The Welsh Crown Green Junior Merit was held at Hawkesbury Bowling Club on Sunday 27^th July. 2025

It was disappointing to see only thirteen entries on this, the Deputy President’s day. With school holidays and other bowls events on locally and further afield numbers were well down, and it is hoped things will change for next year.

Referees on the day were Peter Hughes and Richard Haywood, admirably assisted by club members. President, Pauline Lindley, Management members, Dusia Price, Sandra and Ron West, Organisers Simon Walker, Ashley Zepeda and Patron John Percy also came to support the day.

In round one, Jack Dougal got off to a tremendous start and was soon 12-1 up on opponent Ifan Farrar. At 1-4 up it looked like the game was in the bag, but Ifan scored  point after point and was soon 18-12 behind. Jack was made to work for the final few chalks to win 21-14. Sam Bennet and Conor Edwards’ game was close at the start before Conor ran out 21-18. There were good wins for Dyfan Thomas 21-15 against Joshua Humphries, Awel Jones 21-19 over Owain Farrar. Lois Mai Jones, Dylan Pritchard  and Cai Williams also made it to the next stage.

The first game in the next round was Lois against Jack. Both seasoned players, Jack did not find this game as easy as his first. Lois eventually won 21-14. The match between Connor and Awel was another one to watch. Awel bowled some excellent woods, making Conor work hard to win 21-15. Dyfan Thomas won 21-15 and Cai won his game with Haiden Williams to book his place in the Semi final.

Lois suffered a wobble at the start of her Semi with Cai , 7-1down,  before taking things in hand to 16-12, only four points down.  She soon made it 19 across, then 20 across. We all felt for Cai as Lois took the last point 21-20. In Conor and Dyfan’s game, Dyfan bowled like one on a mission. He started well and had no intention of letting up going 12-2 ahead before winning 21-9 in the end.

The final between Lois and Dyfan was another thriller. Lois went 7-1 down at the start and stayed behind all the way. She clawed a few points back, but Dyfan had the shield in his sights and won 21-15. Lois and Dyfan now qualify for the BCGBA Junior Merit final next month. Lois also qualifies for the British Junior Ladies event and Dyfan for the Junior Men competition to come.

This is a major showcase for young bowlers from Wales and leads to automatic entry to the BCGBA Junior Merit for the winner and Runner-up. Wales has a pretty strong success rate at this level, so the hope is that the Junior Welsh event will be seen as the important competition it is.