Desborough BC members return to Green Lane to play outdoor matches

Desborough’s bowlers returned to their outdoor rinks this month after government lockdown restrictions were eased to enable outdoor play.

While most of the club’s facilities at Green Lane remain closed the easing of restrictions has meant they’ve been able to organise a series of competitions, including singles, pairs and a ladder league. The latter will take place every Sunday morning for the eight weeks.

Players from other local clubs, including Maidenhead Town, Maidenhead Thicket, Windsor & Eton, Cippenham, Iver Heath and Twyford have also entered the draws and taken part in matches.

“The club closure has been very difficult for all bowling clubs and we at Desborough are doing everything we can to ensure our members can enjoy the benefits associated with playing bowls outdoors,” said the club’s general secretary Roger Wyatt.

“It has been a pleasure to see the relief and pleasure on the faces of all the members who have now emerged from nearly three months of self-isolation, and to see them all chatting and smiling again, whilst maintaining social distancing of course.

“We are hopeful that, with the further relaxation of the lockdown rules, we will be able to plan for the reopening of all our club facilities, including the indoor green, ready for the next indoor season starting in September.”

Measures will be put in place at the club to mitigate against the risk of infection before the club fully reopens. This will include signage, sanitisers, hygiene screens and staff training.

The club is also working closely with Bowls England and the English Indoor Bowling Association to come up with solutions to ensure the safety of members when the indoor season resumes.