72 bowlers and their supporters travelled for an early start; teams of three each played four games, split into two divisions. The top two from each progressed to the third and fourth place Final and the runners-up and overall Champions’ Final.
The standard of bowls was top quality, with some very tightly-contested rinks from some of the best bowlers in the region.
During the match, a close eye was kept on what was happening in Russia, as England thrashed Panama 6–1 in the World Cup. This excitement adding to the atmosphere – the club was buzzing!
The competition for third and fourth places was fought out between The Outsiders from Paulton and Castle Cary A, with Castle Cary coming out on top.
Against the expectations of many people, Bloomfield’s Bibendum and Victoria Park B contested the Championship Final, Bibendum winning 9–3 in an eight-end game. This caused great excitement, as Bloomfield Bowls Club has not won the competition for nineteen years, and this is only the third time since 1987.
Bibendum team Captain, Danny Skean, said: “What a day; we had to work very hard to win this, because the standard of bowling was very good all round. I want to thank Gren Ingleson for organising and supervising the event, and also my two team mates, and Becks Lager for what is the best ever moment in my bowling life!”
Organiser, Gren Ingleson, thanked all involved: “This competition has been going for a great many years, and without support from our sponsors, it could be difficult to stage it every year, so I want to extend a massive thank you to Michael Hughes of Pritchard’s Estate Agents, Bath, who sponsored the day.”
Fez Parker