walton from Gretna Social Club
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This Is The Sorcers Apprentice
Jonathan Ritchie
Short Mat Players Tour
Verdemat Bowls British Open Singles
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The Sorcerer
On the Weekend of the 10th 11th & 12th January Ten club members 4 Players & 6 supporters travelled to York Indoor Bowling Club for the British Open ware 192 competitors competed for world ranking points there are 10 of these competitions throughout year and all over the country plus 2 held in Norway, so York is the closest for us
It all starts on the Saturday morning at 8am to register and to have a practice on the mats there are 32 Groups of six players 1 group per mat. The 1st & 2nd in each group go through to the Cup, 3rd & 4th go through to the Plate, 5th & 6th go through to the Shield 4 games each are played and gets finished around 7pm a long tiring day
In Group 8 Simon Kamar was up against the worlds 31. 372, 214, 501 & he got a bye he got 1 draw out of his four games and finished 5th he then went through to the last 64 where he got another bye into the 32 to meet Dave Money ENG (664) and in a very tight game Simon won 8-7 to get into the last 16 where he met Barry Bates ENG (331) Simon lost 15-1 and Barry got beat in the final of the Shield 12-2 by Stephen Proctor ENG (15) Simon Kamar SCO has moved his standing up 10 places he has now a ranking of (613)
In Group 13 Sheila Warrick was up against the worlds 50,122,52,396 she managed to get a bye she also finished 5th in her group she then went into the last 64 where she met and was beaten 13-7 in a good game by Bekir Kaya Turkey (579) Sheila Warrick SCO has now a ranking of (714)
In Group 16 James Bethune was up against the worlds 53, 714, 12, 211, 1 James had some high ranking opponents but was not disgraced, he managed to win 1 game out of his 5 which gave him fifth in his group he also went through to the last 64 where he got a bye into the last 32 where he was beaten 12-4 by David Chittock ENG (115) James Bethune SCO has now a ranking of (622)
In Group 27 Alastair (The Wizard) Ritchie was up against the worlds 384, 22, 16, 711, 254 Alastair had some good opponents he too managed to win 1 game out of his 5 which also gave him 5th place and 3 points and in the last 64 where he won 11-5 over Mike Jones ENG (214) to progress into the last 32 where he was up against a high ranking opponent in the shape of Gordon Watts (79) which Alastair beat comfortably 12-4 to put him into the last 16 where he was beaten 12-7 Stephen Proctor ENG (15)
Alastair (The Wizard) Ritchie SCO he has moved up his standing 22 places he has now a ranking of (579)
The story about how he has the nickname (The Wizard) as you can imagine there is a lot of games going on at the same time and you can’t watch them all I had been watching the match between the world no 4 Jonathan Payne and his opponent coming back to our seats in the lounge and waiting to see how Simon and Alastair got on in last 32 when a player came in and sat at next table and was putting his bowl in his bag, so you all know me I will talk to anyone so I said how did you get on ? Well !!! I was well beat by Harry Potter he said , he was putting his bowls through gaps that you shouldn’t get bowls through he is a bloody Wizard and you wouldn’t believe how he bent his bowls he definitely had a spell on them bowls Bloody Harry Potter just then Alastair appeared in the lounge and walked over to us when the man seen him he said THAT’S Bloody Harry Potter the WIZARD!!!! He was Gordon Watts ENG (79) Ranking
So we now have a Wizard in our Club
We finished at 5pm then we travelled home got home at 9pm all very tired
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our bowlers who did us proud and for a small club who don’t get to play at this standard very often Well Done Springfield.Gretna & District S.S.B.C
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Belgium Trip 2019
Jonathan, Helen, Peter, Sibe
Herentals Tour near Antwerp Belgium
The weekend of the 18th & 19th May four club members Graham, Bill, Peter & Helen travelled to Newcastle on Thursday 16th for the 5pm overnight ferry to Amsterdam, it was an eventful 15 hour crossing sea was calm he only thing that shocked us was the price of the drink, pint of lager a can of lemonade a cup of tea £12.99. There was a great selection 0f food for dinner and breakfast at a good price if booked before traveling we arrived Amsterdam Friday morning and disembarked at 9,45am, it took us nearly an hour to get through customs, we drove from there straight to our hotel De Swaen in the centre of Herentals which took us about 2 hours 10 minutes the roads were great a bit busy but straight forward with the sat nav and Bill as co-pilot we never went wrong reaching hotel around 2pm the rooms were great clean and tidy.
