On a pleasantly warm and largely sunny afternoon, Bookham played Epsom Park in the quarter final of the Past Times competition. Two teams of four men, one team at play home, one play away. Scores communicated by mobile phone to keep up to date with the overall score.

At the halfway point our 'home' team were in the ascendency and ahead 9-6. Our 'away' team trailed 4-11 on a brown surface which had patches of grass and dust. Bookham (away team) bowlers struggled to find the required lines and particularly the weight of shots. Unfortunately, the Epsom Park home team seemed to be landing on and close to the jack with regularity - emphasising their 'home' advantage!

Bookham's away team stuck to the task but could not rescue the situation and lost 9-23 by end 18. Regrettably, at Bookham the home team conceded 14 shots in the last 6 ends to a resurgent Epsom Park team and lost 13-21 by end 17.

We enjoyed a friendly drink and food after the match with a sociable and very capable Epsom Park team, who now proceed to play in the semi finals. My thanks to all the Bookham bowlers who took part tonight: Mike E, Kam, Steve J, Graham T, Bill, Chris M and John.

Steve Collyer

Match Captain and joint organiser with John Goodhall