OPEN SINGLES 2019
The Club held it’s third Open Singles on Saturday and the competition attracted a full field of 32, with players coming from Fylde, Burnley, Goldborne and Liverpool to compete with local bowlers for the first prize of £120.
Andy Draper from Fleetwood Hesketh reached the final in the top half of the draw. Having come from behind against Steve McManus in the 1st Round, be overcame homester Len Southworth and David Walker from Burnley, before defeating another Hesketh Arms’ player, Wayne Graham, in the semi-final.
Andy’s opponent in the final was Fergal Wright, who had started with a first round win against team-mate Liam Gregson, before knocking out last year’s winner Ray Bevington of Goldborne Sports. He then defeated another Hesketh player, Dave Gordon, before progressing to the final with a 21-17 win against Alan Waterworth of Goldborne in the semi-final.
Home green knowledge might have made Fergal favourite to win the decider but Andy had played well all day and continued this form in the final. The early stages proved to be one-sided as Andy built up a commanding lead before Fergal clawed a few chalks back. Andy’s form was too good on the day and he was able to claim first prize, the final score being 21-11. Congratulations to both players on reaching the final but in particular to Andy Draper on winning this competition for the first time.
Many thanks to all those who supported this event and helped with marking and measuring. Special thanks also go to Lynne Smith and Sue Wignall for the excellent job they did with the refreshments, which is greatly appreciated.
The Club’s next open will be the doubles in September. Watch out for details of this, which should be available soon.