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.
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.
Winner Darren Edgerley
Runner Up Liam Gregson
Semi finalist Aaron Backhouse
Semi Finalist Paul Reardon
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 :-
BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP for their generous sponsorship
Everyone who helped out with marking cards and measuring
Our referee for the day, Keith Andrews, who helped to keep the competition running smoothly
Gill from the Conservative Club for preparing the sandwiches
Lynne Smith for her help serving hot drinks
Our Greenkeeper, Andy Bate, for preparing the green and surrounds
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026 for our open competitions.
