2014
The 2014 Club Finals got underway on Friday evening, 5th September, with both the gents and ladies 'handicap' finals taking place.
The Men's Handicap, with Clive Todd giving a two shot advantage to Dave Parker, turned out to be a very competitive match with some excellent bowling from both players. After a close start Dave moved in front, establishing what seemed to be a firm grip on proceedings, an 18-12 lead. Clive as everyone knows, never gives in, and in the blink of an eye, with a four and two on consecutive ends had suddenly levelled matters at 18-18 and the game was once again back in the balance.
At this stage Dave needed to compose himself, and this he did splendidly, to come home 21-18 to record a hard earned victory in a game of high quality bowling all round.
The Ladies Handicap meanwhile was being contested by Sue Gibbons and Brenda Moses, and this match didn't go so much to the wire, as into the dark!! After an even exchange over the opening nine ends Sue began to build a lead and looked comfortable for a win, when well placed at 19-8 in front, after 17 ends. The last shot(s) can often be the most difficult to find, and with the finishing line in sight Sue's game stalled and Brenda slowly started her comeback, clawing back nine shots over the next seven ends. As twilight fell the game was stopped with Sue holding a 20-17 lead. The ladies resumed play on Saturday morning, with Sue picking up a three on the first end played to finally come home winner 23-17.
Saturday saw a further five finals contested. First up in the morning was the Mixed Pairs with Olwen Coombs and Jonathon Ackland facing Judith Meddins and Joe Coles. Last year Ackland and Meddins were paired together and won this competition, and on this occasion it was Ackland who recorded a second successive victory with a 21-12 win. The game itself was fairly even at 9-9 after nine ends played, but once in front Olwen and Jonathon never looked in trouble and ran out well deserved winners.
Meanwhile in the Gents Two Wood final Clive Todd was facing Tim Hurcom, looking to retain the title he won in 2013. As during the previous evening Clive was in excellent form, and despite Tim's best efforts he proved too strong, running out a comfortable 17-6 winner.
That wasn't to be the end of Todd's endeavours as during the afternoon he then contested the Senior Singles final against Dick Cowling, and continuing his fine form won eleven of the 16 ends played to cruise home 21-8.
The afternoon activities were brought to a close with both the Ladies and Gents Championship Finals.
The Ladies Final was a repeat of 2013 with Judith Meddins again facing Brenda Moses. Brenda got off to a great start, leading 7-1 after only five ends, before Judith began to find her range, slowly closing the gap, such that by the time 18 ends had been completed the scores were level at 14-14 with all to play for. Judith now however had momentum on her side, and despite some fine woods from Brenda she couldn't prevent Judith repeating her 2013 success with a 21-15 win.
The Gents Final saw 1st Team Captain Ritchie Janes take on Jonathon Ackland, fresh from his morning success in the mixed pairs. Jon turned in a superb display of bowls and, perhaps against the bookmakers odds, (had there been a book run on the outcome) came home a splendid 21-9 winner, to round off an excellent day of bowls, played out in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative group of spectators.
The Gents Pairs final was played on Monday 8th September when Joe Coles and Dick Cowling took on Dave Parker and Ritchie Janes. With Joe playing exceptionally well he laid a very solid platform as he and Dick took control of the game. Indeed, leading by seven, at 21-14 with 16 of the scheduled 21 ends they appeared to be coasting against their more fancied, but out of sorts opponents.
A six for Parker and Janes on the 17th end put things back into the melting pot, but Coles and Cowling held on to record a fine 24-21 shot victory.
Well done to all the finalists and congratulations to the winners.