Hesketh Arms Bowling Club

CLUB COMPETITION DATES

Dates have been set for the final club competitions of the season. The first of these will be the Floodlit Trophy, which will take place on Saturday 9^th September, starting at 5.00 pm. This is a non-random pairs and the early stages will be played using a group format. The Club’s programme of internal competitions will be completed with the Last Chance Cup on Sunday 17^th September, which will be a random pairs with a plate for pairs losing their first game. For this competition, please register at the green by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

Saturday 9th September – 5.00 pm start – Floodlit Trophy – non-random doubles

Sunday 17th September – 12.00 pm start – Last Chance Cup – random doubles with plate

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

The Southport federation team play their final National League fixture of the 2023 season on Sunday 13^th August, when they take on Fylde. The team selection and home venue have yet to be announced but can be found using the link below when the details are published on Monday 7^th August. The match will start at 2.00 pm and spectators will be welcome to support the team in a game crucial to their chances of promotion to the 5^th Division.

https://bowlsresults.co.uk/federation/

CHURCHTOWN CONSERVATIVE CLUB – B.J.P.O’MALLEY PRESIDENT’S CUP

The new date for the Churchtown Conservative Club’s President’s Cup is Saturday 19^th August. Any of our members who are also members of the Conservative Club are invited to take part. To enter, please report to the green at 12 noon. Pairings will be drawn on the day and there will be a £1 entry fee.

GREEN BOOKING – JOHN BERRY TROPHY

Please note that the green will be unavailable for use by members on Sunday 6th August as we are hosting the second staging of the John Berry Trophy. This is a Town versus Country challenge match and is held in memory of John Berry, who was a highly respected bowler in Southport and the surrounding area. Several of our members will be taking part in the match and spectators will be more than welcome on the day. The game gets underway at 12.30 pm.

CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD

Congratulations to Alan Hatton and Graham Meadow on winning the Chairman’s Shield, overcoming Mark Rowlinson and Mark Wilde in the final. The two Marks had beaten the strong pairing of Steve McManus and Fergal Wright in the semi-final and started the final well, scoring two at the first end but Alan and Graham were too consistent on the day and ran out 21-9 winners. Well done to Tess Newton and Sue Wignall, who enjoyed a notable 21-16 win against Darren Edgerley and Chris Harding before losing out to Alan and Graham in the other semi-final. This was a first Hesketh Arms competition win for both Alan and Graham. 

The Hesketh Arms Open Singles for 2023, sponsored by the Birkdale Insurance Group, will take place on Saturday 26^th August. We have been very pleased with the response so far with a good mix of local bowlers and players coming from Preston, Wigan, Liverpool and the Wirral, set to compete for the £200 first prize.

At the time of writing, there is still one available space in the competition at 10.00 am. If anyone is interested in taking this place, please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065). Once we have a full entry, we will be taking names for a reserve list in case we have anyone dropping out. The entry fee for the competition is £10.

We are going to organise a raffle on the day so any donations of prizes would be gratefully received. We are also looking for volunteers to help as follows :-

• If anyone is able to help with providing refreshments, please contact any Committee member and we can discuss our options in further detail.

• We will require help with marking and measuring on the day. If you can help with measuring, please make yourself known to Chris or Mike. If we get sufficient volunteers coming forward, we can organise a rota so that one person is only helping with this for an hour or so at a time.

• Please let us know if you would be able to help organise the raffle on the day.

NEWS UPDATE

CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD

The next club competition will take place this coming Sunday, 30^th July, when we will be playing for the Chairman’s Shield. This is a non-random doubles, where you can choose your own partner. There will be no plate at this event. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am for a 12.00 noon start.

PRESIDENT’S DAY

Many thanks again to all those members who supported Peter Smith’s second and final President’s Day. The final proceeds from the raffle and the sale of refreshments amounted to £182.80.

BURSCOUGH LEAGUE PRESIDENT’S DAY

Congratulations to Mark Wilde on winning the Burscough League President’s Day, winning 21-14 against Harry Caunce, from the host club Holmeswood, in the final.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

The Southport Federation team’s July fixture resulted in a 20-12 defeat against a strong Menai side. The Hesketh Arms hosted the home leg and achieved an 8-4 win, which included victories for the home representatives Ali Adams (21-14) and Andy Draper (21-11). The away side faced the long trip to Criccieth Bowling Club and they had two winners, one of which was Chris Porter with a 21-16 success.

With just one match left to play, Southport are in 3^rd place and play fourth placed Fylde in the final game. A win in this game will see Southport promoted to the 5^th Division of the National League for the first time.

