Two age old sporting rivals are reaping the benefits after they put their differences aside to create a new team.

It may not be up there with United against City or England vs Australia in terms of rivalry, but for 75 years Mellows Park vs Carshalton has been one of lawn bowls' most hotly contested match ups.

Up until last year, there was no love loss betwen the bitter rivalries but the two clubs had to join forces to survive.

Both clubs were in real danger of folding after Sutton Council cut the funding and recruiting new members was proving difficult.

Hundreds of feisty encounters, meant it was not easy for players to swallow their pride, but pragmatism shone through and both clubs merged as Carshalton Bowling Club, and it has made them the team to beat.

Colin Homes, the club secretary, said both teams are very proud of their history, with Mellows formed 1936 and Carshalton formed 1926, but the time had come to bury the hatchet.

He said: "The history meant that some gentle persuasion was needed to get the two together. As we were near neighbours, there was always a wish to beat each other, but off the green we all got on.

"Obviously there is a mix of personalties, but we couldn't of imagined the merger ever going so well. Joining the two has formed a very strong club with some formidable bowlers."

"Now, at the end of the 2013 season the men have won the Tons League, and the Sutton and Epsom League.

"The club has also increased their membership to 70. The success is without doubt due to the exuding friendliness within the newly formed club as well as the skilful bowling."

 

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