NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2024
SPRING PAIRS
The first club competition of the season was held on Sunday and despite the windy and showery conditions, 26 members took part in the Spring Pairs. This is a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day.
In the top half of the draw, Pauline Duncan and Jim Halsall progressed to the semi-finals with wins against Laurie Townson and Darren Vincent (21-16) and Peter Smith and Sue Wignall (21-18). Their opponents in the semi-final were the strongly fancied pair of Sue Davies and Steve McManus, who had reached the last four with two convincing wins. However, it was Pauline and Jim who got to the final with a comfortable 21-9 victory.
The bottom half the draw saw Noel Morgans paired with new member Kevin Wilcox and they reached the final with wins against Dave Bedford and Chrissie McManus (21-16) and in a closely fought semi-final, Mike Milne and Gareth Taylor (21-19).
The final seemed to be going the way of Noel and Kevin, as they led 13-9 and 15-11 but Pauline and Jim had a winning run of 6 ends to take the lead at 19-15 and although they were pegged back to 19-17, they were able to score the two singles required to win 21-19. Congratulations to Pauline on her first competition win at the Hesketh Arms. This was Jim’s fourth pairs win at the Hesketh, having previously won the Spring Pairs in 2020. Well done also to Noel and Kevin on reaching the final.
A plate competition was organised for pairs losing their first game and this was won by Chris Harding and Derek Wignall, with a win against Janice Hobson and Kevin Leddy in the final.
The presentations were made by our new Vice-President, Bill Bloor.
Many thanks to all those who supported this competition. We look forward to another good turnout when we stage the Rose Bowl singles handicap on Sunday 12th May. To enter, please register at the green on the day by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
Having gained promotion to Division 5 of the National League for 2024, Southport play their first fixture on Sunday 14th April, when they take on Heywood.
The home leg is being played at Tarleton Bowling Club and the Hesketh Arms will be represented by Kez Adams, Andy Draper and Chris Porter. Travelling to play in the away leg at Hopwood Rec in Heywood will be Darren Edgerley, Mike Milne and Fergal Wright.
The match starts at 2.00pm and spectators will be very welcome.