2019 Season Review
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
1stDivision 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 1st Division the previous season, the Harriers were playing in the top division for the first time and competed well, eventually finishing in 9th 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 4th 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 1st Division of the Southport Parks League. Last season they finished in 4th place but this year went one better to end the season in 3rd 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.
1st 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 4th 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 2nd Division of the Burscough League, the Ospreys enjoyed a much-improved season, winning eleven out of their 24 matches to finish in a respectable 10th 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.
2nd 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 4th place and it was hoped that they would challenge for promotion in 2019. They very nearly achieved this, finishing in 3rdplace, just six points behind runners-up Formby Park ‘A’. Maybe next season will be the year the Merlins make it to the 1st Division.
The Hobbies were also competing in the 2nd Division and they finished in a comfortable 7th 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.
2nd 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 1st Division following the Hawks’ promotion from the 2nd 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 8th place. The Kestrels won eight of their games to end the season 11th.
Congratulations to Bill Bloor and Dave White who won the league’s end-of-season pairs competition.
1st 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 3rd 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.
3rd 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
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)
Happy Birthday to our President
We wish SUE DAVIES our president a Happy Birthday
Alan Prole
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
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.
September Newsletter 2019
LAST CHANCE CUP
The final club competition of the season will take place on Sunday 22nd 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 3rd 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 2nd 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.
Green Booking
Please note the green will not be Available from 10.00am until 1.00pm on Sunday the 29th September due to a re-arranged Burscough League game being played.
Coronation Cup
CORONATION CUP 2019
A decent turnout of sixteen members braved the showers on Saturday to compete for the Coronation Cup, the Club’s fourth and final internal singles competition of the season.
In the top half of the draw, Dave White reached the final with wins against Chris Harding (21-10), Lynne Smith (21-10) and Ken Rimmer (21-10). His opponent in the final was Jim Halsall who had overcome Sue Davies (21-13), Terry Corfield (21-14) and Tony Wakefield (21-19).
The early stages of the final were close as Dave won the first two ends but Jim was able to seize control at the thirteenth end to run out from 12-10 up to win the game 21-10. This was Jim’s fourth singles win at the Hesketh Arms and he becomes the first player to win all four Hesketh singles titles having previously won the Rose Bowl in 2013, the Championship Cup in 2014 and the President’s Cup in 2016.
The Plate was won by Roger Van Beever, who defeated Sue Davies 15-13 in a closely contested final.
The final club competition of the season will be the Last Chance Cup, a random doubles, which will be held on Sunday 22nd September, starting at 12 noon.
August Newsletter
HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2019
CORONATION CUP
The Club’s final singles competition of the season will take place this Saturday, 10th August when we will compete for the Coronation Cup. Please register by 11.45am for a 12 noon start.
FRIENDLY v. EMMANUEL B.C.
Many thanks to all those members who supported the friendly match against Emmanuel Bowling Club on Saturday. This was the fifth time that we have staged this fixture and it was pleasing to see such a good turnout. The Hesketh Arms’ players took full advantage of home green knowledge to retain the Challenge Shield with a 13-5 victory.
At the end of the match, we retired to the Conservative Club for the presentation. Thank you to all those who donated cakes and helped with setting out the refreshments.
Finally, thank you to Kath Young for bringing her team from Emmanuel and to the Churchtown Conservative Club for kindly allowing us to use their facilities.
OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Entries are still being taken for 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.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
The Southport Federation team’s July fixture saw them take on Wrexham in a game which resulted in a 22 points to 10 defeat, despite some close games at both venues.
The home leg was staged at Fleetwood Hesketh and the teams had six winners each, with Wrexham narrowly taking the aggregate by just seven chalks. Southport’s winners included Fergal Wright, who defeated Andy Chase 21-20. The away leg in Chirk saw Southport gain four winners, including wins for Hesketh Arms’ representatives Dave Gordon (21-11) and Mike Milne (21-9).
The final regular Federation match of the season will take place on Sunday 18th August, when the opponents will be Clwyd Dragons in a play-off match that will determine which division the team will be placed in next season. The home leg will be held at Tarleton Bowling Club (2.00pm start) and Kyle Dawes, Chris Porter and Fergal Wright are among the twelve players selected. Travelling to North Wales to play in the away leg will be Arthur Adams, Kez Adams, Chris Harding, Mike Milne and Jon Roberts. Spectators at the home leg of this crucial match will be most welcome.
GREEN BOOKINGS
Members are reminded that the green will be unavailable on Sunday 11th August, as it has been booked for private event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The green is also booked for an Aughton League Cup on Friday 6th September. from 1.00pm
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 10th August – Coronation Cup (singles handicap) 12 noon start
Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles (see above for details)
Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random pairs) 12 noon start
Summer Newsletter
HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – SUMMER 2019
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Many thanks to all those who supported the Club’s President’s Day and helped with the refreshments, selling raffle tickets, marking and measuring. The final proceeds from the day totalled £157.55. Congratulations to our President, Sue Davies, on a successful day.
FRIENDLY v. EMMANUEL B.C.
Places are still available for the friendly match against Emmanuel Bowling Club, which will take place on Saturday 3rd August (1pm start). Anyone interested should contact Mike Milne ( michaelmilne66@outlook.com ) or write their name on the list in the Clubhouse. Refreshments will be served after the game.
OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Entries are now being taken for the Club’s second Open Doubles competition for the Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy, to be held onSunday 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.
LAST CHANCE CUP
A date has now been set for the Club’s final event of the season, The Last Chance Cup. It will be held on Sunday 22nd September, starting at 12 noon and will be a random pairs.
GREEN BOOKING
The green will be unavailable to members on Sunday 11th August, as it has been booked for private event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 3rd August – friendly match v. Emmanuel B.C. 1.00 pm start
Saturday 10th August – Coronation Cup (singles handicap) 12 noon start
Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles (see above for details)
Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random pairs) 12 noon start