The two fit members of the team after freshening up went on a walk about for Belgium chocolate after 2 hours returned with none they couldn’t find anywhere that sold it Peter was devastated meanwhile graham and Helen explored the bars and had some beers Helen had tea and waffles then the boys found us and had a few more beers for me and Bill, Helen and Peter stuck too tea and coffee, later that evening we went down for dinner which was a set meal 3 course meal tomato soup. Steak mushrooms salad chips, ice cream but Bill managed to talk them into Belgium Waffles
Helen & Graham and a Team from Netherlands
The next day we went to the bowls venue which was only 4 minutes away we were about the first to arrive we were met by Jonathan Payne who we met at Potters and invited us over Helen was not feeling well and I had a sore back the longer I was sitting about the worse it was getting , we were made to feel very welcome as every team that came in came over a shook our hand and said good morning , during the first game my back became worse and seized up I stuck it out the end of that game and I had to with draw and Helen did too she was feeling sick. Meanwhile Bill and Peter were playing thier games they won 3 drew 1 and lost 1 they then got beat in the knockout stages, there were teams from all over Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy. England, Ireland and us Scotland
Peter & Bill and a team from Belgium
In the rinks the next day I was still out Helen and Peter didn’t feel right and Bill was still in bed he was up all night with an upset stomach so Jonathan Payne and Sibe Laureys who was the National singles champion 2 years ago Helen and Peter made up our rink the played 5 games and topped their group and went inti the main cup event as group winners they then got beat in the semi finals by the Irish team but the won the play off for third place which was a great result
I would encourage any club to send a team you could not find a better tournament or a friendlier people than we have this weekend next years dates are 16th & 17th May 2020
Stonehaven Tour April 2019
Great Weekend for the Club
In April 12 club members travelled North to Stonehaven Aberdeen to take part in the Norths Open Triples and Pairs Competitions we all stayed in the premier inn Portlethen which is only 10 minutes away from the Stonehaven indoor Bowling Club there were 16 mats with 5 teams on each mat Springfield entered 3 triples of which two got out of the group stage James Bethune Sheila Warrick and Alastair and Mark Thomson Joan Edgar & Peter Woodley both teams reaching the quarter finals
In the pairs we had 5 teams with 1 team reaching the last 16 of the consolation James Bethune & Jonathan Ritchie and the teams of Alastair Ritchie & Sheila Warrick and Mark Thomson & Peter Woodley unfortunately met in the last 16 of the main event and it could have gone either way it was all square after 8 ends so it went to an extra end again it was close and it went down to the last bowl Alastair had a chance to draw the shot but unfortunately just as Alastair was about to bowl there was a loud screeching noise from the microphones which may have put him off so it was Mark and Peter that got to the quarters they then got beat 8—6
Inverurie Trip 2019
R/L Peter Woodley,Bill Leslie,Simon Kamar,Helen Leigh,Mark Thomson,Alastair Ritchie
Seven intrepid club members once again battled the elements and travelled north to Inverurie where we are always welcome on Friday we entered 2 pairs Peter Woodley and Mark Thomson, Simon Kamar and Bill Leslie both teams acquitted themselves well in this cut throat 4 ends 5 game format both teams winning 3 games but not enough to get into the knock out
Saturday the triples of Simon Mark & Helen won 3 games drew 1 lost 1 and Peter Bill & Alastair won 3 lost 2 were both joint second in there groups and with only the top two going through it was then decided on shots and both triples lost out by 1 shot
Sunday pairs of Peter and Mark did not do so well with only winning 2 out of the 5 games but were both playing well, Simon and Alastair played really well winning 4 out of the five games to top there group and go through to the quarter finals where they met last years finalists it was a very tight game Springfield were one up in the last, with Simon playing his last bowl he was one down there opponents had a chance to win it but his bowl was short, all square it them comes down to a one bowl each shot out the opponents won the toss and went first trying to put the pressure on and he drew to 6 inches behind the jack then Alastairs turn as cool as you like drew a bowl right behind the jack the pressure was now on there skip he was too heavy Simon didn’t have to play that was them through to the semi finals where they were up against our friends from Garlogie Sandy McDonald and Bill Frazer it was a close game with small margins that could have gone either way but it was Garlogie that won 8-5
New Bowling Tops for 2018
Early in the year the club decided to get new club shirts after some discussion it was agreed that the committee would choose four designs and the members would select the one they liked the best and this one won by 18 votes to 12 the shirts are being made by Kukri
New Track Tops to go with Team Shirts
Team Logo
Inverurie March 2018
Springfield.Gretna Short Mat Club sent six members north to Inverurie and again came back with a certain amount of success from a small village club. On Saturday the two triples were Brian Saxton Carol Midwood & Mark Thomson they qualified second in their group with 3 wins and a draw from 5 games to get into the last sixteen ware they were just beaten 7-6
The other team was Simon Kamar Helen Leigh & Graham Thomson they didn’t manage to get out of the group only getting 2 wins out of 5 games
In the pairs on for the Sunday were left with one after Helen took unwell during the night so Graham and Mark left to bring her home at 6 in the morning which left Carol Simon & Brian to decide who was playing and Carol sat out. Simon & Brian didn’t manage to get out of the group only winning 1 game
Inverrie October 2016
Once again Garioch bowling club at Inverurie invited Springfield/Gretna bowling club to compete in their Triples and Pairs competition held over the weekend of 29/30 October. It was a great weekend and the hospitality could not have been better. We arrived on the Friday and were invited to go for a roll up at Garlogie bowing club where some of our friend play. It was a good evening and we were made very welcome by the other members of the club.
