Those who arrived for the Sevenoaks Indoor Bowling Club Finals Weekend were treated to a fine display of bowling, especially in the two main singles finals.
Mick Adnett, Men’s Singles runner-up two years ago, faced David Henning in his first final. Adnett was quick off the mark and soon went into an 8-1 lead but Henning introduced his favoured tactic of taking the mat up for a minimum length jack and slowly fought back to take a modest 13-11 lead.
The next four ends went to Adnett, scoring five shots in all, although four of those were singles which indicates the closeness of the game. Henning rallied again to bring the score to 17-18 but Adnett produced quality bowls over the last two ends to clinch the title 21-17.
The Ladies Singles final involved Brenda Bennett (holder) against the ever-improving Ann Munro. Bennett began with an immaculate opening end to pick up four shots which proved to be a valuable cushion throughout the game. In a match truly worthy of a final, both ladies showed their high standard drawing accomplishments. Despite the best efforts of Munro in reaching 12-13, the closest point of the match, Bennett was able to cling to her advantage throughout to run out a creditable 21-17 winner.
The Mixed Triples final involved Sue Wallis, Derrick Rodger and Alan Browning against Tony Garvey, Sally Burton and George Jackson. The former triple opened up a 15-1 lead after only eight ends and the match looked to be almost over. However, Garvey, Burton and Jackson had other ideas and, much to the enjoyment of the watching members, managed to claw their way back to level the scores 16-16 on the 18th and last end. Their sterling effort was in vain though, as Wallis, Rodger and Browning picked up two shots on the deciding extra end to take the trophy.
Ten further finals were played over the weekend with the Mixed Pairs turning out to be the closest. Brenda Bennett and Derrick Rodger were well in control at 14-7 over Tricia Cave and Steve Hoskin at the half way stage, but were pegged back as their opponents warmed to the challenge.
Improved drawing shots took Cave and Hoskin to 19-19 with three ends to play but experience showed with Bennett and Rodger running out 24-19 winners.
Other results:
• Men’s Pairs: Brian George and Peter Flory beat Tony Garvey and John Biles 25-15.
• Ladies Pairs: Sue Wallis and Brenda Bennett beat Anne Welch and Rosemary Tuck 21-11.
• Men’s Triples: Tony Garvey, Jon Pulley and Mick Smith beat Brian George, Colin Stevens and Alan Browning 22-14
• Ladies Triples: Jackie Smith, Sue Wallis and Sally Burton beat Val Stevens, Joan Moffat and Sylvia Stiefel 20-15
• Mixed Pairs Sets: Mick Adnett and Ann Munro beat Tony Bysouth and Margaret Elsdon 19-7
• Over 60 Mixed Pairs: Tony Garvey and Anne Welch beat Brenda McGavin and Pat Fogarty 33-7
• Oaks Cup for Over 70s: Mervyn Fiander beat Richard Purssell 21-15
• Novices Singles: Alan Penhallow beat John Wallis 23-9
• Men’s Plate: George Jackson beat Brian George 21-10
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! So give it a go!
OUTDOOR BOWLS: Ask people under the age of 40 whether they have heard of this sport and the reply will probably be ‘no’, or ‘yes’ because their grandparents used to play it! Also, as far as the media is concerned, bowls does not have any appeal as a spectator sport – so there is no coverage of outdoor bowls on mainstream TV.
So, to put the record straight: outdoor bowls is a recognised sport (it is included in the Commonwealth Games). It is suitable for all ages – as demonstrated at the National Finals held at Leamington Spa during the month of August, where there are many young competitors and a large number of spectators supporting.
It is a sport where both male and female participants can compete with and against each other. For the serious players, they can compete in County and National competitions. Players wanting a challenge can play in local Leagues and are encouraged to play in Club competitions. For those who just want to play for pleasure, there are friendly matches, or they can meet up with other Club members, enjoy a relaxed practice session, followed by refreshments in the Clubhouse.
It is certainly not a pulse-raising sport, but it does keep people active, improves flexibility, stamina and strengthens muscles.
It is a game of skill and strength. For those people who are on their own (for whatever reason), it gives an opportunity to meet other people, and participate in social activities held at the Club.
Sevenoaks Bowling Club (outdoors) has been in existence for over 100 years. and is situated in Hollybush Close, next to the indoor Club. The summer season started at the end of April and this year the Club will be holding an Open Day for newcomers on May 6th, although players are always welcome at any time during the season.
Further details can be found on the clubs website at www.sevenoaksbowlsclub.co.uk.
