Champion bowlers contest finals

THE finals of the Hastings & St Leonards Bowling Association Champion of Champions competition took place at the Alexandra Park green on Sunday.

The association, which runs a Monday evening league throughout the outdoor season, invites champions of all member clubs to take part in the competition and this year's finalists were from six clubs.

The first final to be completed was the closely-contested Veterans Final between John Townsend (Alexandra) and John Pennells (St Leonards), with association chairman Harry Payne (Rosemount) acting as marker.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

By the 11th end Townsend was leading 11-1 but Pennells slowly fought his way back and maximums on the 15th and 16th ends saw him pull clear 19-16. Townsend's nerve held though and with the scores level at 20-all going into the 20th and final end, he picked up the one shot required to clinch victory.

Minutes later saw the conclusion of the Singles Final. John Downie (Hastings) , runner-up in last year's veterans final, was up against Alan Harffey (Observer), with Ron Greenaway (Alexandra) taking the role of marker.

Until the 10th end this was a very even game, but Harffey found no answer to the relentless scoring of his opponent, with the points coming mainly in singles, and managed only two more shots on the 19th end as Downie clinched the title 21-12.

The Pairs Final was a battle of the sexes - Geraldine Friola and Lorraine Milburn (White Rock Ladies) versus the male Rockers of Keith Cheetham and Steve Jeapes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This was another even game in the early stages until the ladies picked up a brace of fours on the ninth and 11th ends to be 11-8 in front. As was to be expected from players well known to each other there was no shortage of banter from players and spectators who were able to enjoy plenty of good shots from all four finalists.

No doubt inspired by the enthusiastic support of the lady spectators, on occasion in a manner not out of place at a football match, the ladies kept up the pressure and, always ahead, secured another four on the 20th end to run out winners by 21-12.

Related topics: