CALB Men & Ladies Singles Final Report

Because of the signs of the time during 2009 the bowling clubs in the Almeria Province, the Costa Almeria Lawn Bowls Alliance (CALB) was formed to reduce the cost of playing bowls compared with the established Federation of Spanish Bowls.  (FEB) The CALB would be run separately in parallel with the FEB which would contine to operate, allbeit with fewer members.
A  working party investigated the idea in 2009, culminating in the first committees  being  formed in November with various officers from Almeria, Cabrera, La Mata and Indalo Bowling clubs, to manage all areas required to run an efficient organisation, playing all disciplines, Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours events. These would be planned to run throughout the year, starting with an ’Inaugural’ game on Sunday 10th January 2010 with members of all clubs invited to take part. This event was a huge success and the CALB was established.
The first discpline, the CALB Mixed Fours League, enjoyed by over 200 players participating, was played during January and February with Indalo Bowling Club winning all three divisions.
While the above was taken place, commencing in January and continuing though to April , a simular number of players taking  part in the the Men and Ladies Singles and Pairs knockout  competition  was being played, reaching the Semi-finals and Finals  on 11th and 18th April respectively.
The venue for the Semi-finals Men and Ladies Singles, on Sunday 11th April took place in the idealic setting of La Mata Bowling Club on Mojacar Playa, played on a beautiful sunny day and supported by many.
All Ladies who played in the semi-Finals were from Cabrera Bowling Club.  The first Semi –Final was between Chris Ivan and Janie Leggate’s, a game that did not last long with Chris not really finding her form and Janie winning easily. The second Semi-final between Joan Gardner and the very experienced Judy Abel took a little longer with many good shots made. Judy  apart from the first two ends never let Joan get in front winning comfortable. The Final was always going to be a well contested game with both Janie and Judy playing at the top of their games. The lead changing continually nearly every other end until the twentyforth, with the score at this stage 18-18. Unfortunately for Janie who was probably feeling tired after her many trips to the head lost a little concentration, with Judy wnning four shots to win a very long, close and challenging game.
The Men’s Semi-Finals were represented by three players from Cabrra and one from Almeria bowling clubs. The first  Semi was between Dave Jenkins who recently returnd from a trip to UK against Derek Webb who has had a battle with his health over the past couple of years, both players from Cabrera B.C. Derek was in a mean mood not allowing Dave to get into any rhythm and winning easliy. The second Semi  between Stan Brisco from Almeria B.C, another player who last year suffered with health  problems having a minor stroke, against Andy Cooper playing for Cabrera B.C. This was a game of mixed fortunes with Stan leading 13-6 on the ninth end, level on the forteenth end, with Andy taking the lead for the next two ends. Stan took two shots on the seventeenth looking good for a win. However a determined Andy then put on extreme pressure, winning three shots on the next and final end to win by five shots. The Final was unfortunately for Andy a game which he would like to forget. Derek continued in the mood he was in during the semi-final to win  comfortably.
Well done all players, markers, umpire and for the CALB organisation management for running a very professional competition. Also thanks to La Mata B.C. for allowing this competition to take place at their club.
Vic Parsons – ALBC Press Officer