The final major event of the season, the Welsh Champion of Champions, was held on Sunday 7th October at Coed Talon Bowling Club. This event is in its fourth year and spectators had a tasty line up of players to watch. Forget ‘elite’ or ‘cream’, this is just about bowls at its best.
President Brenda Jones was the host, starting the games off in style. Referees for the day were DT Evans, Arthur Peake and Peter Hughes.
With the first four games underway, there was one change to the list with Chris Eccles ( Flintshire Midweek Merit winner ) taking the place of Kerry Morris.
Most of the games were pretty close with only a point or two in it. Linda Williams ( WCGBA Ladies Merit winner) forged ahead in her game with Jason Jones ( Abergele F/Lit Singles), going 10-5 up before Jason struck back, gaining on Linda’s lead. Towards the end of their match Jason was 18-17 up. He ran out game 21-18 in the closest match of the first round. Steve Lawley (Colwyn Bay Legion Open) beat Geraint Roberts( WCGBA Vets Merit ) 21-15, Chris Slater (St Asaph Open) beat Jane Bowler ( Carenarfon Singles) 21-15 and Chris Eccles beat Pat Roscoe ( Ladies Rose Bowl trophy) 21-5.
The second four games in the first round saw Garry Roberts (George Davies Trophy) win his game against Paul Hallet ( Gresford) 21-11, John Bailey ( WCGBA Senior Merit and BCGBA Champion of Champions 2018 ) was not to make it a double this time and lost to Daniel Jones ( Hawkesbury Round Table) 21-16. David ‘Rocky’ Jones( Wrexham Premier League Merit) played John Short ( NW Coast Merit) and won 21-17. Sam Williams ( WCGBA Junior Merit) had a tough game against Gareth P Hughes (Don Morgan Trophy) and was well down at the start before settling in to win 21-19.
In the second round it was an easier run for Steve Lawley who won his game 21-9 with Chris Eccles. Chris Slater met a determined Jason Jones and lost 21-13. Jason was the first winner of the Welsh Champion of Champions in 2015.
Garry Roberts and Daniel Jones’ game started off well for Garry but then Daniel, who played all of the green well, came back to finish 21-20. Rocky and Sam were a good pair to watch. They know each other well, but they are excellent sportsmen, and gave us plenty of entertainment. Rocky finally won 21-16.
In the Semi Final, Steve Lawley had a close game with Jason Jones with not much between them in points most of the way. Steve eventually fought his way to a 21-19 win. Daniel Jones started strongly in his Semi against Rocky, going 15-7 up. Rocky bowled some stunning woods to take a few more points. Daniel was not to be denied his place in the final and eventually won 21-16.
By the final, there seemed to be no stopping Daniel in his progress to win the championship this year. He stormed away to a 10-3 lead and Steve had to work hard to claw back some points. Daniel clinched the title with a comfortable 21-9 win.
WCGBA President Brenda Jones with this year’s champions.
Article written by Jeanette Higham, WCGBA Press Officer
