Photo show. Dave Mathias and the fifteen players and Deputy President Jack Hunt.

The 2021 Vet’s Merit Final was held this year at Benllech BC. Our host for the day was Immediate Past President, Dave Mathias. The honour is given to the Immediate Past President to host this event in their area and one they look forward to.

Qualifying rounds are held in each of the four Crown Green areas ( Flintshire, Glyndwr, Gwynedd and Wrexham) where sixteen progress to the final day. Our Referees were DT Evans, Alan Davies and Arthur Peake.

The only lady in the line up, Amanda Nicholas, drew one of the toughest shots of the day meeting the WCGBA current holder of the Vet’s title, Gary Roberts. Gary started well but Amanda held her own throughout with only a couple of chalks between them. After reaching 17 across, Amanda took the lead. This was to be the longest of the first round matches, ending in a 21-20 victory for Amanda.

Bobby Jones cruised to a 21-3 win over his opponent, Mike Rogers.  Mike Chamberlain went through round one with a 21-6 win. At game number seven John Bonatti did not get off to a good start but came back to be only a couple of points behind at 12-10. From 17 across, however, his opponent Merfyn Jones ran out 21-17. Kevin Nicholas played a steady game to win 21-17 against Steve Cordall and John Jones had a close gave with Roger Wilson but won 21-20.

In the first Quarterfinal, Amanda took on Bobby Jones. She played another excellent game but, this time the luck wasn’t with her and Bobby won 21-20. Husband Kevin had an equally enthralling game with Bobby’s brother John who eventually won 21-19. The other quarterfinalists, Mike Chamberlain and Barry Harris had aleady ensured their places in the Semi Finals.

In the Semi finals it was not to be ‘the Jones Boys’’ day. Mike Chamberlain got off to a strong start against Bobby Jones which he maintained to win 21-10. Barry Harris – who’d had a Bye in round one – looked very comfortable. John Jones pegged away at Barry’s lead but couldn’t quite break through. Barry won 21-17.

It was a no nonsense final between Mike Chamberlain and Barry Harris. Mike took an early lead ,  9-4 and then stretched it to 15-8. Barry couldn’t find the form of his earlier game and tried everything he could to strike out in front. Mike Chamberlain eventually won 21-17 to become the Welsh Vets Champion. Mike Chamberlain, Barry Harris  now qualify for the British Vets Merit final day at Prees, Shropshire in August.

Dave Mathias with the Semi finalists, LR  Barry Harris, John Jones, Bobby Jones and Mike Chamberlain.