Ormskirk Bowling Club

Just a reminder that the above event, open to all members, takes place tomorrow (Sunday). Please arrive by 12.45pm for a prompt start and please bring some change-entrance fee £2 each. The forecast seems fine but we will check the condition of the greens before the start due to the heavy rain we have been having.

After a visit to Victoria Park C and a resounding 11 – 2 win Ormskirk Bowling Club seniors were confirmed  Div 2 champions of the Aughton seniors league.The players celebrated with a well earned after match get together (pictured above).

Not only did this team become champions, but the Ormskirk Academy team, led by Alan Bellis, finished as runners up. So both teams are promoted to the First Division for next year.

Well done to both teams for their magnificent performances this year.

Our illustrious Secretary, Nigel Whitehurst, celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday at the away game at Victoria Park. Nigel is pictured receiving his cake from Captain Nick Slater. Nigel does so much great work for the Club quietly behind the scenes and his birthday was worthy of a celebration.

This years’ ‘Bowl for Fun’ sessions have been a great success with 41 different people attending over the course of the six sessions on a Thursday evening.

This culminated in a special pairs competition held last Thursday for our attendees. 11 pairs lined up for the inaugural ‘Beginners Cup. They were split into three Groups for a round robin stage. In Group A it was incredibly close, with Sue & Kaz coming out on top with +1, Jim & Brenda in second with 0 and Lizzie & Barbara a close third with -1.

Group B was well won by father and son team, John & Jenson, with +7 points. Neil & Kathryn pulled it back on their last game, winning 9-0 to put their points total to +3. This was enough to send them through to the semis as the best runners up in the two groups of 4 and scuppered Rita & Aidan’s chances of qualifying and sent them to the bottom of the group. Tracie and Ros ended up in third place in the group. Finally, in Group C, it was an exceedingly tight finish with Richard & Alan finishing top with +3, Andy & Dave a close second on +2, Alan & Nick third with +1 and Marilyn & Leanne finishing in fourth.

In the 3 end semis Sue & Kaz just overcame John & Jenson 3-1 in a tight game. Richard & Alan dominated their semi, winning 6-0, with Neil & Kathryn just not able to get going over the three ends.

So to the final and it proved to be a dramatic ending. Two ends were played on each green with Alan & Richard going into the last end on the grass 5-1 up and it seemed to be all over. However, Sue & Kaz managed a dramatic 4 on the last end to level it up at 5-5 and put the match into a sudden death end. Richard lined up his last bowl with the pair being down and staring defeat in the face. He played his bowl, hit one of their other bowls, which then proceeded to trickle in to win the final, to audible gasps from the baying crowd! A fitting dramatic end to an excellent competition and a big thank you to all those from the club who helped out.

Frank Cosgrove’s funeral will be held on 3rd August at 4pm at the West Lancashire Crematorium, Burscough for those that wish to attend.

The next club competition will take place as above. We would like to ask for one or two members to run this-full guidance will be given. Please contact the secretary if you are interested, you can still take part in the competition. Please arrive by 12.45pm for a prompt start. Entry fee £2.

The Club is very sad to inform you that Frank Cosgrove passed away on Wednesday. Frank played for our Ormskirk Castle team. He was a lovely friendly kind man who was always keen to encourage both new bowlers and our junior players. Frank was one of those instrumental in the building of the green at Asmall House on Asmall Lane and was a member of the Aughton Town Green team that played there from its inception until the closure of the green around 2 years ago. Frank had unfortunately had some personal tragedies recently with the death of his daughter and his wife suffering from dementia, both of which greatly affected him. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences are with Frank’s family

There is further sad news with the passing yesterday of Brian Smith, who had been coming along to our beginners’ sessions on a Thursday evening with his wife Carol. Despite suffering from dementia Brian greatly enjoyed the bowling sessions at the club and came along to one of our cup competitions this year. Brian collapsed on the green last Thursday suffering from a bleed on the brain and was taken to Aintree Hospital where he passed away. Our condolences go to Carol and all his family. All our beginners have been expressing their sympathy on our Beginners’ WhatsApp Group.

Congratulations to the winners who were selected at last night’s match. Your winnings will be credited shortly.

1st Prize Margaret Copeland £40

2nd Prize Keith Knaggs £25

Please see the 100 Club tab on the website if you wish to join at a cost of £5 per month per ticket to support the club.

Sixteen bowlers entered the annual ‘Chairman’s Cup’ and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all. The  draw produced a number of strong pairings, who were split into two groups of four. The winners of each group progressed straight to the final. 

Group One saw Haydn Preece and Phil Birchall come out on top with an aggregate of +14, narrowly pipping Mike Fagan and Keith Knaggs on +8. 

Group Two saw Steve James and ‘Magic’ Marg Copeland run out as comfortable winners with a +19 aggregate. 

The final was a close contest. Haydn and Phil flew out of the blocks with a three at the first end and held the lead at the transition from the grass to the carpet. However, Margaret and Steve dominated on the carpet with ‘Magic’ leading superbly. Haydn stuck with the final wood of the 8th end and took the jack off superbly, when Steve and Marg were lying game. No end. A ninth end was required with Haydn and Phil needing three to take the final into sudden death. They were lying two when Haydn sent the final wood. It was just too heavy and touched the block on to Magic’s wood. The final score was 10-6 but it was a much closer contest than that. 

Steve was the first to admit that Marg had been the key to their success with her fantastic leading all afternoon. However, for the third year running, the Chairman got to lift the Chairman’s Cup. 

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it a grand afternoon. 

Please note that both greens will be closed next Monday from 9am for contractors to undertake tree surgery. They will open again on completion.

Thank you.