News, Events and information about Hesketh Arms Bowling Club
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
BURSCOUGH LEAGUE PRESENTATION
The Burscough & Lathom Bowling League held its Presentation Meeting recently and Andy Draper was presented with his award for winning the 1st Division Merit. Andy is pictured being presented with the shield by League President, Duncan Crabtree .
LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW – 2025
INTRODUCTION
The 2025 season saw the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club field eleven teams in various local leagues. A lot of work and commitment goes into running these teams and thanks go to the captains who take on this important role. Our captains this year were :- Chris Harding (Eagles & Vulture) ; Jim Halsall (Ospreys) ; Mike Milne (Owls) ;
John Townsend (Sparrowhawks) ; John Unsworth (Kites) ; Brian Sutton (Kestrels) ; George Hitchmough (Hawks & Merlins) ; John Hughes (Hobbies) ; Debbie Barnes (Buzzards).
Below is a summary of our teams’ performances, along with their individual merit winners. Full tables can be found on the results website for each league.
SOUTHPORT LV LEAGUE
The Eagles continued to compete strongly in the top half of the Premier Division, eventually finishing in 3rd place.
In the Knockout Cup, the Eagles were defeated 6-4 by Tarleton in the semi-final, played at Fleetwood Hesketh.
Eagles Merit Winner – Jim Halsall (14 wins)
BURSCOUGH & LATHOM LEAGUE
We continued to run two teams in the Burscough & Lathom League, one of the strongest leagues in the area. The Vultures again performed well, finishing level on points with Banks St. Stephen’s, nine points behind champions Bretherton ‘A’. Unfortunately, they lost the play-off for the runners-up spot and so had to settle for 3rd place.
Congratulations to Andy Draper, who had an outstanding season. He won 14 out of the 16 games to win the League Player of the Season award.
The Ospreys, under new captain Jim Halsall, were playing in the 2nd Division, having been relegated from the top-flight. They had an enjoyable season and ended the season exactly half-way in 5th place.
Vultures Merit Winner – Andy Draper (14 wins)
Ospreys Merit Winner – Jim Halsall (13 wins)
MAGHULL LEAGUE
With the Sparrowhawks having been promoted, both our Maghull League teams were competing in the 1st Division. The Owls welcomed several new recruits to the team to replace players who had moved from the area or couldn’t play due to work commitments. The team competed well and finished in a mid-table position. In their first season in the top division, the Sparrowhawks found wins hard to come by in what is a tough standard and finished in 11th place. They did, however, enjoy a notable success in winning the first “derby” fixture against the Owls.
Owls Merit Winner – Andy Draper (18 wins)
Sparrowhawks Merit Winner – Pat McArthur (8 wins)
SOUTHPORT PARKS LEAGUE
Our Parks League team, the Kites, were expecting to be relegated having finished bottom of the Premier Division in 2024 but got a reprieve following a restructuring of the league. The 2025 season saw a great improvement in the team’s performances thanks to impressive contributions from several new signings and they finished in a healthy 6th place, the exact half-way point in the division.
Kites Merit Winner – Mike Milne (15 wins)
AUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ LEAGUE
Both our Wednesday afternoon teams were in the 1st Division for 2025. The Hawks had gained promotion by finishing as runners-up in Division 2 the previous season, whilst the Kestrels were placed above the 1st Division relegation places following a decision made at the League’s Annual General Meeting.
The top division of the Aughton League is a tough one and wins can be hard to come by. At the end of the season, the Kestrels had won six matches to finish in 8th place and the Hawks were one place below in 9th having won five games.
Kestrels Merit Winner – Jim Halsall (15 wins)
Hawks Merit Winner – Peter Smith (11 wins)
SOUTHPORT VETERANS’ LEAGUE
In the Monday afternoon Southport Veterans’ League, the Merlins were competing in the top-flight after winning the 2nd Division in 2024. They had a season of consolidation in the 1st Division, winning nine matches to finish the season in a comfortable 8th place.
The Hobbies were playing in Division 3, having been relegated at the end of the previous season. Several of the team were new to league bowling in 2024 but they ended the 2025 season strongly to finish 4th, having won an impressive 14 games out of 22 played.
The season ended on a positive note with both our teams reaching their divisional cup finals. The Merlins played against league runners-up Banks ‘A’, losing narrowly in the final, played at Fleetwood Hesketh. The Hobbies, however, won their final against Sandbrook ‘B’ at Crossens Bowling Club. This was despite having to concede a handicap of 89 chalks. This is their second cup win, having won the Dick Wareing Trophy in 2024. Congratulations to captain John Hughes and his team on winning the 2025 Joe Bond Trophy.