Now for the competition
Six players from Springfield/Gretna bowling club travelled to Inverurie to take part in the competition. The players were Graham/Mark Thomson, Helen Leigh, Mary Morison, Simon Kamar and Peter Rutter.
The Triples were played on the Saturday, and the format was a Round robin style competition with the winners from each section going through to the quarter finals of the Garioch Champions trophy and the runners up from each section going through to the quarter finals of the Garioch Consolation trophy.
The Springfield triples teams were Simon/Mary/Peter, Graham/Mark/Helen. Both teams played well but did not progress to the quarter finals. The teams matched each other by winning 2 losing 2 and drawing one.
The doubles were played on the Sunday and the format was the same as was played in the triples.
The double teams were, Simon/Peter, Graham/Mark, Helen/Mary.
Helen/Mary played well in all of their 5 games but were unable to progress to the quarter final stages.
Graham/Mark won their section winning 4 games and drawing 1 which saw them strolling through into the quarter final stages.
Simon/Peter started off well winning their first 3 games but struggled with the last 2 games losing both of them but still able to progress to the quarter final stages by the skin of their teeth. Both teams put up a good fight in their quarter finals but were unable to progress any further in the competition.
This is the third occasion that teams from Springfield/Gretna have gone to Inverurie to represent the club.
Just a summary of what the club has achieved at Inverurie
First time Simon/Helen reached the final.
Second time Simon/Daniel/Peter reached the semi finals in the triples and Peter/Daniel reach the semi finals in the pairs.
And this time Graham/Mark, Simon/Peter reaching the quarter finals.
Inverurie 17/18 October 2015
Garioch bowling club at Inverurie held a Triples and Pairs competition over the weekend of 17/18 October and Springfield bowling club was invited to compete in the competitions. After conquering the language barrier communications became easier and also Garioch club getting use to the boisterous Springfield players (haha).
Six players from Springfield travelled to Inverurie to take part. The players were Graham/Mark Thomson, Helen Leigh, Mary Morison, Simon Kamar and Peter Rutter.
The Triples were played on the Saturday, and the format was a Round robin style competition with the winners from each section going through to the Knock out stages of the Garioch Champions trophy and the runners up from each section going through to the Garioch Consolation trophy.
The Springfield triples teams were Simon/Mary/Peter, Graham/Mark/Helen.
Simons team won there section and qualified for the knock out stage of the Garioch Champions trophy. The quarter final was a hard fought match with the game being decided on an extra end being played, alas that was the furthest Simons team got. The team played brilliant in all their games to reach the quarter finals and had an enjoyable day.
Grahams team came runners up in there section and qualified for the knock out stage of the Garioch Consolation trophy. They won their quarter final but then were beaten in the semi-finals, but again the team played brilliant all day and what an achievement to reach the semi’s.
The doubles were played on the Sunday and the format was the same as was played in the triples.
The Springfield doubles teams were, Simon/Helen, Graham/Mark, Peter Mary.
Graham/Mark, Peter/Mary, both were knocked out in the early stages but both teams enjoyed their games and the opponents they played against.
Simon and Helen excelled there self by reaching the finals of the Garioch Consolation trophy only to be beaten by a deciding end having to be played.
A good weekend was had by all and the players from Springfield were welcomed by the Garioch club and their members and where invited back next year to take part once again.
Helen & Simon
Potters trip 2016
We have only 14 places left dont miss out
Graham Thomson (Springfield/Gretna) is arranging a midweek break – Mon-Fri at Potters Leisure Resort , Gt. Yarmouth 12th to 16th Sept. 2016.
Accommodation will be in chalets and estimated cost will be around £260 per person (sharing twin bedded chalet) and approx £37 per person coach fare. These costs may vary according to the final numbers.
Facilities include indoor/outdoor and short mat bowling as well as other sporting and leisure activities.
Also included is evening entertainment and four meals a day. (Breakfast, lunch ,evening meal and late evening)
In all there seems to something for everyone. You do not need to be a bowler to join this trip.
If you think you may be interested please put your name below as Graham needs possible numbers as soon as possible
New Bowling Shirts and Latest Updates July 2018
The new bowling shirts have arrived and the club members are delighted with style and quality. The new club logo compliments the shirt. Several extra shirts have been purchased to cater for new and existing members. Graham and Frank have purchased club jackets; the sizes are more than generous! I think if both jackets were zipped together they would make a marquee!!!!!
Mark Thomson is making great progress after his operation and we hope he can get back to the bowling soon. It’s not fair to his fellow bowlers having him as a full time heckler!!!
Brian (the bouncing bowl) is working very hard to get his right arm tendon problem solved. Brian has tried using his left arm to bowl and, on occasions, has bowled some cracking shots. You can’t keep a good bowler down.
We have three of our club bowlers entered into the National Competition at York in January 2019. We all wish Alistair Ritchie, Simon Kamar and Peter Woodley all the very best in the competition. You can all clear an area at home for your trophies!
The final paperwork has been given out to members going to Potters Leisure Centre in October’18. Can any outstanding balances be paid to Graham before the beginning of August please?
