Harrogate Bowling

Week 4 Report

It was honours to Huby as Almscliffe Strollers won the McDonnell Cup after an exciting final against Black Swan.

Anne Smith got the Strollers off to a good start with a 21-8 win followed by Judith Saynor 21-15. Angela Hodgson responded for the Black Swan with an excellent performance winning 21-14. Kevin Clark dominated his game bowling very well to win 21-5 giving the Strollers an 18 chalk lead after the first half.

Mary Towns got the second half underway securing another win for Almscliffe with a 21-13 result. Roy Flynn 21-18 and Phil Pope 21-8 fought back for the Swan however pulling them back within 10 chalks as the final game commenced.

Richard Briggs bowled with a steady nerve and showing a quality more fitting of the top division to sail home a 21-7 winner securing the cup for Almscliffe with a 145-121 match result.

In Division 1 the result of the week went to the Bilton Clubmen after their 10-0 over Knaresborough Tigers. Alan Rothery 21-8, Derrick Fox 21-8 and Glen Towse 21-9 all demonstrating quality bowling. Black Swan maintain their strangle hold at the top of the table after beating Bilton Centrians 7-3. A result shared by Wayside away to Knaresborough Lions. Dacre Eagles were delighted in their 8-2 victory over Low Harrogate and Bardsey stay within touching distance at the top of the table with a 7-3 win over Starbeck.

Wetherby found some excellent form in Division 2 to beat Bilton Spartans 9-1. Mick Hatfield the best of the match with a 21-8 win equalled only by Spartan Steve Webster.

There were wins for Alan Winstanley 21-3 and Ralph Hall 21-6 for Low Harrogate B but it wasn’t enough as Tony Phillips 21-9 led Bardsey to a 7-3 win. Things were tight between Bilton Trojans and Pateley Bridge with the Trojans using their home advantage to win the aggregate and a 6-4 victory. It was also four winners a piece as Collingham entertained Wayside Wanderers. Again home advantage prevailed as Collingham done enough to gain a 6-4 win.

Roy Wyatt 21-6 and Darren Godber 21-6 secured a 6-4 win for Starbeck over Bilton WMC in Division 3. It was the same margin of victory for Boston Spa over Knaresborough Badgers with Michael Collinson once again leading the way with his 21-7 win. Margaret Peel 21-5 was in top form for Dacre Eagles as they beat Wayside Rangers 7-3.

Margaret Brockhill 21-9 and Marina Wright 21-9 led Low Harrogate C to a good 9-1 win over Dacre. Lorraine Poulson continued her excellent cup form from the previous week winning 21-6 as Collingam beat Low Harrogate D 7-3. Bilton Corinthians gained a 7-3 win over the Knaresborough Foxes after a powerhouse display from Peter Birdsall winning 21-5. There were three winners for Starbeck in their game against Black Swan. A commanding win by Ian McLeod 21-7 and two close all-but results ensured they took an even share of the points however as the match finished 5-5.

In Division 5 Black Swan’s good form continued as they beat Starbeck 8-2. Thomas Palmer was Starbeck shining star however winning 21-7.

Wilf Shaw Pairs by Carol Hawkins
It was a great day both weather wise and bowling in the Wilf Shaw Pairs competition at Low Harrogate. Some super games were played, especially by the two junior teams that entered. Josh Coker partnered Adam Briggs whilst Adam Varley partnered Tony Derrick. Both of these pairs reached the quarter finals stages where they were drawn against each other. After an excellent and competitive game it was the Pateley pairing Varley & Derrick who went on to the semi finals.

The semi-final draws were Vareley & Derrick against Bardsey pair Ray Milner & Mark Holmes and Carol & Chris Sunter from Bilton Dragon playing Black Swan’s Dave Rowson & Chaz Charleton.

Varley & Derrick played a good game but Milner& Holmes proved too strong as they won through 21-8. Rowson & Charleton took a commanding 16-8 lead against the Sunter pairing didn't gain another point after that. The Sunter’s running out 21-16 winner.

The final was exceptional. Both pairs stayed close right up to the final end. The Sunters were 19-20 down on the last end with things looking bleak. With the Bardsey pair holding game with a wood on the jack, Chris Sunter had one final bowl to play. With his bowl running from one corner to the other on the tricky Tewitt Well green, Sunter hit the head pushing the jack enough to count 2 chalks and take the game. An exceptional end to a great game.

Carol Hawkins, on behalf of Low Harrogate, would like to thank all of those who entered and came along to support what was a great day for all.