Ormskirk Bowling Club

A good start for both our teams in the Ormskirk Premier Division sees them both topping the table after two games. Let’s hope that we can keep it up!

Please note that the electricity meter is being replaced between 12 noon and 4pm on Wednesday 24th April so there will be times when the electricity will not be working.

Can all Members who have not yet paid their subs for 2019/20 please do so as soon as possible.  Details of how to pay are on the Join page of this website.  Many thanks to all those that have already paid up.

There were some excellent games in this morning’s Winter Ladder finals. Kevin Wilcox couldn’t make it so Martin Roberts took his place. The quarter finals all went with ladder positions apart from Ian Gill’s and Nick Slater’s match. John Leadbetter and Martin Roberts both put up valiant efforts against Chris Horsfall and Mike Fagan, and Ted Baker put up a great performance against Steve James.

Into the semi finals and there were a couple of upsets. No 1 on the Ladder, Mike Fagan, crashed out 21-17 against Ian Gill and Chris Horsfall took out the bookies favourite, Steve James, 21-14, in perhaps the shock of the day.

On to the final and it was anyone’s game. Ian went into a healthy lead but the Horse, suffering with a whimpering sniffle, pulled it back to 16-17. Ian then took control and, despite finishing only 5th in the Ladder, rose to the occasion once more and retained his title 21-16.

A delighted Ian being presented the trophy by Chairman Steve James, for the second year running. Chris Horsfall was a worthy runner-up.

Last night’s opening game between Ormskirk and Ormskirk Castle in the Ormskirk Premier League on the grass was a close affair. On a bitterly cold night, in which players had to brave a hailstorm, Ormskirk Castle had 6 winners to Ormskirk’s 4, but Ormskirk took the aggregate to take the away points for a 7-6 win. With the Rebels crashing at the Stanley with just 3 winners this was a good night for both teams. Great credit to Eric for getting the green in the best shape it has ever been so far.

Tasha Hauley departs today for Australia.  I am sure the whole club will wish her well in her new adventure, but we hope to see her back playing for us sometime.  Her infectious laugh , great sense of humour, and captaincy of our Wed night team, will be sorely missed.  Those bowls clubs in Oz won’t know what has hit them!!

Let’s take an affectionate pictorial look at Tash’s bowling career so far.

A big thank you to everyone who turned up last night for a successful evening with approximately 30 members in attendance. A special mention to Chris Horsfall who delivered a challenging but excellent quiz which was won by The Committee team of Steve James, Ken Knowles and Nigel Whitehurst.

We managed to collect over £800 in annual subscriptions which will boost the clubs funds. Please arrange to pay preferably online if you were unable to attend last night via the Join Section of the club website.

Finally with the light nights upon us can I wish you all an enjoyable and successful season.

Just a reminder that the Club is holding a quiz night this Monday 7pm – 8.30pm in the Cricket Club Pavilion, and the Committee will also be there to take any subs payments.  This should be a great social night for the whole club so try and get along if you can, as we believe a superb quiz has been prepared for you.  Subs prices are the same as last year and can be found on the website.

If you cannot get along to pay, or if you find it easier anyway,  then you can always make a bank transfer.  All details are on the ‘Join’ page of the Club’s website, along with a form to fill in if you are an existing member.  To help our Safeguarding/Welfare Officer there is now a field to fill in, if you wish,  to let us know about any medical issues that could help us should you feel unwell whilst playing.

Eric, our greenkeeper, has officially opened the grass green so members can now use it for practice.  He has been doing a sterling job in getting the green ready and you will see a big improvement already over last year. There has been some waterlogging in the playing field /St Helens Road quarter of the green which has caused the delay in opening.  Whilst it appeared to have dried out today, please be careful in that area and avoid it if wet.