This was the first match of the summer season for Popps ‘A’ team, and for the first time featured two star signings from Sowerby, who concentrate on bowls, tennis and boozing during the summer months, hence the welcome addition of Phillip Parry and John Korner to play alongside the experienced Terry Allington. Representing Evergreens were: Michael Curry, Dave Lewis and the legendary Mark Knapton, the high-hitting lob specialist.

It was a close match and Evergreens managed to win by 5-4. Terry won 2, and Phillip and John won one each. The set of the night was Phillip’s fine win over the Evergreens No 1, Mark Knapton. In the fifth game, Phillip produced some great forehand smashes to edge out Mark, who had previously beaten Terry in straight games.

So, from the first fixture, Popps ‘A’ realised that they were up against some strong teams in this league. However, the Summer league is more about fun than fierce competition and our teams look forward to some enjoyable games, as the days lengthen, as the sun warms the damp earth and as the countryside listens to the sound of leather on willow, the contented lowing of the cattle and the gentle hum of the honeybees as they probe newly opened flowers. (Who writes this stuff?)

Terry Allington/Robin Thomas