Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report.
Sunday, and a very hot July 13th Wales 18 to 25 Competition was held at Connah’s Quay Bowling Club. President, Pauline Lindley greeted everyone and welcomed the players to the green for each of their games, whilst Tournament Officer Ashley Zepeda and Assistant Tournament Officer Simon Walker ran the day perfectly. The referee was Peter Higham.
There were nine entries this time. A prelim match got underway between Josh Venables and Jamie Williamson. Both players took advantage of having the green to themselves for most of their match, testing one another on long and short marks. Jamie started well with Josh picking up points where he could. Jamie ran out 21-12.
The next round saw the only girl in the line-up. Jess Lacey met Jake Hall. Although down at the start, Jess soon found a sweet spot that helped her to take the lead and win 21-11. Joe Hayes and Keiron Hallett had a closer tie with Joe creeping ahead to win 21-18. Matt Worden started strongly in his match with Euan Davies before stalling on 12 chalks to see Euan coming back to only four points behind. Eventually Matt’s mojo returned and he finished 21-11. Billy Taylor played Jamie Williamson from the prelim match. Billy started well and led 9-6 before the match tied 12 across. Despite some excellent bowling by Billy, Jamie claimed his second victory of the day 21-15.
In the first Semi Final, Jess played Joe Hayes. Jess played confidently and strongly from the outset, and was soon into double figures. She claimed her place in the final with a 21-8 win. Matt Worden did not fair so well at the start of his Semi Final with Jamie. Although he won the toss he trailed Jamie by several chalks until the mid stage of the game, being 11-6 down at one point. The tables were soon turned and Matt took the lead 14-13. From there, his confidence soared and he won 21-14.
The final between Jess and Matt was one of mixed fortunes for them both, each having a specific spot on the green which they had truly mastered. Matt was soon 6-2 up before Jess pulled back to make things 8 across. Matt surged forward once more with Jess trailing only a point or two behind. At 15-13 to Matt, there was no holding him back and he won the Competition 21-13.
Matt and Jess both qualify for the British 18 to 25 final day later in the summer. This competition has only been going for a couple of seasons and is one that is set to grow as more and more former junior County players find themselves in transit from qualifying as a junior player of the past to a senior county team already bursting with excellent players.
