UNDER-18 MERIT REPORT 2010

 

Despite the torrential rain which put the running of the Burscough & Lathom Bowling League’s Under-18 merit competition in doubt right up to an hour before the start of the event when the green was passed fit for play & the weather cleared up to produce a fine afternoon to allow the 11 competitors, whose aged ranged from 8 to 17, to enjoy every minute of the afternoon & produce some top quality play for the assembled crowd to appreciate on the Holmeswood BC Green. After being a beaten semi-finalist twice in the last three years, David Gibbons (Scarisbrick Bowling Club) finally took the title by beating Alistair Adams (Scarisbrick Bowling Club) 21-17 in an exciting final which was a fitting finale to this year’s competition.

 

In the semi-finals, David beat Fergal Wright (Botanic Gardens BC) 21-16 & Alistair beat Matthew Jones (Scarisbrick BC) 21-11.

 

In the early round-robin group stages, David in Group C was undefeated with wins of 21-5 & 21-12, whilst Alistair won Group A with wins of 21-2 & 21-11 & a 16-21 defeat and Matthew won Group B with wins of 21-13, 21-20 & 21-10. A playoff between Fergal & Matty Greenwood (Holmeswood BC) had to be played to produce the fourth semi-finalist when both players finished as runners-up in their groups with identical records. This was finally won by Fergal 15-11 in a contest which swung back & forth with both players having runs with the block.  

 

During the presentation, the league president, Mr. Stephen Ball of Holmeswood BC, presented the trophies, prizemoney & certificates to all successful competitors. The secretary, Mr Keith Robinson, thanked Holmeswood BC for the use of their facilities, as well as Roy Wignall & all the volunteers for their help in the successful running of the event. He also thanked the competitors for their good sportsmanship throughout the competition & hoped to see them all at next year’s event.