Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report
The Welsh Club Championships were played on Sunday 13th September at Esclusham Bowling Club.
This year there were only three teams, all three of which had appeared in the final in 2025. Cunliffe, Rhos Park and Mold Rec.
WCGBA Officials were in attendance with Simon Walker and Gareth Hughes running the competition and President, Peter Higham making the presentation. Referees on the day included DT Evans, Arthur Peake and Allan Davies ably assisted by Derek Unwin.
It was agreed by all to change the format slightly. Mold Rec. and Cunliffe played a Semi Final round to start the championships. Cunliffe players took a strong start in the first four with Captain, Martin Jones leading John Jones 12-2. Robin Bennett led by the same score over Simon Hughes and Ian Jones and Jack Hewitt both led well in their opening games. It was not all plain sailing as John Jones came back to be 12-16 down to Martin before Martin ended the match 21-18. Robin had stormed away and was to retain a strong lead. On the last end, an unlucky ‘kiss’ from Simon’s wood just nudged Robin’s bowl to win 21-7. Best winners for Mold Re. were Martyn Evans 21-9, Bob Jones 21-13 and Luke Grocott 21-13. Overall scores were Cunliffe 143. Mold Rec. 122
Rhos Park were allowed a twenty minute practice time before facing Cunliffe in the Final. Once again Robin Bennett had another great start and win 21-8 over Steve Lawley, but Dad, Graham, went one better with a 21-7 win over Roger Wilson. Jack Hewitt, Arwel Davies and Ian Jones were all safe blocks for Cunliffe. Haidan Williams won 21-14 over Aileen Coleman as one of the two successes for Rhos Park. The two best games of the Final were Martin Jones and Mike Chamberlain and Ivor Jones and Colin Jones Jr. Martin struggled to get going in his game with Mike and found himself 10-4 down. Mike played really well and was obviously enjoying the challenge. However, Martin dug his heals in and clawed back several chalks to end up 19 across before finishing 21-19. Ivor Jones and Colin had a closer match and both players kept their cool before Ivor won the game 21-18. Totals. Cunliffe 158. Rhos Park 114.
Cunliffe and Rhos Park qualify for the British Clubs event early next season.
