South Fylde and Blackpool bowlers hold on to trophy

The third annual North Fylde Group versus South Fylde and Blackpool Groups’ bowling tournament saw the southernershang on to the coveted Peter S Walker trophy in what proved to be a keenly contested match.

Pictured, from to right, are friendly rivals Jim Bennett, David Randerson, Harry Cox and Roy Howells.

Such was the anticipation for this yearly tournament that watching Olympic events such as the women’s beach volley ball games was forgone by the competing bowlers just so as they could take part in the match at Cleveleys Park Club. The bowling spectacle on show for the sideline supporters was however as equally exciting as anything happening at Horse Guards’ Parade!

Home advantage however did not favour the North Fylders and at the end of a great day’s bowling South Fylde and Blackpool emerged as victors for the second year running in both the singles and doubles matches. Much was said about the high standard of bowling on display by the two bowling chairmen North Fylde’s Roy Howells and his opposite number Jim Bennett who agreed that very creditable performances were put in by the players on both sides.

Terry Hudson presents South Fylde and Blackpool team with the Peter S Walker trophy.

There to cheer the teams on in what turned out to be an afternoon of glorious sunshine was APrGM Terry Hudson, who later presented the winner’s trophy. A trio of group chairmen Harry Cox (North Fylde), David Randerson (South Fylde) and Peter Bentham (Blackpool) were also there to see their teams in action, as was a goodly crowd of supporters.

After the tournament North Fylde laid on a sumptuous buffet, supplied through the kind auspices of group chairman Harry Cox’s wife Carol and vice chairman Duncan Smith’s, Karen.

Roy Howells on behalf of North Fylde paid tribute to the bowlers’ skills on show during the day and said jocularly that participating – and perhaps not losing to the other team – was what the day had been all about. He continued that the only losers had been those unfortunate enough to have missed the day’s action packed events.

The South Fylde left and Blackpool bowling team who retain the Walker trophy.

He went on to thank the South Fylde and Blackpool players for making the day a memorable one and wished opposing team a safe journey home, adding that they could be sure that next year North Fylde would field its full team at the away fixture in Kirkham. Roy also thanked the full supporting cast of referees and officials, the ladies who had put on the buffet and organised the raffle which raised £170 for good causes.

Jim Bennett in turn thanked North Fylde for its “magnificent hospitality” and said that he and his team looked forward to giving their neighbours the opportunity of having their name engraved on the Walker trophy next year for a second time.