Thanks to Jeanette Higham for this report
The 2024 Welsh Champion of Champions competition was held on Sunday 22nd of September at New Brighton Bowling Club. This popular end of season knock out was hosted by President Pauline Lindley and Members of the WCGBA Management were there giving their usual support throughout the day. Referees included Arthur Peake, Peter Higham, Alan Davies and Peter Hughes.
In the first four matches, there were no run-away leads in the soggy conditions. As the games progressed, Adam stretched his lead to 12-8 up over Paul Walley. However, Paul was to finish the game winning 21-14. Martin Jones and Mike Riley’s game was much closer, with Mike leading most of the way. Martin takes the lead 17-16 before running out 21-18. Craig Griffiths had the most comfortable win over Sian Maddock 21-7. Jason Jones began strongly in his match with John Bailey, but seasoned player that he is, John fought back to only four chalks behind 19-15. Jason struck back to win 21-16.
In the second four, Linda Williams led well over Gareth Williams and looked in no danger. She finished 21-7.Mike Chamberlain and Francis Pennlington’s match was very much give and take. Eventually Mike won 21-12. Friends and team mates Jess Lacey and Joe Langford were the next pair to play. Jess was on stunning form and soon stood 10-1 up. With block in hand, Joe stretched out his opponent and gained a few points. Jess, however played really well to win 21-12. In the last of the first round games John Short met Jack Hewitt, another youngster on form. Jack went 17-7 up before John was able to break this run and score a few points of his own. The eventual score was 21-17 to Jack.
The Quarterfinals began with Paul Walley and Martin Jones. A good, steady start for Paul who was soon to reach 18-9up. Paul won his place in the Semi final 21-17. Craig Griffiths and Jason Jones met next, and it was another win for Jason 21-13. Game three, in worsening weather, saw Linda play Mike Chamberlain. Both players put some stunning woods to the jack at times, but it was Mike who was to triumph 21-11. Jess Lacey and Jack Hewitt finished the Quarterfinals round with an impressive display by both players. Jack slowly formed a lead to do 17-13 up. Jess is not one to give up and continued to play well getting to 20-18 down. It was anyones game at this stage, but Jack was to win 21-18.
In the first Semi final, Paul Walley and Jason were very evenly matched. At times, there were only a few points separating these two players. Eventually, Paul proved the stronger hand and won his game 21-18. Mike Chamberlain and Jack Hewitt had a much more divided game. Jack led away and was soon leading 10-5. This lead went to 15-6 before Mike found his previous form and began to catch up. They were soon 19 across before Jack ended the game 21-19.
The final was played in appalling weather, but bowlers are made of stern stuff and battled the rain as much as one another. Paul took the lead at the start, with Jack trailing only a point or two behind. Determined to stay in contention, Jack was soon to reach 16 across. Once again, Paul went ahead by a whisker, before Jack made it 20-19 in his favour. Jack Hewitt took the last point to win 21-19 – soaked but triumphant.
