Harrogate Bowling

Week 9 Report

Phil Hill won the Tommy Cochrane Cup last weekend after a storming display throughout the day.

Following a new format the 46 entries were split over 4 greens, with the top 2 players from each green going forward to the Final. After up to 3 games the qualifiers were as follows; Alan Rothery and Angela Spilsbury from Bilton Dragon green, Brian Walker and Brad Walker from Black Swan, Alan Whittaker and Dave Spilsbury from Wayside, and Mac McDonnell and Phil Hill from Bilton WMC.

In the quarter final matchups, Dave Spilsbury beat Alan Rothery 21-12, Brian Walker beat Alan Whittaker 21-10, Phil Hill beat Angela Spilsbury 21-18 and Mac McDonnell beat Brad Walker 21-16.

It was the end of a terrific day for Walker, who despite being the youngest competitor in the competition, bowled exceptionally well throughout the day to reach his first major Finals day. The first of many I’m sure and a performance to be proud of.

In the first semi-final McDonnell set off well against Hill building up a lead. Hill pulled back however finding a favoured mark across the green to pull away a 21-13 winner. Brian Walker took early command in the second semi against Dave Spilsbury. Walkers early dominance took him to an 12-6 lead. With Jack in hand however, Spilsbury came back to keep things close. The game went down to the wire where Spilsbury capitalised on an uncharacteristic lead from Walker to score a pair and take the game.

In the Final Spilsbury took the early advantage against Hill building up a 10-4 lead. Not for the first time however, Hill dug deep and battled on to come back and take control of the game. Hill’s exceptional bowling left little room for Spilsbury despite his excellent efforts. Hill’s determination held strong as he ran out a well deserved 21-15 winner.

Boston Spa were also celebrating this week after winning the Shutt Cup final against Pateley Bridge. Unfortunately the weather was against both teams as it rained heavily for most of the evening. This didn’t dampen the spirits of any of the players however who all put in an exceptional display.

Peter Wood made full use of the green to win 21-0 and give Boston Spa a huge opening advantage. Pateley fought to the very end however with young Tony Derrick proving to be the best performer of the evening. With bowling skill more common in the higher echelons of the league, Tony put in an excellent performance to win 21-7. Definitely one to watch in the very near future.

After an excellent competition Boston Spa ran out 143-127 winners. President Derrick Fox presented the cup congratulating both teams on an excellent final despite the weather. Thanks were given to Bilton Dragon for once again being exceptional hosts.

Back in the league we have hit the mid-season point already. Black Swan remains the only unbeaten team in the 1st Division after winning their top of the table clash with Bardsey 7-3. Ray Milner got the best win of the evening for the home team 21-9.

Brian Walker 21-4 and Steve Cochrane 21-9 led Wayside to a 9-1 win over Knaresborough Tigers. Things were tight as Knaresborough Lions hosted Bilton Centurions. With 4 winners each it was just the efforts of Carol Sunter 21-7 and Chris Sunter 21-7 that separated the team and ensured the Centurions went home with a 6-4 win. Starbeck were in form this week beating Dacre Eagles 7-3 and Derrick Fox helped Bilton WMC to a 7-3 win over Low Harrogate with his 21-8 win.

In what’s proving to be an excellent season for the club, Black Swan 2nd team also top Division 2. In a powerhouse display they left a shell shocked Wetherby in their wake after a 9-1 win. Barry Howarth 21-2, Chris Alison 21-2, John Rowson 21-4, Bob Barker 21-8 and Dave Lickley 21-9 were all competing for the sweep.

Wayside Wanderers were pleased with a good 7-3 win over Bardsey Osprey. Alan Mason proved the man of the match with a 21-3 victory. Rita Hill was the home team’s top performer winning 21-9. It was Low Harrogate’s best performance of the season so far beating Bilton Trojan’s 7-3. They will have a battle on their hands in the second half of the season but they are heading in the right direction with this excellent victory.

The juniors at Pateley Bridge stepped up to the plate this week after gaining promotion to the top team. Both Adam Varley 21-7 and Tom Beecroft 21-17 getting winning debuts under their belt as Pateley went on to beat Almscliffe 7-3. Tom Shardlow maintaining his position as top bowler after his 21-4 win.

Chris Bishop 21-6 and John Small 21-9 were in fine fettle for Bilton Spartans as they won 6-4 in a tight contest with Collingham.