Club Competitions Finals Report

Men’s Championship

Paul Lucas took an early lead in this tussle with Neil Bateman and despite Neil reducing
the difference in shots to only three by the 12th end, Paul went on to secure victory by
22-10. Congratulations to our Men’s Champion and good luck to Paul next season in the
County and National Champion of Champions competitions.

Men’s Handicap

Neil Bateman ensured that his weekend would not end empty handed by securing victory
against Rob Stinchcombe by 21-17. Neil did not take the lead until the 16th end then
fought off a determined effort by Rob.

Open Singles Championship

This was the first year of this NEW club competition, open to our men and lady members,
competing for the Mike Pegler Trophy. Malcolm Curtis overcame the challenge of Paul
Lucas, winning by 22-16 after 24 ends. Paul was leading by one shot after 21 ends but
Malc finished strongly gaining seven shots in the last three ends.

Club Pairs

It was great to see two ‘mixed’ pairs reach the final which saw Rob Stinchcombe
recovering well from his Handicap defeat. Ably supported by his partner, Tina Reynolds,
they secured victory over Roy Wilcox and Heather Pope by 16-10 in a keenly contested
match.

Ladies Championship

In the absence of sufficient entrants for there to be a ‘fully sanctioned’ Club
Championship competition, the ladies were whittled down to two finalists through a
‘Ladies Day’ round-robin comp a few weeks ago. It was brilliant to see a brand new
member, Anne Cox, reach that final against one of our most experienced and successful
ladies. Joan Long was victorious by 23-8. Anne acknowledged the experience was
fantastic and I’m sure she will return with renewed ambition next season. Congratulations
Joan.

Ladies Invited
The defending champions, Joan Long and Arthur Pound proved too strong for Maria
Sibley and Alan Rice-Smith in a repeat of last years final. Arthur produced a stunning last
wood in the 17th end to convert the head from three down to one up, giving them a four
shot lead going into the last end. Final score was 18-15.

Senior Shield

Alan Rice-Smith was also able to recover well from this defeat by seizing victory over
‘three finals’ Paul Lucas. The lead changed hands eight times between the Club
Secretary and the Club Treasurer, before Alan triumphed by 21-17. There is a rumour
going around that Alan is not old enough to qualify for the Seniors but this is not true!

Club Novice

Mark Clark ensured that he will no longer be eligible to enter this competition by
producing a dominant performance against Barry (Baz) Kenyon, who is only in his second
season with us. The final score was 21-7 but I’m sure Baz will be going for gold next
season.

Two Wood

Last but not least, this was Heather Pope’s chance to pick up a pot having reached two
Club finals. She also reached the semi-finals of the Open Singles. She grabbed that
opportunity with both hands beating one of the club’s best lead bowlers, Andy Brown, by
14-11. Great stuff.

Finally

Thank you to all members who found the time to visit the club over the weekend
supporting the players and watching some great bowls. Congratulations to all of our
winners this year. They will be presented with their trophies at our Awards Dinner being
held on Saturday 23rd November and it’s not too late for you to secure your seats at the
table. Alternative arrangements will be made for those winners unable to attend.