Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report.
Our calendar carries on at a steady pace for this season, and the following should be mentioned where our players at all stages continue to fly the flag inside and outside Wales.
Linda Williams and Louise Dougle won the Welsh Ladies Pairs at Aston, 4th July , beating Clare and Tracy Over in the final. Both pairs qualify for the British Ladies Pairs at Spen Victoria on 8thAugust.
Our Welsh Vets team topped their group in the British qualifier at Min Y Don on 9th July which qualifies them for the British Final on 6th August at Stalybridge.
Our County Ladies team played well recently on a freakishly fast green at Denbigh against Shropshire. Sian Ollerton and Kirsty Jones finding the conditions to their liking that day, and the most outstanding ‘come back’ came from Julie Bray. This now sees them play North Lancs and Fylde in a semi final of the Mavis Dearden competition.
Our Senior and Junior teams have had a tough season in the County fixtures this year. Better fortunes for 2027.
A special mention must go to Jess Lacey whose performance at the British Ladies Merit at Pennfields on 11th July was nothing short of outstanding. Played over two greens Jess won her first two matches in single figures. After this she continued to play some fantastic bowls to find herself in the final against Andrea Ainley from South Yorkshire. It was a disappointment to all that Jess was to lose 21-16 in what was a thrilling match. Told you she was one to watch.
26th July saw the Welsh 18 – 25 Competition held at Johnstown BC. For those who were there, the bowling did not disappoint. Jake Hall, Josh Venables, and Iwan Davies took to the conditions quite well. In one of the semi final games, Josh came back from well behind to beat Iwan a close 21-19. The other Semi between Jake and Keiron Hallet it was another sound game with Jake winning 21-15. In the final, Josh took a strong lead and was soon 9-1 up. From here, Jake managed to take hold of the jack and the match took another turn. It was a truly great performance from both players with Jake Hall winning the competition 21-19.
WCGBA President Pater Higham with Jake Hall
We extend our good wishes to our Ladies, our Seniors and our Vets teams in their respective British Competitions to come early next month.