End of season round-up

Following in their son Thomas's footsteps, both Gillian and Andy found some good form to finish the season on a high note. Gillian bowled well in the Hebden Bridge - A. Crabtree Handicap at Whinswood, reaching the final and ending the day as runner-up. While a couple of weeks later, Andy, paired with Keith Coppen, won the Worth Valley - End of Season Pairs at Keighley. I don't know what Gillians feeding them on but it seems to be having the desired effect as the whole family have bowled well and develloped there games this season. In conclusion, several of our bowlers played in Bradfords - Ben Ramsden Merit at Low Moor Harold with mixed results. Sadly, 'Moose' was an also ran once again, but others had more success with Paul Haigh reaching the semi-finals and 'Duck' Hargreaves almost lifting the trophy, but alas it was a step too far and he ended a creditable runner-up.

Hebden Bridge Vets Pairs Merit

On this sunny 1st September, Trevor (Gus) Hargreaves, with some help from our own roving reporter, Roy (Sundy - did you see what I did there Roy) Sanderson managed to find his way to Todmorden Park, in time for the start of the Hebden Bridge Vets Pairs Merit. Now some might say that this was an achievement in itself, but not only that, Gus and his 4th reserve, Sundy, also managed to find their way to the jack enough times to win all their games and lift the silverware. As you can see in the picture on the left Gus managed to find the lens of the camera with a warm smile, but wasn't quite sure where to face the cup. Also note Sundy's attempt at the "Mona Lisa" smile, leaving us only able to guess what his thoughts may be as he posed for this celebratory shot.

Keighley Juniors Competition

Thomas Johnson

Following Thomas's recent win in the Crossroads John Heal Doubles competition last week (where he had to carry Mick Walsh)(see Club Comps page), today (Sunday 29th August) he reached the final of the Keighley Juniors, performing well and ending up runner-up in a very strong field. What a great result for him, not to mention the £30 in his back pocket. Well done Thomas!!!

Skipton Merit (15.8.10)

Peter Clark and Trevor Hargreaves both had a good day out in the Skipon Leagues Jacs Merit with Peter emerging as victor for the second year running

Here's what Peter Haworth had to say in the Craven Herald:

The final saw a good competitive match with both players finding the right bowl when it mattered, Clark had the early advantage to lead 7-3, but Hargreaves kept up to the task to be just the odd point down at 14-13, and one late end swung the match in Clark's favour, Hargreaves lying one good bowl to close to 16-18, 'Clarky' found the right bowl to take out Trevor's wood and leave himself two and with the jack for game, that was it 21-15, the first player to retain the Merit title and to keep hold of the superb Albert Smith Trophy. The trophy was presented by League President Anthony Walsh.

Keighley Merit

A full days bowling led to a final between Ryan Tyler and Alan Downing on Sunday (18th July), with the former emerging as a fairly comfortable winner. Both are pictured here with organiser Mr Harrison. As you can see, Keith was doing his best to contain his excitement. Great result Ryan!

Craven Classic

Last week brought the Final of the Craven Classic, a comp that some bowlers are travelling 100's of miles to play in. This year their travelling was in vain as it was local boy, and our own club member Andy Tate who lifted the silverware and a substantial cheque, beating allcomers from far and wide, including Bob Hitchen in the final. Congrats Andy!

Hebden Bridge Merit

Richard Hargreaves 'struck again' in the Hebden Bridge Merit, winning the cup, and not for the first time, against a strong field at Luddenden Foot. Great green, great organisation and great result for Richard, our prolific competition winner, who's begining to put even 'Father' into the shade in recent times. Not to worry Gus, there's always the Vets!

J H Sutcliffe Cup

Despite a cold morning on the hill, Heptonstall that is, there was a full turn out of 34 eager bowlers last Sunday. A great mixture of 1st, 2nd and 3rd team players took to the green and took advantage of their handicaps, the name of the game today, producing a great days bowling as the sun made an appearance during the afternoon. In a field with it's fair share of "David" and "Goliaths", the "Davids" seemed to be finding a bit of form and some of the "Goliaths" were "slain" after trying to dodge a hail of on target stones. It looked like it was going to be a day for the "Davids", but still finding their line and length were "Goliaths" David Warburton and our own Paul Haigh. After putting up a valliant fight Paul was eventually defeated and ended up runner-up to the worthy winner David Warburton.

A Very Good Weekend For Our Teams

Well, a successful weekend of bowls began for our players when first, on Saturday, in the Yorkshire Cup, they got the better of Pudsey Littlemoor by 24 points to move through to the next round. This victory would be all the sweeter for them, having just received a sound drubbing from Littlemoor only the weekend before, albeit on their own 'league winning' green. Once again, on a neutral green, our players came out on top and would appear to be the better travellers. Next game against Brighouse at Northowram. On Sunday, some of the same players went to Sowerby for the Sunday Morning KO Final and after a couple of hours bowling, on what I suspect would be a slow green, emerged victors by 15 points. Well done to all concerned and may your good form continue throughout the season.