Day One of our Finals Weekend began with the Wightman Cup 2 bowls singles between Chairman Richard Ferguson and our Greenkeeper, Ray Rouse. Richard got off to a solid start, taking 6 shots on the first 4 ends. Although Ray had reduced the deficit to just one shot after 11 ends, it was Richard who forged ahead again to win by 18 shots to 9.
In the afternoon, the Vincent Cup, 2 bowl pairs, saw Mike Peck and Syd Attridge up against Ray Rouse and Tony Liggins. It was Ray and Tony who claimed the silverware. Meanwhile, the Club Handicap was a repeat of last years Final between Keith Puddephatt and Del Behenna. Keith, receiving 3 shots start, set the pace and extended his advantage to 7 shots after the 9th end. By the 16th end. however, Del had established a 3 shot lead which he maintained to retain the trophy for the 3rd successive year.
Day Two started with Richard Ferguson, Tony Liggins and Stuart Ray taking on Ray Rouse, John Hipwell and Angela Adlam in the Len & Peggy Macey mixed triples. Richard's trio had established a 7 shot lead after 8 ends, but then dropped consecutive fours to trail by one shot. A late surge, however, saw them take 10 shots to 2 from the last 5 ends and run out Champions by 24 shots to 17.
The Mens Pairs Championship involved two new bowlers in their first season at the Club, Roger Lawson and Alan Butler, and well they bowled!. In an excellent Final, the spoils went to Roger and Del Behenna who eventually got the better of Alan, playing with Keith Puddephatt. Tied at 15 all after 16 ends, Del and Roger picked up 9 shots over the last 5 ends to cross the line with a 24 shots to 16 victory.
The afternoon session began in steady rain which threatened to curtail proceedings. Thankfully, it relented after about 40 minutes and the two matches were decided. In the Tombs Plate, Richard Ferguson again took on Ray Rouse and a great contest it turned out to be. It was 12 shots apiece after 15 ends had been played and 10 ends later, Ray held a one shot advantage, 19 - 18. But it was Richard who scored 3 shots on the last 2 ends to claim the title 21 - 19 after 27 ends.
On Rink 5, the Mens Club Championship for 2023 was contested by John Stallwood and Del Behenna. 8 shots were shared over the first 4 ends, but after 11 ends, Del had established an 8 shot advantage. He went on to maintain that advantage and defend the title he won last season with a 21 shots to 13 victory.
The weekend concluded with the presentation of prizes and trophies by our President Beryl Walford. She was ably assisted by Captain Tony Lambert, who explained the origins of our trophies. Club photographer John Minter was on hand to record the proceedings. The raffle raised £41.50 for Club funds. A big thank you to President Beryl, Sue Ablett and Tony Carthy for marking the singles competitions.
Due to unavailability and illness, the Neighbour Cup mens triples final was held a week late on Saturday 23rd September and a close run affair it was too. At the end of play, it was Mick Bailey, Dennis Robertson and Mark Baxter who claimed the Cup by a single shot, 18 - 17, over Del Behenna, Tony Liggins and Stuart Ray.
