The Canning Cup. The hotly contested but friendliest of competitions...
- Jeff Jaycock
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 29
This report (italics) was kindly provided by Jan Burdin (Ladies Team Captain) and Gary Preston (Gentlemen’s Team Captain).
"Christine Canning donated a cup for the ladies and gentlemen to compete for in 1983 and since that date it has been a hotly contested and mostly friendly game to mark the Bank Holiday towards the end of the season.
This year was no different, with 64 players taking to the green on Monday August 25th, a very hot sun shone down to help the day go well.
In recent years the Gentlemen have been the most successful team, with the ladies last winning in 2022 but neither Captain was complacent or willing to predict the outcome.
Everyone gets together for the teams photo.
"Good luck to you all, enjoy your afternoon."
But first the ladies demonstrate strength and unity with their "Haka".
And the Canning Cup stands waiting...
(Not the red one).
We join the match at the half way mark when the scores were roughly equal across the rinks.
The shade offers comfort for some.
But not everyone.
Full stretch.
One to the ladies.
The first teams to complete their 18 ends.
The afternoon is getting even hotter and sunnier.
Bowling whilst shielding your eyes from the sun isn't easy.
But the men managed to come through by the final end, winning on all rinks.
Our President (right) presents the Canning Cup
to the Captain of the Gentlemen's Team.
The gentlemen celebrate their win.
And the ladies show what sportsmanship is all about.
(Knowing their time will come).
The game was played on all the rinks in a great spirit of friendship and sportsmanship and was a fitting celebration of our club. Well done to all the players who took part and helped make the day so special.
We finished with the traditional BBQ, which was enjoyed by all and it was a good job that Ann had stocked the bar so well.
Keeping it in the family. Father and son, BBQ overlords.
A long queue but there was plenty for everyone.
Al fresco dining on a beautiful, late afternoon.
Excellent company and conversation.
It was a great day, with special thanks to Gary and Jan as Captains for the day, to those who helped set up tables and rinks, and those who cleaned up afterwards, to Jeff for his photography and to Ann and Richard who manned the bar.
It looks like the bars done well.
The ladies will be back for revenge next year!"
Photography/Format: Jeff Jaycock