The Malaysian Commonwealth Games Bowls team for this year’s championships were given a day to remember, as a club in Buckinghamshire hosted a special event for the visiting sportspeople.
Gerrards Cross Bowls Club, which is situated on Maltman’s Lane within the town, dedicated July 15 to the professionals as it was filled comradery, encouragement and most importantly, friendly matches filled with competitiveness.
The Malaysians, who are ranked as some of the best in the world in the sport, are currently staying in Marlow and were offered to practise their skills by Gerrards Cross, with the Games starting on July 28 in the second city of Birmingham.
John McGuinness, who is a member at Gerrards Cross, along with his sons Tom and Mark (the latter of who plays for Cardiff City and was on Arsenal’s books as a youngster) said: “It has been an absolute pleasure in having the Malaysian team here.
A Malaysian flag was flying high above Gerrards Cross Bowls Club
“One reason is that we are good friends and we have known each other for a couple of years, and the second reason is that my club, Gerrards Cross, were given an opportunity to play against some of the world’s best and we loved it.
“I have really admired the preparation programme the Malaysian team have had, and the fact they have been over here before and they came again is a real credit to the country and bowls organisation.
“This is a sport where everyone is very friendly and that’s the way it should be.
“They are all top players and I’m looking forward to watching them in action.”
John McGuinness (third right) with three members of the Malaysian team (Gerrards Cross Bowls Club)
Throughout the day, numerous matches were played between members of the club and the national team, which saw the competitiveness from all the players ooze through both sides in a spirited and infectious way.
The country’s national anthem of ‘Negaraku’ was played before the sporting proceedings began in the morning, with the day concluding in the early evening with a celebratory barbecue.
The event, which was primarily used for the country’s preparations for this year’s Commonwealth Games, was watched in front of around 100 spectators with club member and England Bowls manager, Kirk Smith, being in attendance.
He said: “Having seen Malaysia throughout the summer, they are a world class team and for Gerrards Cross to play against Malaysia is an incredible achievement for us.
“We have one of the best greens in the area and this is a massive statement for the club.
It was brilliant meeting the team and the day was nothing but a ball of positivity (Gerrards Cross Bowls Club)
“We need to get the word out there a bit more that bowls is inclusive for everyone at every age.”
Syed Zainal Abidin Bin Syed Zin, one of the council members of the Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation, added: “Thank you to Gerrards Cross for letting us come here today.
“It has been very good and we are very grateful.”
For more information, visit www.gxbc.co.uk and www.bowlsmalaysia.com.my.
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