Author: George Hitchmough

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the awards evening. Some photographs of the presentations :-

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TEAM OF THE YEAR:- HESKETH OWLS

CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR:- MARK ROWLINSON

PRESENTATION TO SUE DAVIES< OUTGOING PRESIDENT

HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2020

AWARDS EVENING

The Club’s annual Awards Evening will take place on Saturday, 1^st February at the Churchtown Conservative Club, starting at 7.30 pm. As well as presentations to the successful players from the 2019 season, there will be a finger buffet, quiz and raffle.

To order your ticket, priced at £5.00, please contact any club officer or your team captain. All proceeds from the night will go towards club funds.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members are reminded that the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the Churchtown Conservative Club on Tuesday 4^th February, 8.00 pm start.

Any proposals should be with the Secretary seven days before the meeting.

CLOSE SEASON WORK & MAINTENANCE

The Club is again indebted to our Honorary Vice-President, Bernard O’Malley and Nationwide Produce for their generous help in funding the end-of-season work, which is essential in providing the quality playing surface which we have become accustomed to at the Hesketh Arms. This is undertaken as early as possible in October once the green has been closed. Any delay in carrying out this vital work out would result in it not being as effective.

Thanks should also go to Graham Meadow and George Hitchmough for their ongoing work in co-ordinating the jobs which need doing around the green and the surrounds, which continues throughout the close season.

CLUB COMPETITIONS

The Club will again run a full programme of club competitions and weekend events during the 2020 season, starting with a Round Robin on Saturday, 11^th April, 2.00 pm start.

The dates set so far are as follows :-

Saturday 11^th April  –  Easter Round Robin 2.00 pm start

Saturday 25^th April  –  Spring Pairs (random doubles) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 10^th May  –     Rose Bowl (singles handicap) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 7^th June  –       Championship Cup (men’s singles) &

                                    Ladies’ Championship (ladies’ singles) 12.00 pm start                                                                                                  

Sunday 21^st June  –     Vice-Presidents Trophy (random doubles) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 5^th July  –        President’s Cup (singles handicap) 11.00 am start

Sunday 12^th July  –      Chairman’s Shield (non-random doubles) 12.00 pm start

Dates for the remaining competitions will be notified in due course.

HESKETH ARMS BOWLING

Notice:-

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING is to be held on Tuesday 4^th February 2020 @ 8.00pm At Churchtown Conservative Club

Any proposals to be with the secretary 7days before the AGM

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HESKETH ARMS BOWLING CLUB

SEASON REVIEW 2019

Welcome to the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club Season Review 2019. The  Club has enjoyed another successful year, with both the Eagles and the Owls again winning their respective championships.We were again able to complete a busy programme of internal club competitions, as well as staging open singles and doubles events. Membership remains strong and we look forward to another enjoyable season of bowling in 2020.

SOUTHPORT LV LEAGUE

Premier Division             Pts

1.     Hesketh Eagles               216

2.     Fleetwood Hesketh ‘A’  171

3.     Scarisbrick NSC ‘A’       146

4.     Mere Brow                    145

5.     Victoria Park                 133

6.     London Tigers                125

7.     Zetland ‘B’                      116

8.     HeskethHarriers           114

9.     London Lions                  105

1^stDivision                                Pts

1.   Zetland ‘A’                        182

2.  Sandbrook Park                168

3.    Crowlands                        147

4.   Hesketh Falcons              146

5.    Scarisbrick B.C. ‘C’                    139

6.    Fleetwood Hesketh ‘B’    138

7.    Zetland ‘D’                       131

8.    Scarisbrick NSC ‘B’        108

9.    Tarleton                           102

Congratulations to the Eagles on convincingly retaining the Premier Division championship they had won in 2018. Losing only two games, they finished a clear 45 points ahead of runners-up Fleetwood Hesketh ‘A’.

Having won the 1^st Division the previous season, the Harriers were playing in the top division for the first time and competed well, eventually finishing in 9^th place. Special mention must go to Jim Halsall, who topped the divisional merit with 14 wins and an aggregate of +134.

In the 1st Division, the Falcons had a good season, winning 10 games out of 16 to finish in 4^th place.

