Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report
We have been treated to a feast of bowling over the past few weeks. Sunday 14th of September meant the Welsh Club Championships, this year held at Denbigh Lower Park BC. Teams to qualify this time were Cunliffe, Craig Y Don, Mold Rec and Rhos Park. President Pauline, Deputy President Peter and a host of WCGBA Officials helped to organise the event and keep things ‘bowling’ along.
On a very breezy and wet day, games got underway with Cunliffe playing Craig Y Don. Cunliffe got off to a fine start by winning all bit one of the first four chalks. The only loss for them was Robin Bennett who narrowly missed out at 21-20 against Nicky Jones. Three more wins from the bottom half of the eight man squad gave them a final score 163 and Craig Y Don 123.
The other clash between Mold Rec and Rhos Park was a different match altogether. Strong wins by Steve Lawley and Mat Johnson 21-5 and 21-10 respectively got the ball rolling. Ivor Jones was not so lucky and lost 21-9 to John Jones. In the end, it was too close for comfort with Rhos Park ending on 138 and Mold Rec on 137.
In the final – at this point the sun decided to make an appearance – Cunliffe continued to look the stronger team, taking five of the eight games. The final scores were Rhos Park 134, Cunliffe 154. So Cunliffe are the 2025 Club Champions. Both teams now qualify for the British Club Championships which will be held at the start of the 2026 season.
WELSH CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS.
Saturday September 20th saw the WCGBA Champion of Champions played out at Grove Park BC. Once again our players and officials braved the British weather and gave of their best.
Sixteen champions in their own right, compete for the title of overall Champion for 2025. In the first four, Jason Jones had a comfortable 21-8 win over Ryan P Williams. Jay Salisbury saw off the competition from Mike Chamberlain 21-10. Neil Snodgrass triumphed 21-16 over Matt Worden and Sarah Loundes played some great woods to beat John Bailey 21-15. In the second four, Chris Charlton, Callum Sorfleet, Carl Griffiths and Joey Williams all won their games to go through to the Quarter final stage.
In this round, the fortunes for some took an unlucky turn. Jason couldn’t find a way to hold back Jay Salisbury. Jay ran out game 21-10. For Sarah, she found it hard to maintain her form of the first round, but still managed to make Neil work for every point gained. Neil won 21-17. Chris Charlton had no such problems to win 21-5 over Callum Sorfleet. Carl Griffiths put in an excellent performance against Joey to win 21-10.
At this point, the drizzle of the early part of the day decided to step up the pace. In an increasingly wet Semi final Jay Salisbury produced some very accurate woods despite the conditions and won 21-12 over Neil. In Carl and Chris’s Semi final match, both players favoured the corners, which they played with surprising ease. Chris led away eventually to win 21-15.
By now the wind and the rain had really set in. Jay and Chris, already soaked from their semi final games, decided to continue with the Final. We can only commend them for their efforts and for the entertainment they provided for those still present. Chris led away strongly and was soon 6-1 up. Jay eventually found his way into the game and caught up quickly. After reaching 10 across, Jay started to pull away seriously and reached 18-12 up before Chris was able to score again. Jay, however, remained determined to stay ahead and won the title 21-14.
BCGBA LADIES MAVIS DEARDON SUPPLEMENTARY FINAL .
Our final feast came with the Ladies Supplementary Final at Esclusham BC against Burton and District. WCGBA Management Members Sandra and Ron West, President Pauline and Deputy President Peter Higham attended on a very different day – glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze. We were honoured to welcome BCGLA Deputy President, Susan Pugh. Our ladies had played well all season in their County challenges to qualify for this spot in the Supplementary. They have won this competition before with the last success in 2015. Setting the pace for the afternoon, Esclusham got off to a rocketing start with three winners from the first four games and a 21-20 loser ( a mammoth game for Aileen ) at the Home venue. Jess Lacey’s 21-4 win couldn’t be faulted. In the second four, Tracey Jones and Carron Riley both secured victory in their games 21-9 and 21-17 respectively. Wales also secured the last four matches with Kelsey, Emily, Jane and Julie all making it to the 21 finishing line. Final chalk, Julie Bray had one of the tougher games in the second half, but stayed focused to win 21-20. Home venue score was Wales 239, Burton and District 182. At the Away venue in Newhall Social Club, Wales played well and there were no single figure losses. Some games were very close with two 21-20s, a 21-19 and 21-17. Total Away scores Wales 207, Burton 234. Final adding up gave Wales 446 and Burton 416. Julie Bray was voted Player of the Match.
A SAD GOODBYE.
It is with sadness the WCGBA learned of the passing of one of its greats – Colin Evans of Rhos Park. A short tribute by Patron, John Percy, and a minute’s silence was made before the Club Championships event. If you wish to learn more about Colin, his profile can be found in the Archive section of the WCGBA website.
