Ormskirk Bowling Club

Last night saw a thrilling Westhead League Cup Final match between Ormskirk BC and Brownmoor Brooke. Captain Horse had thought long and hard about his line up and there was much chatter on the team’s WhatsApp Group in the lead up to the game. Whilst confidence was high after the team had despatched the Eagle & Child in the semi final, it was always going to be a difficult match against the league champions.

This proved to be the case, and although the team fought hard it wasn’t quite enough against a very experienced and strong Brownmoor Brooke side. In the end though the team only fell 12 chalks short and everyone can be proud of their efforts, not just in the final but in all the previous games and in a great third place finish in the top division of the Westhead League, which is arguably the strongest in the local area. In particular one of the finest achievements was Ian Mayne topping the league averages, with Steve James not far behind at number 7 and Mike Fagan at number 9. All round it was a fantastic season for the team.

Congratulations to our Monday night team who stormed Division 2 of the Maghull Bowling League. Under the astute captaincy of Mike Fagan, who took on the role this year, the team won 9 of their 12 matches and cruised to top spot. Marilyn Lea topped the averages, not just for the team but the whole Division, in her first season for the club, and young ‘Professional Yorkshireman’ Aaron Backhouse wasn’t far behind in fourth spot. Altogether a great season for the team and a much deserved top spot.

There are two events coming up in the next couple of days where your support would be valued.

Firstly on Saturday (25th) we are doing some works to the green and surrounds at 10.30am and if as many members could come down as possible that would be appreciated. Come in old clothes and bring some secateurs and gardening gloves. Some tidying of the Pavilion is needed as well so you may fancy doing that if you you cannot manage heavier work. As many Members as possible would be welcomed for as much or as little time as you can give.

Secondly, tomorrow evening (Friday sees the Westhead League Cup Final. This is being played at Scarisbrick NSC (Bullens Lane, Scarisbrick) and our team will be taking on Brownmoor Brooke, having won their semi final last week. Roll off is at 6.45pm and spectators are welcome, so come along and cheer the team on.

The ever popular Ormskirk Bowling Club Winter Ladder will be starting soon and now is the time to enter. Click on the Link below and fill in the form to enter. Entries should be in by 1st October, any not in by then run the risk of just being placed at the bottom. The Ladder will be generated at random from the entries made. The Ladder rules, and after 1st October the actual Ladder itself, are available under the Winter tab on the Club’s website. You must be a Club Member to enter, with entry being free.

Entry Form – click on this link to enter

End of season renovation work will be carried out on both greens and the surrounds on Saturday 25th or Sunday 26^th September, weather permitting.

Both greens will be closed on those days, this will allow Eric to spray the artificial on whichever is the best day. The artificial green will be open again on Monday 27^th, and the grass green will remain closed until next season.

Further details will be released next week, but it would be extremely helpful if as many members as possible come down to help. This could be with the main green renovation work, tidying up the surrounds with secateurs, or just helping to tidy up the clubhouse and getting drinks for the heavy labourers.

Ken Pike’s funeral is to be held tomorrow at 12 noon at West Lancashire Crematorium (Wednesday 8th September 2021). Details can be found at https://funeral-notices.co.uk/north%20west-lancashire-skelmersdale/death-notices/notice/pike/4972022?photo=start

The Club is sad to announce that it has just been informed of the death of Ken ‘Predator’ Pike, who played at the Windmill with several players from our Club. Ken was a very funny man who could both intentionally or unintentionally (no-one was ever quite sure) make you laugh out loud, and he always had a mischievous grin on his face. One such instance was asking Steve James, just after he joined the Windmill, “How old are your grandchildren Steve?”! The green often rang to the cries of Dads Army or fishing jokes (“Reel him in Pike”) when Ken was on the green.

Never the best on the green, but a steady bowler, Ken had to give up bowling after bad health just before Ormskirk BC was formed so never was able to play on our greens. The game has lost one of its characters, RIP Ken.

A fantastic Autumn Pairs competition today saw 15 pairs battling it out, with Ian Mayne and Pat Gaskin ultimately taking the title in a tight final against Peter Bailey & Paul Morley.

The sun shone on the righteous as a mix of experienced and learner bowlers took to the greens. The pairs were split into three groups of five, playing 6 ends against each other in a round robin. In Group A things were fairly tight. Steve James & John Gaskin ground out some close games, as did Mike Fagan & Steve Brookfield. However, it was Ian Mayne & Pat Gaskin (one of our new bowlers) who came through scoring 28 points, with Ted Baker & Barbara Davies (another newbie) close behind in second on 26 points. Dave Hulse & Richard Sutton finished with the wooden spoon on 15 points.

Group B was a little more straightforward, with Peter Bailey & Paul Morley streaking to the top of the table with an impressive 36 points, and Marg Copeland & Dave Allister coming second on 25. Wooden spoons went to Ian Gill & Anne Johnson and John Leadbetter & Dave Roper who could only get 13 points each.

Finally in Group C late arrivals Dave & Bev Sumner won the Group with 24 points, Chris Horsfall & Ian Prescott coming second with 20 points. Wooden spoons in this Group, with 11 points apiece, went to Aaron ‘Professional Yorkshireman’ Backhouse & Les Farrell, and Martin Roberts & Tim Walsh.

By the narrowest of margins Ted & Barbara went through on points scored to set up two intriguing semi finals, both of which were 6 ends each again. In the first on the artificial it was quite a close affair with Ian & Pat beating Dave & Bev 6-4. The other semi, played on the grass, was slightly more one sided with Peter & Paul overcoming Ted & Paul 11-2.

On to the final, and Peter & Paul chose the grass on winning the toss, and having played their semi on there were the bookies favourites. However, some resolute bowling from Ian & Pat saw them win a close tight final by 4-2, only singles being scored on each end. They were worthy champions of the Autumn Pairs with some great bowling. Some more pictures of the day will follow.

Just a reminder to club members that the Autumn Pairs competition will be held for all members this coming Sunday at 1pm. Please arrive by 12.45 so the draw can be done promptly. This competition is open to all members of whatever ability, with all new bowlers being paired with a more experienced bowler where possible. We look forward to seeing you there.