Early last year, Derek and Jackie Appleford, two of Cheam Bowling Club’s – and Sutton and District Bowling Association’s – stalwarts both passed away.

Derek, Club Captain in 1998 and Association President in 2003, had given much to bowls at both Club and District level, and, supported by his wife, Jackie, had been proud to serve the sport in a number of other ways.

On last Sunday’s sunny Bank Holiday afternoon, they would have looked down from above with pride and contentment as 56 men and women bowlers, representing Club and Association, remembered them and competed for the inaugural Appleford Cup, gifted by their son and daughter, Mike and Debra.

The match was a bit one-sided – Cheam winning on five of the seven rinks – but the friendly atmosphere in which the game was played has ensured its continuance in the years to come.

Anne Marlow, Jack Hunnisett, Di McDonagh and Eamon Nolan proved too strong for the opposition with a 41 shot victory, but Reg Nelson, playing against his club side, skipped his rink to a nine-shot win.

Cheam BC 170 Sutton & District BA 120 Rink One: Cheam: Keith Atkins, Jan Constable, Shirley Heard, Gary Stevens 22 Sutton & Dist: M Gary 18. Rink Two: Cheam: Jeannette Fitzgerald, David Constable, Jean Smith David Miller 21 Sutton & Dist 21. Rink Three: Cheam: Ken Bailey, Barbara Hunnisett, Mike Appleford, Jane Widmer 14 Sutton & Dist: R Nelson 23. Rink Four: Cheam: Glynis Atkins, Chas Smith, Diane Hannon, John Parsons 24 Sutton & Dist 22. Rink Five: John Hannon, Shirley Radford, Ron Willson, Nikki Gover 24 Sutton & Dist: K Blow 12. Rink Six: Cheam; Glenys Miller, Joan Elgar, Garry Fitzgerald, Mike McDonagh 27 Sutton & Dist : T Josolyn 17. Rink Seven: Ann Marlow, Jack Hunnisett, Di McDonagh, Eamon Nolan 48 Sutton & Dist : J Ainsworth 7.