By Dave Renner, photos by Dwight Dawson

A baker’s dozen of HMGCC members and friends rolled into the air conditioned Del Mar Lanes at 3020 Mangum Rd on Saturday, July 27, 2019 to knock down some tenpins out of the summer sun. The high rollers split up between two lanes with random teams of six bowlers assembling per lane and the fun commenced. By chance, the more skilled bowlers in the group gravitated to one lane, while the rest hammered the hardwood on the other.

The skilled team included Mike and Stephanie Woodward, Alex and Linda Laverock and Scott and Trish Hardy. Many strikes and spares were recorded on their scoreboard. On the other lane, Gordon Bard, Dwight and Candy Dawson and Dave and Linda Renner were joined by the Renners’ son Colin and “ringer” 2½ year old grandson Philip. While the skill level wasn’t as high, the spirits certainly were as Philip tried bowling for the very first time. Even gutter balls were cause for pure delight followed by total joy once the bumpers were raised and he knocked down some pins. Two hours passed with lots of laughter and more than a few groans. Several members of Team Philip would have loved to have the bumpers to improve their games.

Once the last ball was rolled, the hungry and thirsty crew drove to the nearby Live Oak Grill for lunch and drinks. Tall tales were told and scores were inflated as the camaraderie was shared. Out in the parking lot under the tall oak trees, Gordon Bard’s 1973 MGB, the Dawsons’ 1973 MGB and the Hardys’ 1980 MGB gave other guests fair warning that the HMGCC was inside.