OPEN SINGLES 2026 – SPONSORED BY BIRKDALE INSURNACE GROUP
The eighth staging of the Club’s Open Singles Championship took place on Sunday when players from throughout the area fought it out for a prize fund of £570. The winner of this competition now receives the Bernard O’Malley Memorial Trophy, re-named this year in honour of our late Honorary Vice-President, who did so much to support our club over a number of years.
In the top half of the draw, the 2019 champion, Andy Draper reach the final with wins against Dave Clivery (21-12), 2024 winner Fergal Wright (21-17), Brian Sutton (21-5) and in the semi-final, Jake Danvers from Freshfield Bowling Club, 21-10. Jake had done well to reach the semi-finals with wins against Stuart Birch (21-6), Cayl Buckland (21-19) and Tom Wright (21-9).
The bottom half of the draw saw a late entry to the competition, Matty Greenwood, progress to the final with wins against the 2016 champion John Hughes (21-10), Andy Howie (21-12), Colin Moore (21-18) and Joe Illidge (21-17). Joe, from Northwich, had reached the last four with wins against Darren Vincent (21-6), Jim Walker (21-4) and Ian Grady (21-13).
The final was expected to be close but it was Matty who got off to a flying start, winning the first seven ends to establish a 10-0 lead. Andy fought back and matched Matty for the rest of the game, with the block regularly changing hands but Matty was able to maintain his early advantage to eventually run out a 21-13 winner. Congratulations to both players on reaching the final and especially to Matty on winning this competition for the first time.
The Hesketh Arms Bowling Club would like to thank all those who supported this competition by taking part or coming along to watch. The weather was a little wet early on but brightened up as the day went on. We would also like to thank the following : –
- BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP for their continued sponsorship of this competition.
- 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 and Peter Smith for their help serving refreshments.
- Andy Bate for preparing the green.
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2027 for our open competitions.
RACE NIGHT
We need to know numbers attending by this coming Friday 11th of September to be able to inform our caterer.
If you haven’t already bought your ticket please contact team captains, at the Round Robin, or by contacting George Hitchmough 07977500131 or any committee member.
There will also be a raffle and donations of prizes will be gratefully received on the night.
We look forward to your support.