Ormskirk Bowling Club

The grass green is closed for winter with immediate effect. Works will be carried out today and next week. The artificial green is open as normal but may need to be closed for moss killer spraying temporarily in due course.

On what was a ‘changeable’ day weatherwise, 11 of the club’s more hardy members turned up for this year’s Autumn Pairs Competition, with Anne Johnson drawing the short straw to play with 4 bowls. A round robin group stage took place with each game being played over 10 ends and the top two pairs going through to the final.

There were several close encounters in what proved to be a fairly evenly balanced field, but in the end it was Dean Simmonds & Graham Lucy who came out on top with +23pts. They were followed by second-placed Ted Baker & Peter Grimes on +16pts who just edged out Dave Hulse & Chris Hodge in the last round of games to reach the final.

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worst before the final could be played so it was agreed to play the final on the following Sunday. Then it was a case of déjà vu as again the conditions proved a bit of an extra challenge during the 21 Up final.

The final itself proved to be a game of two halves with the first 10 ends being nip and tuck and the score at 9-8 to Peter & Ted at this point. Then Peter & Ted had a good run and edged ahead to 14-8. However it was at this point that Dean & Graham upped their game and had an unbroken run of ends to win 21-14 and take the Autumn Pairs title. Thanks to all who entered and also for helping out.

Thank you to Dave Roper for this report.

Nick Slater has sent the following regarding his Seniors Team…

“The Ormskirk Bowling Club seniors team who play in the Aughton & District Bowling League 1st Division enjoying their end of season social. Meeting in Ormskirk for food and a drink. Well deserved after a very creditable 4th place finish in their first season in the top division. Thanks also to all the people who look after the green. Looking forward to next year.”

1st Prize Graham Lucy £45

2nd Prize Pauline Snelson £22.50

Congratulations to this month’s winners your prizes are on the way. The draw was conducted today by Dean Simmonds. To those existing and new members who would like to support the club, details to join and pay £5 a month per ticket are on the 100 Club tab on the club website. Your contributions are/will be greatly appreciated.

Our penultimate club competition will take place as above. Pairs drawn from a hat £3 entry fee. May use both greens depending on numbers. Please arrive by 12.45pm for a prompt start.

1st Prize Ted Baker £45

2nd Prize Pauline Snelson £22.50

Congratulations to this month’s winners your prizes are on the way. The draw was conducted last night by Ian Mayne. To those existing and new members who would like to support the club, details to join and pay £5 a month per ticket are on the 100 Club tab on the club website. Your contributions are/will be greatly appreciated.

Ormskirk West Lancs are taking on Barnsley on our artificial green in the Federation of Crown Green Bowls this coming Sunday (11th August) starting at 2pm. Spectators are more than welcome to come along and support the Ormskirk Team and see some top quality bowlers in action – admission is free!

There was a great afternoon’s bowling on a much improved grass green for the 2024 Chairman’s Cup Competition. 10 pairs took part and these were split into two groups for a round robin. Each game was played over 7 ends.

In Group A Chris Webster & Kev Maher narrowly won the group with a +6 points difference, just narrowly ahead of Margaret Copeland & Peter Grimes who finished with +5 points.. Group B was even closer with Ian Gill & Laura Williams (who has only played a few times as part of our beginners sessions) and Matt Finch & John Davies drawing on +7 and also on the points scored (28) so Ian & Laura topped the group by virtue of the result between the two.

The Semi Finals were both close affairs. Marg & Peter overcame Ian & Laura 6-5, winning on the final bowl, Peter bowling a wonder bowl to carry the jack after Ian & Laura were lying game. The second semi was also close with Chris & Kev just overcoming Matt & John 8-6.

On to the final and a repeat of an earlier round robin game which Peter & Marg had taken 6-5. However, Chris’ leading was exemplary and, with 1 end to go Chris & Kev wrapped it up to take the 2024 Chairman’s Cup. Thanks to all those that entered and also came along to spectate and support.

Our next club competition is a pairs comp run by our Chairman, Steve James. It will be run as a handicap pairs comp with people choosing their pairs in advance. Handicaps to be decided on the day by the Chairman. Round robin leading to a final.

If you wish to take part please e-mail/text/WhatsApp Steve to notify him by the end of the month of your pair.

james.s52sky.com@sky.com

Please arrive by 12.45 for a prompt start  at 1pm. We aim to finish by 4.30pm. £3 entry fee on the day per person.

We had a strong turnout of 20 members on a glorious afternoon. A knockout took place with the losers going into a seperate plate competition.

In the main draw Mike Fagan beat John Leadbetter and Nigel Whitehurst beat Hannah Jones in the semi-finals. The final was closely contested but Mike pulled away to win 21-9.

In the plate Jacky Denning topped her group by 5 points from Dave Roper and Dave Hulse won his group by 6 points from Chris Webster. Jacky was triumphant in the final by 7-3.

It was a great afternoon helped by the weather. Thank you to everyone who took part and a special thank you to Dave Roper and Hannah Jones for their help in co-ordinating.