Author: George Hitchmough

BERNARD O’MALLEY TROPHY – OPEN DOUBLES 2018

Congratulations to John Clark and Barry Davis of Formby Our Lady’s on winning the Bernard O’Malley Trophy. This is the first time the Club has run an Open Doubles and the competition attracted a good mix of Club members, local bowlers, as well as several pairs from further afield. Having overcome some strong pairs to reach the final, John and Barry were to face the home pairing of Chris Harding and Jon Roberts. Chris and Jon had also taken some notable scalps on their way to the final, including Steve McCall and Neil Rigden of New Longton in the semi-final.

The final was a close affair, with only one score of more than two being achieved in the match and Chris and Jon started well to lead at 10-7 and 14-12. However, Barry and John had played consistently well all day and with John finding some crucial final bowls to deny the homesters, the Formby pair were able to count at five out of the last six ends to win the game 21-15. All the finalists played well in what was a fitting finale to an excellent day’s bowling.

Many thanks to all those who supported this event, which is held to acknowledge the contribution to the Club of our Honorary Vice-President, Mr. Bernard O’Malley. The help of members with marking, measuring, making teas and coffees all helped to make the day run smoothly and this is greatly appreciated.

The final event of the season will be on Sunday, 23rd September when a new random doubles, The Last Chance Cup, will take place, starting at 12 noon. Please report by 11.45 am to allow a prompt start. 

Congratulations to the “Hesketh Owls” team who won the Maghull 4^th Division League Cup on Monday Evening.

This completes a League and Cup double for the team who were confirmed as League Champions some 2 weeks ago.

Congratulations to captain Sue Davies and all the team members.

Despite poor weather conditions, the Club’s latest competitions went ahead on Saturday when members competed for the Championship Cup and, for the first time, the Ladies’ Championship.
The Ladies Championship final was between our Club President, Sue Davies and Janice Hobson, both successful players in our Maghull League team on a Monday night. Sue started very strongly in this final and at 16-9 up looked to be heading for a comfortable victory. Janice had other ideas, however, and helped by 4 twos in five ends took the lead at 18-17 before Sue was able to score the chalks needed to win an excellent final 21-19.

 

 

 

 

 

The Championship Cup final was between Chris Harding and Dave Bedford, both previously runners-up in Hesketh Arms Club singles competitions. It was Chris who started strongly in the final, winning nine out of the first eleven ends to establish a 13-7 lead. Despite counting four 2s in the game, Dave was never able to close the gap and Chris eventually won the final 21-16 to claim his first club competition win at the Hesketh Arms.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Sunday, 16th September, the Club is hosting it’s first Open Doubles. Play starts at 10.00am and spectators will be very welcome. 

HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2018

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP & LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP

Members are reminded that the next club competition will be take place next Saturday, 8th September, when members will compete for the Championship Cup (men’s singles) and for the first time, the Ladies’ Championship. The competitions will run simultaneously with a joint plate competition for those who lose their first game.

Please register by 11.45am to allow for a prompt start at 12 noon.

BERNARD O’MALLEY HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS TROPHY

This season, the Club is holding an Open Doubles competition for the first time, with the winners receiving the Bernard O’Malley Honorary Vice-President’s Trophy. This will take place on Sunday 16^th September and has attracted a good field of bowlers, both local and from throughout the North West.

Spectators on the day will be very welcome, along with any help with marking and measuring for what should be a very entertaining day of quality bowling. Play will start at 10.00 am.

SOUTHPORT LV LEAGUE

The Club has achieved a double success in the Southport LV League with the Eagles winning the Premier Division and the Harriers finishing as champions of the 1^stDivision under new captain Jason Chapman. Congratulations to Peter Croston of the Harriers, who won the 1^st Division merit with an outstanding record of 15 wins out of 16 games played.

 

 

 

 

MAGHULL LEAGUE

Congratulations to captain Sue Davies and all the Hesketh Owls on winning the 4^th Division of the Maghull Bowling League. They deservedly clinched the title with a 6-4 win over second placed Ormskirk Bowling Club in their final fixture.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

The Southport Federation team completed the 2018 league programme with a resounding 10-2 victory in the home leg of their fixture against Ormskirk ‘A’, held at the Hesketh Arms. Among the highlights were notable wins for Hesketh Arms’ representatives Chris Porter (21-14) and Fergal Wright (21-5).

The overall result of 21-11 in favour of the Southport team ensured a third place finish in their division, just six points behind second placed Preston. It also qualifies the team for the Federation Knockout Cup, to be held in Cheshire at the beginning of September.