CLUB COMPETITION DATES

Saturday 9^th September – 5.00 pm start – Floodlit Trophy – non-random doubles

Sunday 17^th September – 12.00 pm start – Last Chance Cup – random doubles with plate

GREEN BOOKINGS

Please note that the green will be unavailable for use by members on the following dates due to private events or competitions. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Saturday 29th July – all day

Sunday 6th August – all day until 6.00pm

PRESIDENT’S DAY 2023

The Club’s President’s Day was held on Sunday to mark Peter Smith’s second year as our President. Fortunately, the weather was much better than had been forecast, allowing us to enjoy a successful day.

In the main competition for the President’s Cup, Darren Edgerley reached the semi-finals with wins against Barry McArthur (21-14), Pat McArthur (21-11) and Derek Wignall (21-15). His opponent in the semi-final was Peter Smith who had overcome Gareth Taylor (21-14), Sue Davies (21-12) and George Hitchmough (21-17). The semi-final was close in the early stages and after 16 ends the scores were level at 14 across. From here, however, Darren scored three 2s in the last five ends to run out a 21-15 winner. 

The bottom half of the draw saw Alan Hatton reach the semi-finals with comfortable wins against Tony Wakefield and Len Southworth. His semi-final opponent was Laurie Townson, who had narrow wins against Alex Rimmer (21-19) and Fergal Wright (21-17). The semi-final between Alan and Laurie was close all the way through but it was Alan who reached the final with a 21-19 win. 

The final saw Darren conceding a handicap of 6 against Alan and it was Alan who got off to the better start, carrying on his good form from the earlier rounds. Alan won eight out of the first twelve ends to open up an 18-7 lead but Darren fought back, winning seven consecutive ends to close the gap to 16-18. Alan got back in with a couple of singles but it was Darren who won the final end to win an exciting final 21-20. Congratulations to Alan on reaching his first final at the Hesketh Arms and to Darren on winning the President’s Cup for the first time since 2008. 

A plate competition was held and this was won by Tony Wakefield with a 15-13 win in the final against Alex Rimmer.

Many thanks to all those who helped on the day, serving refreshments and selling raffle tickets. Also, thank you to everyone who donated prizes and bought raffle tickets. The proceeds from the day will be notified in the next news update. Finally, congratulations to Peter and Lynne on hosting a successful and enjoyable event. 

NEWSLETTER – JULY 2023

PRESIDENT’S CUP – SUNDAY 16^th JULY

The next club competition will be the President’s Cup, which will be held on Sunday 16^th July. Our Club President is Peter Smith and as this is his second and final President’s Day, we are hoping to see a good turnout.

We will be holding a raffle on the day to raise money for club funds and any donations of prizes for this would be greatly appreciated. It would also be welcome if people could bring cakes to sell on the day and if anyone is able to offer any assistance with selling raffle tickets or serving refreshments, please make yourself known to any member of the Committee.

The President’s Cup will be a singles handicap with a plate competition for those players losing in their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 10.45 am for a prompt start at 11.00 am. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME OF 11.00 AM FOR THIS EVENT

LADIES’ PAIRS COMPETITION

Congratulations to members of the Buzzards team for staging a successful doubles competition on behalf of the Southport Ladies’ League. The sale of refreshments and a raffle on the day raised £200 for club funds. Many thanks to all those who helped at this event.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

The Southport Federation team’s next fixture will take place this Sunday, 9^th July, when they take on Menai in Division 6 of the National League. We are hosting the home leg at the Hesketh Arms, which will start at 2.00 pm and spectators will be very welcome to come along and support the team in what is a crucial game for their chances of gaining promotion to Division 5.

Ali Adams and Andy Draper are the home representatives, whilst Kez Adams, Darren Edgerley, Chris Harding, Chris Porter, Mark Wilde and Fergal Wright have been selected to play in the away leg, which is being held at Criccieth Bowling Club.   

CHURCHTOWN CONSERVATIVE CLUB – B.J.P.O’MALLEY PRESIDENT’S CUP

The green will be unavailable for use by members on Saturday 22^nd July, when the Churchtown Conservative Club will be staging the B.J.P. O’Malley President’s Cup competition. Any bowling club member who is also a member of the Conservative Club is invited to take part. To enter, please register at the green at 12 noon. The competition will be a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day.

LANCASHIRE COUNTY CGBA

Congratulations to Kez Adams and Darren Edgerley on making their debuts for Lancashire in the BCGBA County Championship, both playing in the away leg against Warwick & Worcester at Thimblemill Rec in Smethwick.

CLUB COMPETITION DATES

Sunday 30^th July – Chairman’s Shield – non-random doubles – no plate (12.00 start)

TBC – Floodlit Trophy – non-random doubles

TBC – Last Chance Cup – random doubles with plate

GREEN BOOKINGS

Please note that the green will be unavailable for use by members on the following dates due to private events or competitions. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Saturday 22^nd July – all day

Saturday 29^th July – all day

Sunday 6th August – all day until 6.00pm

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP

The Championship Cup, which we were unable to complete on Sunday due to a waterlogged green, was played to a finish on Wednesday evening. This is a men’s singles competition played off scratch and it was a strong quarter-final line-up returning to play for the cup. The last eight games saw Fergal Wright, Alan Hatton, Andy Draper and Chris Porter overcome John Townsend, Peter Smith, Jim Halsall and Kez Adams respectively.

The semi-finals were won by Fergal and Andy and it was Andy who got off to a flying start in the final, winning the first seven ends to lead 9-0. Fergal did fightback, however and from 16-4 down won nine out of eleven ends to close the gap to 17-20 but Andy was able to score the single chalk required to win the final 21-17. 

hank you to all eight players for arranging to finish this competition so quickly and to Noreen Lewis from the Competitions Committee for organising the games on the night. Thank you also to all those who stayed until the end of the final and to everyone who helped with marking and measuring. Finally, thank you to George who was on hand to take the photos of the presentation and to our President, Peter Smith who presented the prizes.

Southport Ladies League Competition

18 pairs from Southport League teams entered the Ladies Hesketh Arms competition on a glorious sunny day.

The Buzzards team all worked hard providing homemade cakes, raffle prizes, tidying the green and thanks to Anne the toilet was sparklingly clean, Olive for upselling raffle tickets & Karen for keeping the tea flowing. It was very much appreciated. 

There was some closely contested matches on a very challenging green.

Semi final was between

Wynn Allen/ Gill Edwards v Gwen Clarke/ Pat White.

Janice Hobsen/ Irene Kermode v Kath Watkinson/ Sylvia Bentam.
The final was won by Wynn & Jill 21-11 against Kath & Sylvia

We had very positive feedback on a well organised & enjoyable event and look forward to making it a yearly competition.

Pat MacArthur

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP

The next club competition will take place this coming Sunday, 25^th June, when we will be staging the Championship Cup. This is a men’s singles played off scratch, with no plate. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am for a 12.00 noon start.

CORONATION CUP

Players still in the Coronation Cup are reminded that the quarter-final matches should be played on or before 30^th June. Please notify Mike Milne (07752352065) of the result of your game when it has been played.

Quarter-Finals (to be played by 30^th June) 

Chris Porter (Scratch) v. Peter Smith (+4)

John Townsend 21, Chris Lancaster 17

Kez Adams (+2) v. Jason Chapman (+4)

Darren Edgerley 21, George Hitchmough 11

LV INDIVIDUALS

Entries are now being taken for the LV League Individuals competition. Qualifying rounds will be played on Tuesday 11^th July (6.30 pm start), at various greens. The finals will be held on Sunday 16^th July, at a venue yet to be determined.

There will be an entry fee of £3 and anyone wishing to play should notify their team captain or Mike Milne as soon as possible.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

The Southport Federation team’s June fixture resulted in an excellent 21-11 win against Bradford ‘B’. The home leg was played at Scarisbrick NSC and the ten winners included wins for Kez Adams (21-9), Andy Draper (21-20), Darren Edgerley (21-17), Chris Porter (21-9) and Fergal Wright (21-9).

In July, Southport will be taking on Menai and details of the venue and team selection will be announced in due course.

CLUB COMPETITION DATES

Sunday 16^th July – President’s Cup – singles handicap with plate (11.00 am start)

Sunday 30^th July – Chairman’s Shield – non-random doubles – no plate (12.00 start)

TBC – Floodlit Trophy – non-random doubles

TBC – Last Chance Cup – random doubles with plate

GREEN BOOKINGS

Please note that the green will be unavailable for use by members on the following dates due to private events or competitions. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thursday 22nd June – all day until 6.00pm

Sunday 9th July – all day until 6.00pm

Saturday 22^nd July – all day

Saturday 29th July – all day

Sunday 6th August – all day until 6.00pm

Saturday saw the Club hold it’s annual Ladies’ Championship and a good mix of long-standing and newer members took part. The early stages of this competition are played using a group format to ensure everyone gets more than one game. 

After some good matches in the groups, the four semi-finalists were Ann Hall, Pat Lough, Noreen Lewis and former winner, Sue Davies. Ann Hall and Noreen Lewis were the two semi-final winners and it was Ann, a recent recruit this season to the Buzzards team, who started well to lead 7-1.  Noreen came back well, however, to eventually take the title with a 15-8 win. Congratulations to Noreen on her first competition win at the Hesketh Arms and also to Ann on reaching the final.

Many thanks to Debbie and Noreen from the Competitions Committee for co-ordinating the arrangements for this event and to all those who helped on the day with marking and measuring.