North Devon & North Cornwall

Short Mat Bowling Federation

NEWS

2022 JCS Finalists (1).JPG


The finals were once again contested in the Butler Hall at the Woolsery Sports and Community Hall in front of an appreciative audience which greatly outnumbered the one at the last finals evening three years earlier. This room is usually chosen as it is never used by the club and so is a perfect neutral venue which plays well and gives everyone a chance.


The first round saw Tony Main win against Sylvia Langford from Holsworthy, whilst on the other mat Lee Woodacre from Goodleigh lead most of the way only for Jay Shaw to snatch victory with his final wood. Then Colin Sowden of Torrington defeated Bob Hinsbey from Langtree and Charlie Simmons of Wick won the last semi-final place with victory against Steve Davey of Woolsery.


After a brief interval, the semifinals paired Tony against Charlie and the Yarnscombe player won a place in the final as he had last time. The other tie was won by Jay against Colin, and this paired the two Yarnscombe players in the final tie.


The mat was then moved to a different position for the final match and throughout a very tight contest the victor was not decided until the very last wood rolled past the head and Jay Shaw who had reached the final stages of the competition several times before without actually getting beyond the semfinal was our new champion and with Tony as runner up the honours went again to their Yarnscombe club.

 

My gratitude to Hilary and Jan for being such great markers all evening, to Fred for being the umpire and the Woolsery club members for doing all the hard work of setting up the hall, providing tea and putting on a raffle with some good prizes.


It was very pleasing to have 40 names that went into the draw, unfortunately there were a few no shows but all ties were played in good spirit. Five of the eight finalists had never reached this stage before so it proves that everyone has the chance to qualify.


Jay thanked everyone for the tournament and expressed his opinion that this was the best tournament of all and looked forward to next year’s event.


John Crossman Singles Finals 2022

Alan Wright Memorial Shield 2022-23

Alan Wright Shield, 2022-23 Winners - Winkleigh

Alan Wright Shield, 2022-23 Runners Up - South Molton

Mary Kent 2022-23

The Alan Wright 10’s Final 2022-23 Was held at High Bickington on 28th February.  Our thanks go to all involved in hosting the event and also to Ian McLennan for Umpire duties.

The Mary Kent semi finals and final have taken place this week. In the semi finals Woolsery ( Steve Davey) we’re against Woolsery (Gordon Leonard) in a close run game with Gordon’s team pulling ahead in the last few ends. In the other match Winkleigh (Lorraine Axtell) played Yarnscombe (Tony Main).A game so close that it went to a nail biting extra end with Lorraine’s team putting up the killer bowl.


So on to the final Winkleigh v Woolsery. A match enjoyed by all players and spectators. Winkleigh  being the winners.  Congratulations to Lorraine, Graham and Rita.

Thank you to all the clubs and players that entered this years competition.

Thanks to High Bickington  for hosting the semi finals and to Beaford for  the final and to Fred for his duty on both evenings as umpire.


Jan Ovenden

Mary Kent 2022-23 Winners, Winkleigh

L. Axtell, G. James, R. Redstone

Mary Kent 2022-23 Runners Up

K. Albery, G. Leonard, A, Shackson

John Crossman Singles 2023


The number of entries to the competition were similar to last year, although there were one or two late withdrawals, but this year there was no-one expected who did not turn up on the night, which was an improvement on last year. The finals once again took place in the Butler Hall at Woolsery which continues to be an excellent venue for the occasion and both sides of the hall were filled with spectators.


In the first round Tony Main (Yarnscombe) drew relentlessly to the jack to win his match against Steve Davey (Woolsery). On the other mat Mike Avery (Yarnscombe) and Martin Sexton (Wick) contested  a hard fought match which Mike won with a weighted shot taking the jack back to his waiting woods.


Then Charlie Simmons (Wick) and Elliott James (Yarnscombe) took the floor with Elliott eventually taking his place in the semi final. On the other mat Colin Sowden of Torrington played Rob Phipps (Wick), who was a first time qualifier for the final stages, with Colin proving the stronger player and taking his place in the semi finals for the second year in a row.


The semi finals brought club mates Mike and Elliott to the mat. Elliott drew consistently to the jack but Mike again played the vital woods which took him through took to the final.


On the other mat Tony and Colin came together and after a very tight game, the outcome not decided until the final woods, Colin came through to the final.


A mat was then moved to the centre of the room for the final. The match again proved so tight that it was not until the very last wood was delivered that the new champion was revealed. Mike Avery taking the title and becoming the fifth Yarnscombe player to take the title since its commencement.


A fine night of bowling was much enjoyed by the spectators and our gratitude goes not only to the players but Fred Niven for being our much in demand Umpire, to Jan Ovenden and Hilary Iley for their sterling work as the two markers and the Woolsery club for hosting the event and putting on an excellent raffle and refreshments.


John Crossman

November 2023

The Final of this knockout competition was held at Buckland Brewer on 27th February between Torrington and Winkleigh.


Congratulations to Torrington who came out winners of a close match, 35 -32.


Our thanks go to all those involved in hosting the event.

Winkleigh Flue & Chimney Specialists Tournament 2023-24

Winners - Buckland Brewer

Runners-Up - High Bickington

Alan Wright 10’s 2023-24

A good time was had by all at Winkleigh’s Flue and Chimney Specialists Tournament.

North Devon clubs swept the board with Buckland Brewer worthy winners and High Bickington runners up. Westward Ho! Came in 3rd.

Well done to all.