2011 February Monthly Report

Our month started with the final of the Ladies Charity Triples series of games for 2009/2010. This was played at Almeria against La Mata and finished on a high with three very good wins and one not so good losing team. I am sure the ladies are looking forward to the autumn when a new series will begin. All ladies from all clubs now plan to have a get together as they did last year at the Spanish restaurant, Torre Bahia on March 15^th at 1400

The new CALB Fours League competition commenced in January and continued in February, when our local clubs played against each other over six days. Some clubs entered more than one team and were split into two groups, Red and Blue. The upshot of this is that Almeria Bowling Club ended up by winning both groups. Our club used sixty members throughout and I have been asked by our captain Jim Pike, to give a special mention to the outstanding team of Carol and Wayne Roberts, Viv and Rod Digweed who maintained a clean sheet for all games.

The first club of this month’s competitions, the Appleby Vase, ladies singles and Dyer Cup, men’s singles were played over four days on 10,14,18^th culminating with the Final on Saturday 19^th. Again at the risk of repeating myself the entries were once again low compared with our membership numbers. Please try and support your club

However on Friday 18^th the semi-finals were decided. The Dyer Cup featured John Fitzgerald versus Graham Patrick and Jim Pike against Mike Hendry. The Appleby Vase, Sue Mannall versus Joan Parsons and Jane Franklin against Pat Deacon.  All games were good to watch ending with the finals between Graham and Jim and Jane versus Joan. 

The scene was set for the two Finals on the afternoon of Saturday 19^th in the Dyer Cup.  Jim Pike, who has been in several winning finals this year, was taking on the new star on the block, Graham Patrick. Jim did not play to his capabilities while Graham continued playing well, not allowing Jim to get ahead throughout the game and won comfortably.

The Appleby Vase final between two experienced players, Jane Franklin and Joan Parsons was a hard fought battle with Joan, a past winner of this competition, ahead on the fourteenth end by three shots. However a determined Jane didn’t let Joan score anymore shots taking the championship leaving Joan being bridesmaid for the second year running.

As usual thanks were given to all players, markers and spectators by yours truly for making these competitions go smoothly and effective.

The start of the mixed pairs open competition, the Inaugural Cup was on the 28^th and of course will be reported on in the March report.

We look forward our first fun day competition on the 17^th March, St Patrick’s. Unfortunately this year will not feature Ray and Siobhan our little leprechauns, because as most of you are aware Ray is still struggling with the after effects of his cancer operation. I know you will all be thinking of them and hope and pray that they will be back with us soon. 

Finally please don’t forget full competition reports, photographs and schedules will be found on our website, www.bowlingalmeria.com

Vic Parsons

ALBC Press Officer and Vice Chairman