The Club held its first singles competition yesterday and there was a good turnout of 22 bowlers taking part , including some of our beginners and juniors.  Everyone was split into 5 groups with the winners and 3 best runners-up progressing to quarter finals.

Group A saw Ian Gill triumph in first place, with Brian Elliott, who also qualified, a close second.  Group B was a bit closer with Eric Barklem taking top spot and Jacky Denning second, with Chris Butler just missing out.  Group C saw Jack Denning, who had come out of retirement, drawing for top spot with Joey Copeland – Jack winning a sudden death 3 end play off to top the group, but Joey also qualified as a best runner up.

Group D was the ‘Group of Death’ with Dave Hulse, Steve Denning, Ted Baker and Dave Ball battling it out with newcomer Pauline Snelson.  It was tight to the end and with Dave only mustering a 11-10 win over Pauline this handed the aggregate to Steve Denning to win the Group and qualify.  Finally Group E saw ‘Marvelous Marg’ Copeland topping the Group ahead of Angie Barklem.

After what seemed an eternity we reached the quarter finals and due to the time these had to be shortened. Ian beat Margaret 7-4,  Joey beat Eric 7-5, Brian beat Jack 7-4 and finally, in the battle of the Dennings, Steve beat Jacky 7-2.

This set up some great Semis and Joey kept his nerve to edge past Ian 7-5, and Brian Elliott took out Steve Denning 7-4.

The final was played in the deepening gloom and it was Joey Copeland that took the first every Ormskirk BC Co-op Funeralcare Singles title by 9-3 against Brian to take the trophy and £30 in prize money, which was presented by Jan from the local Ormskirk Branch.  Their support has been much appreciated by the Club.

Some photos from the day are set out below – thanks to everyone that attended.  e should be able to get the timings a bit better for next year!!