It does not seem like 12 months since our last EALABA National Singles Championship. When we have a busy life and plenty of bowls, time flies.
We were pleased to welcome two new bowlers to our family: Daniel Humphreys, from Bridport, a coach and an L1 England player from the LD England squad, and Richard Badger from Tamworth who started bowls 3 months ago, had 6 coaching sessions and plenty of practice, this weekend will be a challenge for Richard however, the experience will be invaluable. Welcome both.
The host club, Tamworth IBC, opened its doors at 9.00am and their new caterers, Woodies, prepared loads of breakfast baps for the players as they arrived. After their warm up session, the 2 day battle began.
Contesting the Championship were Gary Swift (Harrogate IBC), Rhys Taylor (Charnwood IBC), Alex Comack (Barwell IBC), Steve Smith (Old Coulsdon IBC), Richard Badger (Tamworth IBC), Colin Wagstaff (Oakham BC), David Stearn (Cambridge Chesterton BC), Steve Angus (Stanley & South Shields BC), Harry Atkin (Church Gresley IBC), Chris Gray (Wellingborough IBC), Rhys Milton (Leicester IBC), Daniel Humphreys (Bridport BC) and stand-ins due to late withdrawals Richard Milton and Ray Gray.
14 players, in 2 round robin groups of 7, commenced their matches at 10.00am. Markers were from the host Club, overseeing each match and ensuring the match rules were followed under the direction of Competition Secretary/Umpire, Kirsty Atkins with helper Bill Riches, level 2 coach.
Each match lasted 70 minutes, there were two sessions prior to, and after lunch. Sunday followed the same morning format and after the Sunday roast lunch, group runners up played for the 3rd and 4th place. Group winners contested for the runner up, and EALABA National Singles Championship 2024 winner.
Final Group placings
In the group phase there were excellent matches. Group 1 was tight at the top with 3 points between the top 3 players. Group 2 saw Harry Atkin undefeated with Colin Wagstaff 3 points behind.
A special mention go to new bowler Richard Badger and England L2 Rhys Milton. Richard had never played any games/matches previously, he won 2 of his matches. With more game play and coaching Richard has a good future in the game. Rhys played a solid game losing by only 1 shot to 4th placed Colin Wagstaff and again by only 1 shot to finalist Harry Atkin, excellent.
Before the Sunday afternoon finals we ran a Spider. Members donated to a cancer charity fund for our late member Paul Baker who passed away earlier this year. Paul was an absolute devil for a cheese board, so in agreement with Paul’s wife Sandra, the Spider winner won a superb cheese board, kindly donated by the caterers.
3rd and 4th place play off was contested by IBD World Finalist Colin Wagstaff (not long back from South Africa) and England B8 Gary Swift. Gary was first off the mark with a single, then Colin with a 1 & 3, then Gary picked up a 3. The match was nip and tuck. At end 12 it was close Gary lead 11-9. Then Gary hit a 3, a big score so close to the end of the match. Gary finally won 14-11.
The play off for the Championship between England L1 Chris Gray and England L2 Harry Atkin was a different match all together. The score belies the quality of this match. Harry took a single on the first end then Chris got the mat and he was not giving it back. Harry eventually got another single at the tenth end. But Chris Gray was relentlessly accurate, dominating each end with superb drawing, and not letting Harry in, despite him trying every shot in his armoury. Chris took the Championship for the 2nd time 21-2.
EALABA National Singles Champion – Chris Gray
Take a look at some action shots in our Gallery. Click on first photo to enlarge and use > to scroll through.
A huge thank you goes to all the mom’s and dads, supporters, stand-in bowlers and committee members. Thank you also goes to markers – Geoff Knott, Julia Evans, Maurice Jones, Heather Jacob, Ian Jacob and Bill Riches.
Thank you Ian Jacob (Tamworth IBC future county bowler) for presenting the trophies.
Final thank you to caterer Kerry, lovely grub.
.. and finally see you at the EALABA National Drawn Pairs Championship, 19th & 20th October. Register NOW if you haven’t already done so.
See all our Winter Season Events.
PS Our new EALABA bowls tops have been provided by Invictus through Shotbowl Ltd, suppliers of competitively priced bowls and sports equipment. QUIZ what is the difference between our original and new tops. The clue is in the photo gallery.