Thanks are due to the Hesketh Arms’ Committee, Graham Meadow (greenkeeper) and members for their co-operation and assistance in the hosting of this fixture.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 8th September        Championship Cup (Men’s singles handicap) 12 noon start

  & Ladies’ Championship (Ladies’ singles handicap) 12 noon start

Sunday 16th September         Open Doubles – 10.00 am start

Sunday 23rd September         Last Chance Cup (Doubles – pairings to be drawn on the day) 12 noon start

HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – SUMMER 2018

PRESIDENT’S DAY
Many thanks to our President, Sue Davies, for all the work she put into the arrangements for President’s Day. The sale of refreshments on the day and the raffle raised a total of £154.65 which will to go towards club funds. Thank you to all those who supported the day in any way.

FRIENDLY AT EMMANUEL BOWLING CLUB
The fourth staging of the Challenge Shield friendly took place on Saturday when 16 members represented the Hesketh Arms in the game which took place this year at Emmanuel Bowling Club.

In a close game, the Hesketh Arms took the Shield for the third successive year with a narrow 8-7 victory. Many thanks to the members of Emmanuel Bowling Club for their hospitality on the day.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
The home leg of the Southport Federation team’s last game of the season will take place this Sunday, 19th August when the local side take on rivals Ormskirk ‘A’ at the Hesketh Arms in a derby match. Representing the Hesketh Arms will be Chris Porter and Fergal Wright and the support of as many members as possible will be greatly appreciated.

The away leg of this fixture was played on Sunday at Aughton Town Green and was won 7-5 by Ormskirk ‘A’ with a 28 chalk advantage. Seven Hesketh Arms players were representing Southport and there were wins for Kez Adams (21-19), Mike Milne (21-12) and Mark Wilde (21-18).

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP & LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP
The next club competition will be held on Saturday 8th September, when members will compete for the Championship Cup (men’s singles) and for the first time, the Ladies’ Championship. The competitions will run simultaneously with a joint plate competition for those who lose their first game.

Please register by 11.45am to allow for a prompt start at 12 noon.

HESKETH VULTURES
Congratulations to the Vultures on winning the Burscough League’s 2nd Division Cup with a convincing 7-1 victory against Tarleton in the final played at Mawdesley Bowling Club.

This is the team’s third cup win since being formed at the beginning of last season, having also won the 3rd Division in 2017 and this season finishing runners-up in the 2nd Division. Well done to Chris Harding and all the team, who are pictured below after the trophy presentation.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 8th September Championship Cup
Mens’ Championship (Men’s singles handicap) 12 noon start
Ladies’ Championship (Ladies’ singles handicap) 12 noon start

Sunday 16th September Open Doubles – 10.00 am start

Sunday 23rd September Last Chance Cup (Doubles – pairings to be drawn on the day) 12 noon start

PRESIDENT’S CUP 2018
Congratulations to Mark Rowlinson on winning the President’s Cup on Sunday, defeating Chris Harding 21-12 in the final.

Both players had played well all day, with Chris having overcome the holder Alex Rimmer 21-6 in the 1st Round, before defeating Mike Dunlop (21-13), Pat McArthur (21-18) and Tony Wakefield (21-12) to reach the final. Mark had also had a tough route to the final with wins against Brian Jones (21-10), Margaret Langley (21-15), Bill Bloor (21-10) and Graham Meadow (21-17). In the final, Mark continued his fine form with some excellent lead bowls to win the President’s Cup for the second time, having previously won it in 2013.

The President’s Day Plate was won by John Unsworth, with a 15-10 win over Irene Nowell in the final.

Many thanks to all those who attended Sunday’s competition, which attracted 35 competitors. Thanks also to those who helped on the day with the refreshments and the sale of raffle tickets. Also to those who donated prizes. The final figure will be announced in a newsletter to be sent out next week but around £150 was raised for club funds.

HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – august 2018

PRESIDENT’S DAY

Members are reminded that the President’s Cup and President’s Day Plate will be played for this Sunday, 5^th August. Please arrive by 11.45 am to allow for a prompt start at 12 noon.

It would be nice to see a good turnout to support Sue Davies in her first year as Club President.

BERNARD O’MALLEY HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS TROPHY

This season, we will be holding an Open Doubles for the first time, with the winners receiving the Bernard O’Malley Honorary Vice-President’s Trophy. The competition will take place on Sunday 16^th September, with available start times at 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12 noon and 1.00 pm.

The entry fee is £10 per pair, with total prize money of £320.00, to be paid out as follows:-

Winners – £120.00 ; Runners-Up – £60.00 ;

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

Entries should be sent to Mike Milne, 20 Coudray Road, Southport PR9 9NL (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com ) or Chris Harding (07761733024)

FRIENDLY AT EMMANUEL BOWLING CLUB

Places are still available for the friendly fixture at Emmanuel Bowling Club on Saturday 11^th August (1.00pm start). If interested, please add your name to the list in the Clubhouse or email Mike Milne at michaelmilne66@outlook.com Refreshments will be provided after the game.

