Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report
Sunday 10th of May and it was the Welsh Junior Individual Merit, this year at the Deputy President’s club, Abergele.
The weather was lovely and the green in excellent condition. Deputy President, Judy Hughes was our host for the day. Members of the WCGBA Management were there to help and support – President Peter Higham, Simon Walker ( Assistant Competition Officer) Sandra and Ron West, Dusia Price, Trevor Clarke and Ged Ironmonger. Referees, Arthur Peake, DT Evans and Allan Davies worked hard all day to see fair play.
The field for 2026 included 19 junior players, some already members of the Wales County Squad, and ages ranged from 9 years to 17. A preliminary round of three matches got things underway. Connor Edwards and Sam Bennett had a close match with Connor just getting ahead 21-20. Abbie Bennett played well to win her prelim convincingly 21-5 over Steven Brine and Haiden Williams won his match 21-15 over Ifan Farrar.
In the last sixteen, Jack Dougal won 21-14 over James Hinks. Dyfan Thomas won his game 21-7 over Freddie Moult and Awel Jones had a tight 21-20 win over Owen Farrar. In the next match, Amelia Northrop played 9 year old Luna Moult. Luna was a delight to watch. She played extremely well. Small in stature and no matter the score, she took on the challenge fearlessly and clearly enjoyed the experience. Amelia Fizzel won a close 21-20 over Lewis Davies, whilst Ffion Gel won 2-13 over Jenson Roberts. Connor Edwards went on to win 21-15 over Dylan Pritchard and Haiden Williams won 21-9 over Abbie Bennett. In the quarter final stage it was nice to see four boys and four girls make the grade. Jack continued in fine form to beat Dyfan 21-7. Amelia and Awel had a closer game with Amelia winning 21-18. Ffion Gel played a steady game to win 21-16 over Amelia Fizzel and Haiden Williams score a comfortable 21-10 over Connor Edwards.
There seemed to be no stopping Jack Dougal as he swept through his semi final with Amelia 21-1. Ffion and Haiden battled it out with Haiden gaining a 21-14 victory in the end.
The stage was set for a great final match between Jack and Haiden – good friends by all accounts and they seemed to relish the contest before them. For most of the match, there was barely a couple of points separating the two. As each player won an end, the marks set alternated from long to short. At 19-16 up, Jack had to hold his nerve as Haiden picked up three chalks to make it 19-17. A last burst of inspired bowling by Jack, however, saw him clinch the Junior crown for the first time 21-18. Jack and Haiden certainly qualify for the British Junior Merit in August.
It was lovely to see Ken Hardman ( age 96 ) at the event. Ken has taken a great interest in encouraging girls to take up the sport at a high level, and donates a trophy to be won on this day. In this competition, the girl who gets furthest or has the best score from those girls taking part, wins the Ken Hardman trophy. This year it goes to Ffion Gel, who now qualifies for the British Junior Girls and Jack qualifying for the Junior Boys competitions later this summer.
Deputy President, Judy Hughes, presented the prizes and thanked everyone for making the day so enjoyable.
