CROWTON BOWLING CLUB
NEWS - 2019
End of Season Review
Doesn't time fly - here we are again at the end of another season....and what a season it has been.
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On the club front, our membership is 31 members. We have welcomed six new bowlers to Crowton. We hope they have enjoyed their first year with us!
Peter Winnington continued his winning ways by lifting the Tony Nield trophy at the August Fun Day in the glorious sunshine. The weather wasn't as kind for the Wilbraham Cup, but it stayed dry long enough for Chris Morris to win the Cup and Peter Robinson to take the Shield (again!!).
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In the Mid-Cheshire League, vice-captain Phil Sidebotham led the team to second place and promotion to Section 3. This was an excellent performance by the team, with three players in the top 10 in the division averages. Of the nineteen players who turned out for the team, 15 had positive aggregates - showing the strength and depth of the squad - well done everyone! For the first time in many years, we entered a team in the Littler Cup, winning our preliminary match against Comberbach D, before losing to eventual semi-finalists Frodsham Red Lion A, in the first round.
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In the Norley Evening League, the team finished 6th for the second year running, with John Coats, our top bowler. This was a very pleasing result, as we didn't have last year's top bowler, Mike Dale in this year's squad. However, Chris Morris was an excellent replacement, finishing second in the "non-qualifying" league averages!! Chris also won through to the quarter finals of the Norley Merit, but was unable to take part due to holidays. We also played in the Coronation Cup this season, losing in the Preliminary round by 10 chalks to Tarporley A, who went on to compete in the quarter finals.
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Having been relegated last season, the Norley Afternoon team stopped the slide, finishing a creditable eighth in a very tight Section 5. Rob Wilton was top bowler, finishing 11th in the division averages. Two stand out results were the full house at home to Helsby B in June and a 167: 84 win at home to Kelsall in July.
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The biggest turn around occurred in the Runcorn League, where instead of coming bottom (as we had for the last two seasons), captain Alistair Dalzell led us to second, behind a very good Goshawk team. Ian Rigby and Phil Sidebotham were in the top 10 in the division averages, with Ian only second to Peter Dumbill due to a slightly lower aggregate.
Hopefully, we will be able to put two teams into the League next season, with the setting up of a 'B' team for new bowlers to gain experience of competitive bowling. (if you know of anyone who might be interested in playing in either the development team, or being a regular in the Section 2 team, please let John Coats know). Individually, we had players in the Abel Cup, Section 3 merit and Tudor Pairs. John Coats got to the final of the Section 3 merit, losing to Barry Hopley. In the Murphy Cup, the team lost 183 - 154 to eventual winners, Hazel Pear. In the consolation P&A Morgan Cup, we lost by the slimmest of margins to subsequent semi-finalists Grapes ABC Taxis, 223 to 224!!!
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Thank you to everyone for your support, whether it is by playing, cheering us on, marking or just by being a member of the Club.
Wilbraham Cup
On Sunday 22nd September, 12 members took part in the annual club competition, the Wilbraham Cup. The semi-finals saw Peter Winnington take on Paul Duckett, whilst Chris Morris played Will Daynes. Following some great, close bowling, the final pitted Chris against last year's winner Peter, with Chris taking the trophy.
Players who lost in their first game were entered into the Shield competition. Again, this was closely contested and saw Terry Summers play Simon Barton and John Coats play Peter Robinson in the semi-finals.
The final was between Simon and Peter, with Peter once again winning the Shield.
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Thank you to everyone for taking part and to Peter Bellis for running the competition. Also thank you to Ron and Peter B for donating prizes for the raffle, which raised £30.00 for club funds.
Midcheshire League success
Close on the success of the Runcorn League team, the Friday night team secured second place in Section 4 of the Midcheshire League, which should ensure promotion to Section 3 next season. The final match was a 197 - 125 win at home to Rudheath D. It has been a good season, with the team winning 16 of the 18 games played and with three Crowton players in the top 10 of the Division averages. After "knocking on the door" in third place for the last two seasons, it is great to finally be going up, alongside a strong Castle C team, who were 199 chalks ahead in first place.
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Congratulations to all those involved, whether you played 18 games or just one, and well done to Phil Sidebotham, for stepping in to take over the captaincy during the season.
Runcorn League Team's reversal of fortune
After two year's propping up the whole of the Runcorn League, by finishing bottom of Section 3, 2019 has seen the team gaining promotion to Section 2 by coming a close second to Peter Robinson's Goshawk team. The Crowton team has performed well winning 12 of the 18 games played. It has been extremely satisfying to see players develop over the past three years, and now be regularly playing in the "senior" teams in the Norley and Midcheshire leagues. Well done to all involved and 'Thank you' to Alistair Dalzell for his excellent captaincy.
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We are hoping to be able to start a new development team in Section 3 of the Runcorn League next year, so if you know of anyone who might be interested in playing please point them in the direction of John or Maggie Coats. The purpose of the development team is to provide competitive matches, but in a relaxed atmosphere, where it is about playing games and getting experience, without the pressure of trying to win the league!! We are a team of eight and play on a Tuesday night, starting at 6.30pm in the beginning and end of the season (when the nights are drawing in) and 7.00pm in the height of summer.
Funday success for Peter Winnington
Despite gloomy predictions from the weathermen, the sun shone and it was perfect playing conditions for the second annual Tony Nield Cup at Crowton Fun Day. Fifteen members took part in the round robin event, swapping partners after every six ends. A huge "Thank You" to Jeff Henton, who ensured that the day ran like clockwork.
It was lovely to see so many new members taking part, with five first timers to the competition. However, it was Peter Winnington who won overall, with an impressive 44 points from the five rounds. Second place went to Phil Sidebotham with 40 points.
We raised £47.30 for the Club and thank you to everyone for your support, for providing a great buffet and for the raffle prizes. It has been a lovely day, with lovely people and good bowling. The next Club event is the Wilbraham Cup on Sunday 22nd September 2019, which is the club knockout competition - contact John Coats if you wish to play.
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There are a few photographs from the day in the gallery (thanks Jeff).
Forthcoming Club Events
On 18th August 2019, we are hosting our third annual social event. The day will start at 10.30am and will consist of a "round robin" pairs competition, followed by an informal presentation and buffet. The event is open to all members, friends and families and is free to enter, but it would be appreciated if each person would bring something for the buffet. Maggie and John are co-ordinating the food, so please let them know what you would like to bring.
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If you are interested in attending, please let us know, either by signing up on the sheet in the Club or by contacting John or Maggie. You don't have to enter the pairs competition, there will be plenty of time for informal bowling, or for your friends and family to give it a try, but we would love you to come along and enjoy the day.
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On 22nd September 2019, we will be holding the Wilbraham Cup. This is a knockout competition for individual players. It is open to all members of the club. Any players losing their first round match will be entered into the Plate competition. If you are interested in playing, please let John or Maggie Coats know, or sign up on the sheet in the club.
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Murphy Cup - 25th April 2019
The first round of the Murphy Cup is scheduled for Thursday 25th April, when the Runcorn League team will take on Hazel Pear at Manley.
Coronation Cup result - 24th April 2019
The Norley Evening team bowed out of the Coronation Cup at the Preliminary Round stage, losing 225 to 247 against League 1 team - Tarporley A at Alpraham. A huge "Thank You" to the team for playing well on a difficult green, in cold and damp conditions.
First Round - Littler Cup
The First Round of the Littler Cup will now be played on Sunday 12th May 2019 - we are drawn against Frodsham Red Lion A. Venue is Norley.
Littler Cup Success
Friday 12th April saw the Midcheshire team take part in the preliminary round of the Littler cup at Frodsham Red Lion. This was the first time Crowton had entered a team in the competition for several years.
Under the watchful eye of Captain Brian Mills, the team beat Comberbach D, 183 - 133 before the application of the handicap. Even with the handicaps, Crowton won by 43 chalks. Well done to everyone involved.
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Forthcoming Games
The first Mid-Cheshire match of the season is the Preliminary Round of the Littler Cup on Friday 12th April, which sees us playing Comberbach D at Frodsham Red Lion. For further details, please contact Brian Mills or Phil Sidebotham.
The Runcorn League starts on 9th April, we are at home to Goshawk B. (Note: this is a change from the original published fixtures.
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On 17th April, the Norley Evening League starts with a home fixture against Norley. Maggie will be in contact with players to confirm the team. On 24th April, we have a Coronation Cup match at Alpraham, against Tarporley A.
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The Norley Afternoon League is the last to start, with the first match away at Cranford on 23rd April.
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Subscriptions for 2019 now due
The subscriptions for 2019 are now due - they remain at £20 for the season. Payment should be given to the Treasurer - Maggie Coats (07808765110). Cheques should be made payable to "Crowton Bowling Club".
League Greenage fees remain at £1.50 per game.
AGM 2019
The 13th Annual General Meeting of Crowton Bowling Club was held on Wednesday 13th February 2019 in the Main Hall of Crowton Village Hall. The draft notes of the meeting will be available for review in the Club house at Crowton. If any members would like a copy, please contact John or Maggie Coats and we will send you a copy.
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It was agreed that the yearly membership subscription will remain at £20.00 and green fees for each match will remain at £1.50 per game.
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For details of the current Committee Members and Captains and Vice Captains, please see our Officials page.
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