Merlins Merit Winner – Steve Goulding (16 wins)
Hobbies Merit Winner – Alan Lloyd (17 Wins)
SOUTHPORT LADIES’ LEAGUE
Having been relegated to the 2nd Division at the end of the 2024 season, the Buzzards were hoping to bounce straight back to the top division at the first attempt. With the help of some new signings, they achieved this emphatically by finishing as champions, three points ahead of Victoria Park ‘A’. They lost just one league game all season, winning thirteen out of their fourteen fixtures. Congratulations to captain Debbie Barnes, who led the way with 12 wins to finish top of the divisional merit table.
The Buzzards ended the season in style when they made it a double success by defeating their rivals Victoria Park ‘A’ by 11 chalks in the final of the Knockout Cup, played at Formby Sports & Social.
Buzzards Merit Winner – Debbie Barnes (12 wins)
Mike Milne
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Southport Veterans League
JOE BOND TROPHY
Congratulations to the Hesketh Hobbies on winning the Southport Veterans’ League Joe Bond Trophy. In the final, which was played at Crossens Bowling Club, they had to concede a handicap of 89 chalks against Sandbrook Park ‘B’. They got off to a flying start, winning all of the first four games and taking an aggregate advantage of 57 chalks. Three of the next four games were won, with a further 22 points being gained. This meant that with the last two games on the green and taking the handicap into account, the Hobbies were still ten chalks adrift. A 21-11 win by Andy Draper put the scores level, leaving the outcome of the final in the balance. The last Hobbies player on the green was Mike Burrill and he produced a tremendous fightback to come from 13-1 down to win 21-14, giving the Hobbies the aggregate by just 7 chalks. Congratulations to captain John Hughes and all of the Hobbies squad who have played throughout the season.
Southport Veterans League
Fred Brockley trophy
The Hesketh Merlins the 1st Division team were involved in the 1st Division cup final. The game was won by Banks A by 14 chalks.
ROUND ROBINS
The popular Tuesday and Friday Round Robins have again been held throughout the 2025 season and given the better weather we have enjoyed this year, attendances have been much higher than in the last couple of seasons. These sessions are an integral part of the Club’s programme of events and are an ideal way of meeting other members of the club and gaining experience of playing against different players. Many thanks to Peter and Lynne Smith for hosting the Round Robins and to those who have helped out in any way or stood in for Peter and Lynne when they have been unable to attend.
GREEN MAINTENANCE
Members will be aware that the green is now closed for the winter and will reopen in Spring 2026. The annual maintenance work on the green has commenced and we hope that the green will be back to its usual high standard after a period of very challenging weather conditions. The Committee will endeavour to keep members updated on the work carried out on the green and progress being made throughout the course of the close season.
We will be looking for help from our members for out of season clean up work.
The club would welcome any donations of unwanted Astro turf to complete the lining of the bowling green gutters. Please contact George Hitchmough who can arrange collection.
CHAMPIONSHIP CUP
The final club competition of the season took place on Sunday, when seventeen members took part in the Championship Cup. This is a singles merit played off scratch. In the top half of the draw, Jim Halsall progressed to the semi-finals with comfortable wins against Laurie Townson (21-9) and Brian Sutton (21-13). In his semi-final, Jim faced tough opposition in Chris McManus and had to come back from 17-12 and 18-14 down to win a close match 21-19.
Jim’s opponent in the final was Steve McManus, whose hardest game was his quarter-final against Chris Porter, Steve just getting across the line 21-19. In his semi-final match, Steve comfortably beat Mike Milne 21-7.
The early stages of the final were close and when Steve led 12-10 after fourteen ends, it looked as though it could all the way. However, Jim hit form at the right time and won seven consecutive ends to take the title with a 21-12 win.
Congratulations to Jim on winning the Championship Cup for the second time, having previously won it in 2014.
LAST CHANCE CUP
Congratulations to Sue Davies and Jim Halsall on winning the Club’s final pairs competition of the season, the Last Chance Cup. This is a random doubles, where the pairings are drawn on the day and the early stages of the competition were played using a round robin format. The group winners qualified for the final and Sue and Jim’s opponents were Brian Sutton and Tony Wakefield. Brian and Tony looked favourites to win the final when they led 14-11 but a three at the 18th end made it all square at 14 across before Sue and Jim scored the single chalk they needed to win the game 15-14.
KEITH MAIDEN
The Club was saddened to learn that Keith Maiden passed away earlier this week. Keith had been a key member of the Kestrels team in the Aughton League, until ill health had prevented him from playing over the last couple of seasons.
Keith was well known on the Southport bowling scene for over 40 years and had played for Botanic Gardens, Shakespeare, Fleetwood Hesketh and Crossens. He was a great competitor and a formidable opponent on the green. He was also a member of the Hesketh Arms ‘A’ team in the 1990s, which won the LV League Premier Division on multiple occasions, and he served as Club Treasurer until stepping down in 2006.
