Saturday 31st August saw the start of Hook & Southborough club finals weekend. With a great turnout on the day of members to watch the matches, the morning kicked off with three finals taking place in the morning. The Strudwick Cup for new players and members who have never won a trophy at the club before. An Open Singles match using 4 bowls, the winner the first to get 21 shots. — Andy Frost played off against Nigel White with all square at 18 points each after 23 ends, Andy won by 21pts to 18pts on the 24th end.
Dave Savage took on Des Cripps in the Open 2 Woods Final, using 2 bowls the highest score over 21 ends. Another exciting finish with Dave holding 19pts after 20 ends and Des holding 17pts, Dave held onto the lead on the last end with Des only able to get one point making a final score of 19pts to Dave and 18pts to Des.
Andrew Evans took on Derek St Romaine in the Woodthorpe Cup, played over 11 ends or first to reach 55pts using a scoring system of 4pts nearest the jack, 3pts second nearest, 2pts third nearest and 1pt fourth nearest. Andrew won with a final score of 57-40pts.
After enjoying a smashing lunch provided by Karen Houle for players and spectators and inbibing in suitable liquid refreshments from the club bar, it was time to play three more finals during a pleasently warm afternoon.
Roy Hayes Cup played over 21 ends using 3 bowls saw Dave Savage play off against Derek St Romaine, both of whom had played a finals match earlier on in the day. Dave Savage took an early lead with 10pts to Derek’s 3pts after 10 ends played. Derek managed to pull it back to even the scores at 17pts each on the last end, forcing an extra end with Dave taking 1pt to win 18-17pts.
The Men’s Handicap Final – 21 shots using 4 bowls, saw Des Cripps with a handicap of 0 take on Andy Frost with a handicap of 6. Andy had also played a finals match earlier in the day. Des clawed the points back slowly and after 10 ends went into the lead with 10pts to 9pts and after 15 ends won 22-14pts.
The Ladies Handicap Final – 21 shots using 4 bowls, saw Una Douglas with a handicap of 1 take on Jill Cripps with a handicap of 2. Jill got off to a flying start leading 10pts to 4pts after 8 ends. Una drew even on the 12th end at 10pts all. Una went on to win 21-11pts on the 19th end.
Sunday 1st September started off in morning sunshine with the longest match to complete taking place, the Open Pairs Final. 21 ends using 4 bowls each. Una Douglas and Dave Savage took on Dave Bushnell and Andrew Evans. Over two hours later Dave Bushnell and Andrew Evans won the match.
After another great buffet lunch provided by Karen Houle. Una, Dave Savage and Andrew who had already played a tiring match in the morning went out again in the heat of the afternoon to play the finale of the weekend. Una Douglas took on Linda Cooper for the Ladies Championship, 21 shots using 4 bowls and David Savage took on Andrew Evans in the Men’s Championship, again 21 shots using 4 bowls. After two close matches, Linda Cooper won the ladies match and David Savage the men’s match.
After a very successful afternoon, and a vote of thanks to Des Cripps for organising the 2024 internal club competitions, players and spectators retired to the clubhouse for drinks and discussions of the days events.