Eagles Merit Winner :

Kevin Leddy – 14 wins

Harriers Merit Winner :

Jim Halsall – 14 wins

Falcons Merit Winner :

Peter Jozwik – 13 wins

SOUTHPORT PARKS LEAGUE

The Kites continued under the captaincy of John Unsworth andenjoyed another good season in the 1^st Division of the Southport Parks League. Last season they finished in 4^th place but this year went one better to end the season in 3^rd place. Hopefully, 2020 will be the year the Kites finally gain promotion to the Premier Division after several top four finishes.

Congratulations to Kez Adams, who was the Kites’ team merit winner with 17 wins out of 20 games played.

1^st DIVISION                         Pts

1.   Fleetwood Hesketh ‘A’              186

2.   Tarleton                                       159

3.   Hesketh Kites                             137

4.   Zetland ‘A’                                   136

5.   Scarisbrick NSC ‘B’                   127

6.   Fleetwood Hesketh ‘B’              112

7.   Crowlands                                   111

8.   Holmeswood ‘B’                                103

9.   London Sphynx ‘A’                     101

10. Ainsdale ‘B’                                          95

11. Scarisbrick B.C. ‘B’                    85

KitesMerit Winner :

Kez Adams, 17 wins

BURSCOUGH LEAGUE

Having only been formed two seasons ago, the Vultures were competing in the top division  of the Burscough League for the first time, having gained back-to-back promotions in 2017 and 2018. This is one of best divisions in the area and the team did extremely well to finish in 4^th place. They will now look to challenge for a top three position in 2020.

1st Division

1.   Banks St. Stephens                     173

2.   Burscough RBL ‘A’                    149

3.   Bretherton                                   146

4.   Hesketh Vultures                       127

5.   Fleetwood Hesketh                     118

6.   Zetland ‘A’                                 115

7.   Longton VM ‘A’                         110

8.   Croston Subscription                            104

9.   London                                        97

10. Crossens ‘A’                               79

11. Mawdesley ‘A’                             75

12. Holmeswood ‘A’                          72

Merit Winner :

Chris Porter, 14 wins

In the 2^nd Division of the Burscough League, the Ospreys enjoyed a much-improved season, winning eleven out of their 24 matches to finish in a respectable 10^th place.

The team was pleased to welcome Kevin Leddy back into the fold after a break from bowling and Kevin won 16 games to claim the team merit award.

2^nd Division

1.   Mere Brow                         194

2.   Croston Black Horse                  154

3.   Longton VM ‘B’               153

4.   Zetland ‘B’                         150

5.   Hoole Village Hall ‘A’       146

6.   Tarleton                                      134

7.   Mawdesley ‘B’                            127

8.   Burscough RBL ‘B’           124

9.   Hoole Village Hall ‘B’       107

10. Hesketh Ospreys               101

11. Holmeswood ‘B’                 82

12. Botanic Gardens                  76

13. Crossens ‘B’                       66

Merit Winner :

Kevin Leddy , 16wins

SOUTHPORT VETERANS’ LEAGUE

In 2018, the Merlins finished in 4^th place and it was hoped that they would challenge for promotion in 2019. They very nearly achieved this, finishing in 3^rdplace, just six points behind runners-up Formby Park ‘A’. Maybe next season will be the year the Merlins make it to the 1^st Division.

The Hobbies were also competing in the 2^nd Division and they finished in a comfortable 7^th place, winning nine of their matches.

Individually, two players ended the season with 18 wins, Brian Sutton winning the Merlins team merit and captain Roger Van Beever leading by example for the Hobbies.

2^nd Division                     Pts

1.   Ainsdale ‘A’                        184

2.   Formby Park ‘A’          168

3.  Hesketh Merlins         162

4.   Freshfield ‘A’              150

5.   Hesketh Bank            150

6.   Scarisbrick B.C. ‘A’    130

7.   Hesketh Hobbies                129

8.   The Northern             128

9    Botanic ‘A’                  122

10. Fleetwood Hesk. ‘B’    112

11. Our Lady’s ‘A’             107

12. Hoole Village Hall ‘B’    89

Merlins Merit Winner :

Brian Sutton, 18 wins

Hobbies Merit Winner :

Roger Van Beever, 18 wins

AUGHTON & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS’ LEAGUE

We continued to run two teams in the Aughton and District Senior Citizens’ League on a Wednesday afternoon and in 2019 both our teams were competing in the 1^st Division following the Hawks’ promotion from the 2^nd Division.