Keith’s funeral will take place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 2nd October at 11.00 am and all are welcome to attend. Donations are being received in memory of Keith by the North West Air Ambulance – https://keithmaiden.muchloved.com/
The Club sends condolences to Keith’s family at this time. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and team-mates.
CLUB COMPETITIONS UPDATE
Although most of our teams’ league matches have been completed, the green will be open until the completion of the Southport Veterans’ League fixtures and there are still a couple of club competitions to take part in.
THE LAST CHANCE CUP will be held on Sunday 21st September. This is a random doubles, where pairings are drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am, to enable the draw to be completed in time for a prompt 12 noon start.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP has been re-scheduled and will now be played on Sunday 28th September. As the Ladies’ Championship was not played due to lack of entries, this competition will be open to ALL members. This is a singles merit competition played off scratch, with no plate. To enter, please report to the green by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.
ROUND ROBIN
The final Round Robin will take place on FRIDAY 26th of SEPTEMBER
GREEN CLOSURE
The green will close at 5.00pm on Monday the 29th of SEPTEMBER for winter maintenance.
OPEN SINGLES – SPONSORED BY BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP
Saturday saw the seventh staging of the Club’s Open Singles, when players from throughout the area battled it out for the £220 first prize.
In the top half of the draw, Liam Gregson of Skem Park Rebels reached the final with wins against Dave Gordon (21-14), Andy Draper (21-20) and in the semi-final, Paul Reardon from Brownmoor Brooke, 21-6. Paul had defeated the 2024 champion, Fergal Wright in a close quarter-final which finished 21-19. Liam’s opponent
in the final was 2022 champion, Darren Edgerley. Darren’s closest game on his way to the final was against Ian Grady of Skemersdale. At 19-20, Ian was lying game with two close bowls, only for Darren to rest on a side bowl to take the game 21-19. This was followed by close wins against Shaun Fisher and Aaron Backhouse, both 21-17.
The early stages of the final were close, with the jack changing hands and after 13 ends, Darren held a narrow 12-9 advantage. At this stage, however, Darren won 7 consecutive ends to run out a 21-9 winner. Congratulations to Darren on being the first player to win this title twice and to Liam on playing well all day to reach the final.
The Hesketh Arms Bowling Club would like to thank all those who supported this competition by taking part or by coming along to watch. It was particularly pleasing to see a good number stay to the end, despite the weather not being as good as we would have hoped for. We would also like to thank the following :-
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026 for our open competitions.
NEWS UPDATE
HESKETH BUZZARDS – SOUTHPORT LADIES’ LEAGUE
Congratulations to Debbie Barnes and her Hesketh Buzzards team on winning the League and Cup double in the 2nd Division of the Southport and District Ladies’ Afternoon League. The team lost just one game all season to finish three points ahead of Victoria Park ‘A’. As captain, Debbie led the way, winning 12 out of 13 games played to finish top of the divisional merit table.
The Buzzards ended the season in style by defeating their rivals Victoria Park ‘A’ by 11 chalks in the final of the Knockout Cup, played at Formby Sports & Social.
SEPTEMBER CLUB COMPETITIONS
Please note that the Championship Cup, originally scheduled for Sunday 14th September has been re-scheduled – please see details below.
Although the end of the season is fast approaching, there are still club competitions to take part in.
THE LAST CHANCE CUP will be held on Sunday 21st September. This is a random doubles, where pairings are drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am, to enable the draw to be completed in time for a prompt 12 noon start.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP has been re-scheduled and will now be played on Sunday 28th September. As the Ladies’ Championship was not played due to lack of entries, this competition will be open to ALL members. This is a singles merit competition played off scratch, with no plate. To enter, please report to the green by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.
OPEN SINGLES – SATURDAY 30th AUGUST
This Saturday, the Club hosts the annual Open Singles competition when bowlers from around the area compete for the trophy and a first prize of £220 out of a total prize fund of £570. We are grateful to our sponsors, BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP, for their continued support.
Previous winners of this event, first held in 2016, include Southport bowlers John Hughes, Andy Draper, Darren Edgerley and Fergal Wright, as well as county players from the Wigan area, Ray Bevington and Michael Heap. This year we have a full 32 player field, and spectators will be welcome to witness a day of quality bowling. The first session starts at 10.00 am.
Any help on the day with marking cards and measuring would be appreciated, especially for the first couple of sessions. If any members could spare an hour or so to assist with this, the organisers would be very grateful. We will have prepared sandwiches available on the day and any assistance with selling these and making drinks for our visitors would again be greatly appreciated.