Bright sunshine with a cooling breeze encouraged Fylde area bowling enthusiasts out at the Park Club at Cleveleys for what proved to be a fun afternoon. One wag referred to the first stages of the competition as ‘heats in the heat!’
There was no lack of competitive edge, particularly when Steve Jelley, Chairman of Blackpool Group was drawn to play against John Cross of the North Fylde Group. A gripping encounter ensued, which was edged at the death by Steve who emerged victorious and eventually progressed to the quarter finals.
Another heat that was keenly contested was between the Secretary and Chairman of the Fylde Masonic Bowling Association, those being Keith Carter and John Eastwood respectively. This match was decided in Keith Carter’s favour.
After further heats and some seesawing quarter finals, the semi-finals were contested by Ron Nicholls playing Derek Wilde and Keith Carter playing Robert Stafford. The standard of play in these matches was of the highest standard. The eventual victors proved to be Keith Carter and Ron Nichol. Keith, resplendent in a bright yellow shirt had ‘dazzled his way to the final’ according to one spectator. While Derek Wilde, who was very gracious in defeat said: “Ron played his heart out and was a worthy winner.”
The final commenced with Keith Carter racing into a commanding lead of 11 points at one stage. However, Ron managed to get the jack at this point and with a series of long jack placements started to eat into that lead. The match then went into a tit for tat battle up to the point where it was 17-15 to Keith, who then went onto a fine victory of 21-15.
As is customary in Masonic and bowling circles, the day was filled with sportsmanlike endeavour, good fun, raucous banter and plenty of handshaking by the competitors. The players and spectators then retired to the lounge to enjoy a generously laid buffet and the presentation ceremony, where the silverware was presented to Keith Carter and Ron Nicholl. The other semi-finalists each received a bottle of wine for their efforts.
John Eastwood thanked everyone for supporting the event, particularly the three group chairmen, John Cross, Steve Jelley and John Robbie Porter, all of whom had taken part in the competition. He also thanked North Fylde Group Secretary Tony Farrar, who also played, and Harry Cox for their valued support.
The prizes for the losing semi-finalists were presented by Tony Farrar. John Cross presented the winner’s trophy to Keith, then Harry Cox presented the second place trophy to Ron Nicholl and in doing so gave particular thanks to Keith Carter and John Eastwood for the hard work they had put into organising the event.