The top division of this league is a high standard with some tricky away greens to be negotiatedbut the Hawks performed well playing in the top division for the first time, winning eleven games to finish in a decent 8^th place. The Kestrels won eight of their games to end the season 11^th.

Congratulations to Bill Bloor and Dave White who won the league’s end-of-season pairs competition.

1^st Division                              Pts

1.       Zetland                           233

2.       Burscough CC Vets       211

3.       Mere Brow ‘A’               210

4.       Burscough RBL             157

5.       Victoria Park ‘A’           156

6.       Hurlston Hall                 148

7.       Freshfield B.C.               133

8.       Hesketh Hawks             129

9.       The Northern                 125

10.     Stanley Arms                 115

11.     Hesketh Kestrels           114

12.     Aughton Institute ‘A’    108

13.     Crossens                        90

Hawks Merit Winner :

Peter Smith, 16 wins

Kestrels Merit Winner :-

Jim Halsall, 14 wins

MAGHULL BOWLING LEAGUE

Congratulations to the Owls on repeating the success of 2018 by winning both the 3^rd Division Championship and Knockout Cup in the Maghull and District League.

Captained by Sue Davies, the team only lost two league games all season, despite playing in the higher division and completed the double by defeating Meadows in the Knockout Cup final, played at the Northern Club.

Individually, the team’s merit award went to Tony Wakefield, who went undefeated all season, winning all 14 games played.

3^rd DIVISION

1.      Hesketh Owls               142

2.      Meadows                       116

3.      Brooke Hotel 2             104

4.      Ormskirk B.C.                101

5.      Formby Holy Trinity    97

6.      Hightown                      95

7.      Netherton Park 2         80

8.      Formby S & S                77

9.      Dog & Gun           71

OWLS MERIT WINNER :-

Tony Wakefield

14 wins

CLUB COMPETITIONS

The Club continued to run it’s programme of internal competitions for club members during the 2019 season and these were once again well-supported.

The successful competitors were :-

                                                Winner(s)                               Runner(s)-Up

Rose Bowl                              Terry Corfield                       Peter Croston           

Rose Bowl Plate                     Sue Davies                              Lynne Smith                                     

Spring Pairs                           Mike Dunlop /                        Chris Harding /

Les Miller                               Dave White                                       

Spring Pairs Plate                 Barry McArthur /                 Bill Bloor                                          

                                                Peter Smith                            Lynne Smith             

Championship Cup               Wayne Graham     Derek Wignall                      

Ladies’ Championship          Pat McArthur       Lynne Smith                         

Championship Plate              Peter Croston                     Roger Van Beever

Vice-Presidents Trophy        Peter Croston / Sue Davies /               

                                       Norman Simpson Fergal Wright                                   

Vice-Presidents Plate            Mike Dunlop /        Alex Rimmer /                      

                                           Derek Wignall Roger Van Beever                            

Chairman’s Shield                Barry Lowe /             Jason Chapman /                 

                                      Richard Rawcliffe              Mark Rowlinson                  

Chairman’s Plate                  Sue Davies /                            Jeff Brown /              

                                  George Hitchmough              Roger Van Beever                

President’s Cup                     Bill Bloor                    Fergal Wright                       

President’s Day Plate            Sue Davies                          Les Miller                  

Coronation Cup                    Jim Halsall                             Dave White                                       

Diamond Jubilee Plate          Roger Van Beever            Sue Davies                 

Last Chance Cup                  Lynn Burrow /                      Alan Lloyd /              

                                               Mike Milne                  Fergal Wright                       

Last Chance Plate                 Laurie Townson /                  Peter Croston /                                 

                                                Roger Van Beever                 Barry Pursall

OPEN COMPETITIONS

The Club again ran two open competitions in 2019, both of which attracted entries from all over the North West, as well as local bowlers and our own members. The winners were:-

Winner(s)                               Runner(s)-Up

Open Singles                          Andy Draper                         Fergal Wright

                                                (Fleetwood Hesketh)              (Hesketh Arms)

Bernard O’Malley                 Ray Bevington&                    Alan Catterall &

V-P Trophy                           Paul Clegg                              Roy Webster

(Open Doubles)                      (Golborne Sports)    (Scarisbrick NSC /Banks SS)

We wish SUE DAVIES our president a Happy Birthday

I have to inform you of the death of Alan Prole, the, who passed away on Sunday the 29th of September, aged 91.

