Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report.
On Saturday 4th October 2025, the BCGBA held its annual Centenary Mixed Pairs competition. This year, and for the first time, the venue was in Wales the Llay Miners Welfare BC in Wrexham. Competition organisers from the BCGBA were Yvette Gregory and Paul Ashmore with BCGBA President Lesley Allen there to help.
This competition has been staged since 2007 and a Wales pair have yet to take the trophy. Perhaps this year would be the one.
I’ve always thought bowlers are hardy souls – and they needed to be on Saturday. With Storm Amy in full swing, there had been much discussion as to whether the contest should go ahead and it was finally agreed to go for it.
Wales had three qualifying pairs this year, Aileen Coleman and Ian Jones, who won the Welsh Mixed Pairs title. Jess Lacey and Owen Jackson and Jane Lamb with Paul Roberts.
The first set of games on both greens one and two faced the worst of the weather. Despite the conditions and the fact that play was temporarily suspended for one hour, there were only three single figure wins with many games going to 21-18, 19 or 20.
As the competition went into round two, you would not have predicted such a change in the weather from the early session. Breezy – yes – but some glorious sunshine. Paul and Jane Lamb won their first round game 21-16 but were unlucky to go out in round two 21-19. Aileen and Ian met the experienced pair Graeme and Cathy Wilson in the first round who won out 21-14.
Our last pair, Jess and Owen faired really well. Their wins were 21- 15, 21- 11 and 21-17 to take them to the semi final. They displayed some stunning bowling and good team work to win 21-6 over Lancashire’s Louise Ollerton and David Molyneux to take them into the final. It was no surprise to find Cathy and Graeme Wilson also through.
The final did not disappoint. Owen and Jess played well, but couldn’t find a way to edge ahead in the match. Cathy and Graeme secured their third title 21-12. It is no disgrace to lose to these two.
