CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Bowls England's current Covid-19 guidance for clubs and players: https://bit.ly/2VUzID3
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ABOUT US: Abington Bowling Club is one of Northampton's sporting institutions. Based just south of Abington Park, we are in close proximity to the Old Northamptonians Sports Ground. Just a short way east of the town centre. We provide a competitive but welcoming environment for anyone who fancies taking up outdoor flat green bowls, the most popular form of bowls, and the most inclusive of all sports.
We also boast one of the biggest and most furbished clubhouses in the region, complete with lounge area, dining room and boardroom. We offer usage of any of these to interested parties. Click on 'Hire our Facilities' above to see what we can provide.
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9/6/2021
MONDAY TRIPLES LEAGUE: WEEK 4
A STRONG WIN at Cold Ashby has lifted the Abington B-team back into a prominent place in the Monday Triples League 3rd Division.
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Daventry Tigers |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
218 |
137 |
17.5 |
|
Brackley |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
193 |
151 |
14 |
|
Abington B |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
189 |
162 |
12 |
|
Heyford |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
186 |
180 |
12 |
|
Carlsberg |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
182 |
166 |
10 |
|
Cold Ashby |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
161 |
193 |
8 |
|
Harpole A |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
138 |
179 |
6.5 |
|
Kislingbury A |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
119 |
218 |
0 |
Two of the three rinks triumphed, with selector Jonathan Brown's trio reaching 19 before the halfway mark and not dropping a shot until the eighth end. They did relax a little after that, but despite dropping a four on the last end, still won by 12. On the next rink, Dave Fage's unit finished almost as strongly as Brown's had started, taking 15 shots from the second half to eventually finish seven in credit.
The win lifted them up into third place. Going back above Heyford on shot difference offers a slight balm on the sting left by the Bs' match against them just a few days before. This fixture had been abandoned due to heavy rain a fortnight before, but on the second night, it was Abington who found themselves cascaded upon. With just six ends to play, the home side looked certain of at least a points majority, with captain Rob Archer 21-1 up and barely anything in the other two.
Archer and Peter Milburn's rinks would go on to seal a point apiece (the latter continually being pegged back but never losing their lead), but Mick Hall's rink lost a scarcely credible 19 in just six ends. The cumulative effect of which lead to Heyford snatching an improbable aggregate victory by just one shot. Hopefully those two dropped points will not be regretted come the end of the campaign, although without them, the top three would be clear of the rest. The league takes another short rest for the 1st round of the knockout tournament next week, but there's a crunch match with undisputed Division 3 leaders Daventry Tigers to look forward to when it returns.
Meanwhile the A-team have slipped a litle in Division 1, taking only one point of a possible 10 from their matches vs Kingsthorpe A (away) and West End A (home). Not entirely unexpected given recent head-to-heads, although there were a few results elsewhere that went against the formbook. Credit goes to Adam Hawkings, Alan Coleman and Pat McAlwane for that point, secured largely thanks to a stunning opening period.
A 16-2 lead after just six ends gave Abington hope that a great night could be on the cards, before bitter reality set in elsewhere. In the previous game at Kingsthorpe, Stuart Johnston's rink salvaged respectability with seven across the last five ends bringing their deficit down to just two. But that was about all that could be taken as the other two setups sank to losses of 5-21 and 11-24.
Sixth place behind Earls Barton is the price to pay for the disappointing loss in the opening game - with the thrashing of Byfield still the only positive result so far. Though to be fair, Barton also pulled off a stunning win away at champions Express A this week. It is now Abington A's target to at least match that result in their knockout game on the next Monday, June 14th.
*STILL PRECIOUS few highs in the county and national competitions since our last update. Both entries in the women's county triples - skipped by Barbara Astle and Lis Milburn - made an immediate exit, while only two wins were registered on the day of the men's 2-wood singles early rounds, and one of those came when Adam Brown knocked out clubmate Alan Mann!
The only Abington success against a bowler from elsewhere was Alan Dunkley's opening round win over Kislingbury's Kevin Mawson - who just so happened to be the event's organiser on the day. Credit should go to Mawson for keeping the show running smoothly despite a host of dropouts - which did at least conspire to move two of our men just one step away from qualification for the quarter-finals! Alas, Jonathan Brown and Adam Hawkings both found themselves thrust into contests against opponents who had already worked out the run of the green from two previous games. And it doesn't help that both Danny Walker and Andy Fowkes (both of West End) are very capable bowlers anyway...
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25/5/2021
COUNTY COMPS: LITTLE JOY IN MEN'S TRIPLES
THE COUNTY competitions recently made their return after a year away, but it's not quite as we knew them.
The national governing body, Bowls England, announced at the outset of the year that its national pairs, triples and fours contests would be played in a format reduced from the traditional. Fewer bowls and/or fewer ends with the aim of making bowls a faster, more skill-based game. And so the county comps, which act as qualifiers have changed likewise.
Unfortunately, Abington's men did not adjust terribly well to the new 2-wood triples. Of the nine games featuring at least one of our rinks, only two ended in a positive result for our club - and one of those was an all-Abington clash between Phil Reeve and John Freeman's entries. The latter emerged from a close contest 17-11.
