2013 March Club Report

This year’s round-robin open mixed pairs the Inaugural Cup was played on Monday and Tuesday 4th and 5^th. March. However due to heavy rain on both days only four sessions compared with the six scheduled were played. This year the event was sponsored by Iberian Funeral Plans. The winners were Graham and Catherine Patrick with 35 points from Almeria. Second were Paul and Judy Abel, 32 points from Cabrera and third were Doreen Hall and Andy Cooper with 30 points from Indalo. Cash prizes were presented to the first three pairs by Dawn Coleman of Iberian Funeral Plans of 80 euro 1^st, 40 euro 2^nd and for third place, 20 euro.

The ALBC Drawn Triples   commenced with the Preliminary and Quarter Finals on 11^th March. The Semi-Finals and Final taking place a week later on Monday 18^th. The final winners were Peter Steenstrup, John Mannall and John Phoenix beating in the semi-final John Fitzgerald who was supported by two fairly new bowlers in our club, Tony Reynolds and Rod Dougal. The other finalists were Roy Tonkin, Graham Patrick and Chris Ewer, possibly the favorites to take the championship that beat Frank Foster, Dianne Reynolds and Carol Roberts, in their semi-final.

On Friday15th March the CALB Men and Ladies Singles Finals took place at Almeria Bowling Club. The Semi-Finals were played at the challengers bowling club. This competition began in December 2012 and involved over eighty players from bowling clubs, Almeria (ABC) Cabrera (CAB) and Indalo. (IND) Almeria Bowling club were prominent with Graham Clough winning the Men’s Singles. In the Men’s Pairs Colin Wright and Roy Tonkin beat another Almeria pair Graham Patrick and John Fitzgerald.  In the Ladies Singles Catherine Patrick reached the Semi’s. Congratulations to Sue Mannall and Jane Franklin reaching the final of Ladies Pairs against the winners Lyn Stoyles and Judy Abel .I am sure you will all join me in congratulating all of our players who did so well.

Following this the annual celebrations of St Patrick’s Day took place on the 17^th March. As ever Siobhan Herrity, our little leprechaun was magnificent organising the day. She was however supported well by our fellow Irish members, John and Eileen Phoenix together with Sue Mannall, Catherine Patrick, Sandra Bain and other members all helping to make the day so successful. As you are aware all monies raised on this day go to a charity. This year it will be our pleasure to present it to Asprodalba. Thank you to everyone who helped with achieving the superb amount of 847 Euro. This was achieved by a club raffle where members donated prizes, a fabulous tombola organised by Margaret and Bob Bulmer- Kirby where contributions were collected throughout the campsite and Leisure. Dawn of’ ’Iberian Funeral Plans’ donated a bottle of Brandy for the annual ‘Spider’ for the winner. This was then released from the winner, willingly!!Catherine Patrick, It was then played for again, when members compete by tossing Euros along the deck towards the bottle, the nearest resting euro to the bottle is the winner. Graham Patrick did his usual great job in ensuring this went well, adding to the charity fund. Fancy dress competitions took place and a report of the day, including the winners will be found on our website.

Sunday Bonanza the popular event took every Sunday during the month with winners on the 3rd, Bryan and Jane Franklin,/10^th, Kevin Johnson, Andy Cooper and Don Kitchen /24^th. Kevin Johnson and Dave  Allen /31^st, Jean Willoughby and Clive Pritchard. Apart from the 24^th when a 4-2-2 competition was held at Indalo with many of our players taking part. Was well attended. Well done to Thelma gamble who reached the Final in this competition.

The Ladies Charity Triples played now for four years was very successful in raising 920 Euro for Macs (220 E), Food Bank Turre (200E)  David an 8 year old blind boy (450E) Paws (50 E) the distribution agreed by all ladies.. Jackie Mayhew thanks all those   involved for their generosity. Special mentions Chris Ivin, Sue Mannall, Sandra Bain for their support and help with the Annual Luncheon.

Finally our membership has increased with lots of new members over the past year. Thanks must be said for the time given by Jim Pike introducing these members to the game and currently continued by our official coaches Stan Brisco and Sandra Bain. As usual please note that most of above can be read in full on our website, www.bowlingalmeria.com

Vic Parsons ABC Press Officer