Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report.
To mark 100 years of the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association, a unique, once in a lifetime, competition was staged at Llay Miners Welfare Bowling Club on Sunday 31st May.
Host, Peter Higham President of the WCGBA welcomed players and spectators to the event. Welcomed guests included BCGBA President, Steve Davies and BCGBA Official Brian Renton. Also attending were Joanna Owen from Bowls Wales, and Deputy Chairman of Wrexham Council, Jeremy Newton.
Our referees for the day included Arthur Peake, DT Evans, Alan Davies, Jonathan Hughes and Peter Hughes, all from Wales. We were delighted to have three guest referees from the BCGRS Mary and Peter Fishwick, Merseyside and Keith Andrews from Lancashire.
Among the competitors were 16 champions from past individual merits from Senior, Ladies, Juniors and Vets sections of the sport, spanning the years from 1994 to 2026.
WCGBA Management members were also hard at work especially the Tournament Officer, Ashley Zepeda and Assistant Tournament Officer, Simon Walker who kept a steady flow of games on two greens throughout the day. There were a few challenges for the organisers due to changes in the player line up but well over 50 players took part.
All ages were represented and in Round one there were good wins for John Bonatti 21-7, Leighton Roberts 21-11, Jason Jones 21-12, Gwerydd Buckland 21-8, John Jones 21-10 and a closer win for Jess Lacey 21-18.
All those taking part know each other well and there were no surprises as we progressed to the last 16. Leighton continued his journey to the next stage with a 21-18 win over Ieuan Pugh, Jess won 21-18 over Gwerydd Buckland. Also through to the quarter finals were Jack Hewitt. Jay Salisbury. Paul Richards, Nicky Jones, Ian Jones and Chris Charlton.
In their Quarter final match between Jess and Leighton, Jess took the lead and was the first to double figures. These two are from the same club and have come up through the ranks of the Junior squad. Leighton crept back with his long reach and was soon ahead. He won 21-17. Jack Hewitt and Jay Salisbury had a similar game and the outcome was still uncertain until Jack forged ahead to win 21-16. Nicky Jones won his game with Paul Richards 21-14 and Chris Charlton won 21-15 over Ian Jones.
In the Semi Final games, Jack Hewitt led Leighton Roberts all the way, giving him no space to catch up. Jack won 21-14 and was through to the final. Chris Charton made a brilliant start to his match with Nicky Jones. He was soon 11-2 up. Cool and calm his risky strategy of deep corner bowling paid off and Chris won 21-10. The score does not do justice to the skill and stamina exhibited by both players at times.
Our Final was set. Chris Charlton won the toss to lead off. It was Jack, however who won the first end. From then on, Jack was not about to let up on his command of the match. He was soon 12-6 up. When Chris did manage to take possession of the jack, his earlier corner bowling was met with equal skill. Jack went ahead 17-11. A steady hand eventually led Jack to the winner’s podium 21-14.
A stunning glass trophy was presented to Jack by President Peter Higham, who thanked the sponsors of the event, Howardson Group Ltd. A light buffet was served to guests which included some eye catching – and very tasty – cupcakes suppliued by Winnie’s Café, Coedpoeth.
The Trophy
Peter Higham WCGBS President, Jeremy Newton, Deputy Chairman of Wrexham Council, Joanna Owen of Bowls Wales and BCGBA President Steve Davies.
Peter Higham presnts the Trophy to Jack Hewitt as Steve Davies looks on.
The Cupcakes