HESKETH VULTURES

Congratulations to the Vultures on finishing runners-up in the 2^nd Division of the Burscough and Lathom Men’s Bowling League, securing promotion to the top division in only their second season. Captained by Chris Harding, they finished just four points behind Croston Subs and won 12 out of their 14 league games.

BURSCOUGH LEAGUE COMPETITIONS

Entries are being taken for the following league competitions and they are open to any player who has played in at least one Burscough League match this season :-

League Pairs –                       Qualifying Rounds – Friday 14^th September at 6.30 pm

                                                Final Night – Friday 21^st September at 6.30 pm

Steve Rimmer Singles –         Qualifying Rounds – Friday 28^th September at 6.30 pm

                                                Final Night – Friday 5^th October at 6.30 pm

The entry fees are £8 per pair and £4 per player in the singles, plus £1 greenage per person at each visit. If interested, please notify your captain and pass on the appropriate fee before Wednesday 22^nd August.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 5^th August                    President’s Cup (Singles handicap) 12 noon start

Saturday 11^th August                Friendly at Emmanuel B.C.

Saturday 8^th September            Championship Cup (Men’s singles handicap) 12 noon start

& Ladies’ Championship (Ladies’ singles handicap) 12 noon start

Sunday 16^th September            Open Doubles (see above for details)

Sunday 23^rd September            Last Chance Cup (Doubles – pairings to be drawn on the day) 12 noon start

GREEN BOOKING

Please note that the green will be unavailable to members on the following date due to a green booking.

Thursday 9th August – all day up until 5.30pm for a bowling party

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD 2018

The Club’s latest competition was held on Saturday when members played for the Chairman’s Shield. This is a random pairs, with pairings drawn on the day.

In the top half of the draw, Jim Halsall and Pat McArthur, both previous winners of doubles titles at the Hesketh Arms, were drawn to play together. They proved to be a formidable pairing as they reached the final with wins against Chris Harding and Lynne Smith (21-9), Sue Davies and Mark Rowlinson (21-19) and Mike Dunlop and Norman Simpson (21-14).

Their opponents in the final were Dave Bedford and Terry Corfield, who had overcome Alex Rimmer and Peter Smith (21-20) and Ken Rimmer and Sue White (21-13). Jim and Pat dominated the early stages of the final winning 6 out of the first 8 ends, including two 4s, to establish a 16-6 lead. Although Dave and Terry counted three at the 12th end to close the gap to 11-19, a double at the next end saw Jim and Pat clinch the title with a 21-11 win.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A plate competition was held and this was won by Mike Burrill and Fergal Wright with a 15-4 win against Alex Rimmer and Peter Smith in the final.

 

 

 

 

Members are reminded that the next event will be the President’s Day, this coming Sunday 5th August (12 noon start). As well as the main competition and plate, light refreshments will be available and a raffle will be held. Any donations of prizes will be very welcome. We hope to see to a good turnout to support Sue Davies in her first year as Club President. 

JIM FINNIMORE

 

 

 

We have to announce the sad news that Jim Finnimore died on Friday 13th of July.
Jim was an Honorary Life Member of the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club.
Jim was the instigator and organiser of the very successful mid week social round robins which were enjoyed by many social and team bowlers. Jim was also very involved in the general maintenance and improvement of our club and gave many hours of his time ensuring the gardens and surrounds were kept in good order. Jim will be missed by all members of the bowling fraternity in and around Southport. We have passed on our deepest condolences to Jim’s family

The funeral arrangements for Jim Finnimore are as follows:-
Southport Crematorium Tuesday 31^st of July at 2.00pm.

The family would welcome all friends to meet afterwards at the Churchtown Conservative Club, St Cuthbert’s Road, Churchtown. PR9 7NN

The family have requested that it should be Family flowers only and any donations would be welcomed in respect of Queenscourt Hospice.

Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy 2018

Congratulations to Sue Andersen and Mike Milne on winning the Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy on Saturday. They overcame Jason Chapman and Ken Rimmer in the final, coming from 19-14 down to score a four and three at the last two ends to claim the trophy. This was Sue’s second Hesketh Arms competition win of the season, having won the Spring Pairs with Ken back in May.

In another close final, the Plate was won by Bill Bloor and Dave White, who defeated Chris Harding and Sue White by the narrowest of 21-20 margins.

Members are reminded that the President’s Cup, originally scheduled for July, will now be held on Sunday 5th August.

Before that, though, we will be playing for the Chairman’s Shield on Saturday 28th July. This will be a random pairs, starting at 12 noon.