The combination of gathering storm clouds and threatened heavy rain did not deter the dedicated bowlers of Ormskirk and Bootle Group who came together to compete for the annual crown green bowls tournament. The Dog and Gun in Aughton was once again the venue for this event.
Pictured from left to right, are: Stuart Cunningham, Frank Umbers and John Medcalf.
The much improved crown green at this local hostelry was looking at its best, no doubt due to the many hours of dedicated work undertaken by a small team of regulars that call this green their home. This provided ideal conditions for what was to become a strongly contested competition. John Glover of Park Hall Lodge No 8375 was once again in command bringing his usual expertise to the proceedings.
Competing for the Charity Challenge Cup this year were eight contestants from various lodges in the group who were cheered on by a number of supporters and friends.
Group chairman Frank Umbers welcomed everyone to the occasion with a special mention of Brian Cunliffe from Bootle who was competing for the first time.
The competition got under way with a round robin; the competitors were placed in two sets of four with each individual playing three games to the winning score of 15. This completed; the two members with the highest score in each group played the runner up in the opposing set. Ian Tupling of Aughton Lodge No 7996 competed against John Medcalf of St Michael’s Lodge No 5756 and Brian Cunliffe of Fermor Hesketh Lodge No 1350 took on Stuart Cunningham of Park Hall Lodge.
Frank (left) bowled over with his win against Malcolm (right).
This round completed saw John and Stuart come together one more time to contest for the title of outright winner with both finalists determined to give of their best. After a well fought battle John claimed victory with a score of 15 to 3.
Before presenting the prizes, Frank Umbers thanked everyone for attending and with a cheeky grin, and his usual wit, commented that during the competition he had had the pleasure of being triumphant over his rival grand officer Malcolm Alexander threatening to have his score card enlarged to A3 size and displayed on the wall at the Masonic hall; which led to much hilarity.
Frank went on to personally thank John Glover for once again organising the event and Mike Barker, landlord of the Dog and Gun Inn and a member of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511, for providing refreshments for the afternoon, his legendary chip butties.
The formal presentation was then undertaken with Frank handing over the runners up shield to Stuart and presenting the Challenge Cup to John with his warmest congratulations.
And just a mention regarding those menacing storm clouds, despite heavy down pours in the surrounding area, the green stayed dry throughout the afternoon, much to everyone’s delight.
Storm clouds couldn’t dampen enthusiasm.