Alan was a Honorary Life Member, Past President and long standing club secretary.

The funeral of Alan Prole is to be held at the Crematorium at 10 am on Wednesday 9th October.

LAST CHANCE CUP 2019
Despite the showery conditions, the club was able to complete it’s programme of internal competitions on Sunday, when members competed for the Last Chance Cup.
The top half of the draw saw Lynne Burrow and Mike Milne survive a scare in their first game when they conceded an eleven break before scoring against Laurie Townson and Roger Van Beever, eventually coming back to win the game 21-18. This was followed by wins against Terry Corfield and Jill Lloyd (21-10) and Chris Harding and Norman Simpson (21-6). Their opponents in the final were Alan Lloyd and Fergal Wright, who had overcome strong pairs in Sue Davies and George Hitchmough (21-17) and Sue Andersen and Alex Rimmer (21-15).
The final was closely fought in the early stages, but Alan and Fergal seemed to be in control when they led 12-8 after nine ends. Lynne and Mike won the next six ends, including a four to take a 19-12 lead but when Alan and Fergal counted four themselves to make it 16-19, the outcome was again in the balance. However, Lynne was to come in with the last bowl of the next end to count a second chalk to make the final score 21-16. Congratulations to Lynne on winning her first Hesketh Arms title and also to Alan Lloyd on reaching his first final.

The plate was won by Laurie Townson and Roger Van Beever with a 15-8 win against Peter Croston and Barry Pursall.

Many thanks to all those members who have supported the club competitions throughout the year. They have once again been well attended and we look forward to another successful season in 2020.

LAST CHANCE CUP

The final club competition of the season will take place on Sunday 22^nd September, when we will play for the Last Chance Cup. This will be a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. Please report by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENTS TROPHY

There are still a couple of places available in the Club’s Open Doubles competition for the Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy, to be held on Sunday 15th September. The fee is £10 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm. Total prize money will be £320, paid out as follows :-

Winners – £120.00 – Runners-Up – £60.00

Semi-Finalists – £30.00 – Quarter-Finalists – £20.00

To enter please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )

All games will be 21 up, off scratch.

Spectators will be welcome on the day for what should be an entertaining day’s bowling and any help with marking and measuring will be greatly appreciated.

SOUTHPORT LV LEAGUE

Congratulations to the Eagles on winning the Southport LV League Premier Division, retaining the title they won last year. Out of sixteen games played, the team only lost two matches and finished 45 points clear of runners-up Fleetwood Hesketh ‘A’.

MAGHULL LEAGUE

Congratulations to Sue Davies and her Hesketh Owls team for gaining a second successive promotion in the Maghull League. Having won the 4th Division last year they lost only two games out of 16 in winning the 3rd Division by the clear margin of 26 points from runners-up Meadows. The merit winner for the Owls was Tony Wakefield with a 100 per cent record of 14 wins out of 14 games played.

The Owls made it a double success by winning the 3^rd Division Knockout Cup, defeating Meadows by 194 chalks to 171 in the final, held at the Northern Club.

Pictured below are members of the successful squad. Well done to all involved.

LV INDIVIDUALS

Congratulations to Kez Adams on winning the LV League singles competition, beating Andy Draper in the final, played at Fleetwood Hesketh at the beginning of August.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s final National League fixture of the season resulted in a 22-10 loss against Clwyd Dragons. There was an excellent 8-4 win in the home leg, played at Tarleton Bowling Club, which included wins for Chris Porter (21-14) and Fergal Wright (21-16). The team’s 2^nd placed finish means that they will be playing in Division 7 in 2020.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles – Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy (10.00am start)

Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random doubles – pairings drawn on the day) 12 noon start

Ken Rimmer

You may have heard that our member Ken Rimmer collapsed on the green during the Vets Cup Final.

I am very pleased to let you know that Ken is now out of hospital and recovering whilst staying at his daughters. Our best wishes go to Ken for a full and swift recovery.