WAYNE FINISHES JUNIOR CAREER WITH SIX-TIMER

 

The country’s No.1 Junior bowler, Wayne Ditchfield (aged 17) of New Longton BC was again in brilliant form on his way to winning his six successive Burscough & Lathom Bowling League’s Under-18 merit title.

 

Wayne beat Mark Chester of Fox Lane BC (Leyland) 21-17 in a thrilling final, which was a repeat of last year’s final between the same two players & with the same outcome, on the superb Fleetwood Hesketh green. The final was a nip & tuck affair but was a great advertisement for junior bowling with some brilliant leading over a variety of  lengths & marks, including corner to corner & round peg, as well as pin-point striking by both players. From 15 across after 27 ends, Wayne showed, once again, his championship qualities by reeling off 6 chalks to Mark’s 2 in the last 6 ends to become champion again, in his last league event as a junior.

 

In the early round-robin group stages, Mark actually beat Wayne 15-14, his first defeat in the six years he has played in the event, & easily qualified for the final with other wins of 15-4, 15-9 & 15-5 after losing his first match 10-15 to Jess Moore (Banks St Stephens). Wayne, who was giving a start of 3 chalks to all his opponents due to his formidable record, won the rest of his games 15-6, 15-8, 15-4 & 15-11 to also easily qualify for the final. The other competitors were David Gibbons & Sam Tarbuck (Scarisbrick BC) & Thomas Wright (Mere Brow), making up a disappointing entry of only six competitors. However, they played a minimum of 5 games of 15 up enjoying every minute of the afternoon & produced some top quality play for the assembled crowd to enjoy.

 

During the presentation, the league president, Mr. John P. Rimmer of Fleetwood Hesketh BC, presented the trophies, prizemoney & certificates to all successful competitors. He also thanked Fleetwood Hesketh BC for the use of their facilities, as well as the league secretary, Mr. Keith Robinson, & his club members for their help in the successful running of the event.