Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report.
On Sunday, 24th September, the Welsh Champion of Champions was staged at Benllech BC. In a day of appalling weather conditions, the situation was challenging for all, including the reporter. Despite this, some of the bowling was truly of Championship quality.
There were 16 players, each winners of a major Welsh title to qualify. Our President, Jack Hunt, Past President Simon Walker and other WCGBA Management members were there to support the event. Our Referees, Alan Davies, Arthur Peake, Ian Black and Richard Hayward did a great job as usual.
In the opening round, there were wins for Barry Harris 21-14 over John Bailey, 21-15 for Chris Charlton over Kevin Nicholas, 21-14 for Owen Jackson over Jason Jones to name just a few. There were no single figure wins, but Matty Worden’s 21-10 over Garry Buckland came closest.
The players were often ‘cobbing’ their woods out over the green as puddles, spray and driving rain made this ‘summer’ sport a battle of determination over nature.
In the Quarter Finals, Matty played a steady mark with great accuracy to score the only single figure win of the day 21-8 over Bryn Hughes. Chris Charlton triumphed over Barry Harris 21-13. Owen Jackson beat Adam Penlington 21-10, and Steve Dace scored 21-19 over Joe Pritchard.
In the first Semi Final, Chris Charlton led away from Owen Jackson, but only by a few chalks. Some well executed strikes by Owen kept him in the game before Chris ran out 21-12. In the second game, Matty Worden continued his impressive style of play against Steve Dace. With a brief let-up in the deluge, conditions on the green changed and the pace picked up. Matty triumphed 21-10.
In the final, Chris started well and kept up a lead of a point or two before Matty pulled level at 5 all. A steady and determined approach by Chris saw him begin to stretch this to 10-6 in front. Having regained the lead he was not about to let it go and went on to win the title 21-18.
