FINALS DAY 2026

COMPETITION ORGANISORS REPORT

by Martin Sandwell

Finals Competition Days

Well; what an extraordinary season for Bilton Bowling Club.

Bowlers dropping like flies, exceptional weather without any let-up, and a testing time for the Green keeper to keep things playable.

To top it all, an unheard of occurrence of a second year bowler, who had never won a bowls competition before, getting to the finals in all seven ladies competitions, something never happening before in the living memory of the club’s membership, some of whom go back 30 odd years.

Given these exceptional circumstances the Management Committee agreed to stretch the playing window to include Friday to play two games and resolve having to play five games on the Sunday, an impossible fete for anyone in their late seventies. I have heard anecdotes of bowlers having to play four games on finals day, but that was when they were a lot younger.

The three ladies involved spontaneously suggested playing on the Friday to ease the load for Sunday. Thank you, Sally, Helen and Sandra.

Friday

The afternoon was very dull and blustery

The Presidents cup played at 13:00 Sandra Brown vs Sally Hughes resulted in a win for Sandra 21 – 14

Followed by the Ladies Handicap Singles, at 15:30, Helen Scott vs Sandra Brown resulting in a win for Helen 21 – 11

Saturday

Pairs day kicked off at 10:00, with the Mixed Pairs Sandra Brown & Peter Winn vs Christine Cox & Richard Waddingham. This resulted in a win for Christine & Richard 19 – 16

The Ladies Pairs and the Gentleman’s Pairs followed at 14:00.

The Ladies Pairs lineup was Joan Hollis & Sandra Brown vs Rosina Hollings & Sharon Coling ; resulting in a win for Joan & Sandra 18 – 12

The Gentlemen’s Pairs line up was Graham Pettifer & Norman Cleaton (Norman who is 93 years old, was a last-minute substitution for Jeff Bayliss who had a nasty fall; breaking 5 ribs his nose and teeth, wrist etc.) vs John Greer & Mike Croxford, the match resulted after 3hrs 10 minutes of play in a win for John & Mike 22 – 13

Sunday am

The day arrived with glorious weather

An early start at 10:00 with the Ladies Two Woods Singles contested by Sandra Brown vs Helen Scott, resulted in a win for Sandra 19 – 4

At 11:30 there were four matches starting: -

The Scotter Cup Singles contested by Tony Leach vs Mike Long, resulted in a resounding win for Mike 23 - 3

The Gentlemen’s Handicap Singles contested by, Martin Sandwell (0) vs Peter Winn (+2), resulted in a good win for Peter 21 – 15

The Gentleman’s McPhee Cup Singles contested by, Garry Oakley vs John Greer, resulted in a close win for Garry 21- 19

The Ladies 91 up Singles, contested by, Rosina Hollings vs Sandra Brown, resulted in a close win for Sandra 98 - 82

Sunday pm

The start of the afternoon games were delayed, for the players to catch their breath.

14:15 saw the start of the Gentleman’s Championship Singles, contested by, Garry Oakley vs John Greer, resulting in a win for Garry 21 – 6

14:30 saw the start of the Ladies Championship Singles, contested by, Sandra Brown vs Helen Scott, after 3 hours and 5 minutes of play, the contestants and the Marker were showing signs of fatigue, the game resulted in a win for Sandra 21 – 14

Congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to the runners up, watch this space next year.

The Finals were very well supported, and included a surprise visit from our Life Member Pat Dalgren

I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Finals Competitions a resounding success, especially the Markers, without whom the games could not happen.

The event raised over £ 200 from the raffle and cake sales

Martin G Sandwell

Internal Competition Organiser / President