Freeman, assisted by Terry Brown and club champion Tony O'Leary, was then turfed straight out in the next round by West End's highly-rated young bowler David Walker. The other triple to toast at least one win, Rob Archer, Alan Coleman and Pat McAlwane, succumbed to Ray Castle of Kingsthorpe one round short of the quarter-finals. They put up a spirited resistance but were left chasing the game from a third of the way in, and could never catch them again. This was the second Abington scalp for Castle, having knocked out Peter Milburn's trio in an earlier round.
The situation was not much improved in the men's singles, despite that retaining its classic format of 4-woods, 'first to 21'. Adam Brown was extremely unfortunate to lose to Bowls Northants president Paul Green 19-21, but Rob Archer and Phil Reeve could do little except acknowledge the gulf in quality to Vernon Gearey and Jamie Walker. Respectively, each game showcased the difference between club and county level, and then county and national level bowlers, with Abington's boys barely hitting double figures between them.
It can work the other way for us though, as Tony O'Leary proved with untroubled victories in both the county and national champions singles, dropping only a combined nine shots to players from Harpole (E Carter) and Kislingbury (Stephen Hill). Dave Jones was the only other survivor from the 1st round of the men's county singles, emerging 21-17 against his namesake Wiggins from Brackley. Though Dave Fage, given a bye into the 2nd, has already won a place in the 3rd, beating another Harpole bowler, M Edwards, 21-16. Northampton Express star Dominic Graham now lies in wait...
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25/5/2021
MONDAY TRIPLES LEAGUE: HOW THINGS STAND AFTER 3 WEEKS
THE FIRST inter-club competition to make its way back onto Abington's agenda was the old faithful, the men's local Monday evening triples league.
Not all is as we left it after a year's break. For 2021 at least, with distancing measures in place for at least the first month or so, teams are limited to three rinks instead of the usual four. There is at least one potential benefit to fewer bowls being played - tighter contests. Both in the games and in the league as a whole, with a point less available per match than before.
Abington A were to prove this in their opening game at Earls Barton. With a couple of ends to play, they held an aggregate lead of two. But a three-shot swing nicked it for the home side. If Alan Dunkley's trio had scored rather than conceded one on the final end, the points situation would have been completely reversed. As it happened, the As had to settle for just one and a half from a game they would have been quietly confident of winning.
Indeed, it's been a more mixed picture for Abington so far than was hoped. A kind start on paper for the A-team, whose first two fixtures were against the 1st Division's newly-promoted sides, did at least produce one emphatic win, over Byfield in the first home game. Pat McAlwane and company's 29-4 will be hard to top as the campaign's highest winning rink. It's no surprise that a 70-24 aggregate produced a clean sweep of points.
Meanwhile, the B-team, who exited 2019 with a shock relegation to Division 3, would have been similarly hopeful of a hefty tally already. It's been well over a decade since they played in the lower tiers and two of the A-side's long-time skips, Jonathan Brown and Dave Fage, have moved down to help out with their plight. But as with the As, a decent home win vs Harpole, secured by strong finishes from the aforementioned duo and their rinkmates, was followed by an indifferent performance at Brackley that ended on the wrong side of a knife-edge.
On this occasion, Peter Milburn's rink were the heroes, with a late flourish of six shots across the final two ends to win by 10, and Brown and Fage were defeated. The aggregate was tied, but with two winning rinks, Brackley edged it 3-2 on points. At least one of the trickier fixtures of the campaign has been dispensed with early doors, and without disgrace.
And then, the rain conspired to prevent either from completing their third scheduled game, though most of the rest of the league did play on. The situation stands thusly in Divisions One and Three:
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Daventry Tigers |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
159 |
108 |
12.5 |
|
Carlsberg |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
112 |
67 |
9 |
|
Brackley |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
134 |
117 |
9 |
|
Cold Ashby |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
122 |
138 |
7 |
|
Abington B |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
95 |
73 |
6 |
|
Heyford |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
49 |
32 |
5 |
|
Harpole A |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
92 |
147 |
1.5 |
|
Kislingbury A |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
90 |
159 |
0 |
Already, there's some catching up to do. Some of it from postponement, some of it self-inflicted. Realistically, it will be tricky for the A-side to do more than maintain their current fifth place, but the traditional top sides have displayed more vulnerability with the reduced format, and dark horses Desborough have stolen a march on everybody. Abington B definitely have higher aims, and a truer position should emerge when they replay their abandoned home game vs Heyford next Wednesday. Whatever happens this year, expect tension.
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16/5/2021
COMING BACK TO BOWLS: NEXT EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
THIS WEEK sees a big relaxation of England's coronavirus restrictions. Most notably for our and all clubs is permission to reopen indoor hospitality. So, from Monday the 17th May members and guests will again be allowed to sit, eat and drink in our clubhouse.
For this next month, until the final easing in mid-June, our procedures will be similar to those last season, except this time there is no one-way system. Please wear a mask until you have sat down, and please leave the distanced seating arrangement where you find it (and do not shut the windows). Your drinks order will be brought to you at your table. Elsewhere, limits will remain in place on numbers allowed in the changing rooms at any one time - no more than six people in the men's and four in the women's. And again, unless exempt, please wear a face covering at all times.
On a lighter note, the easing sees a welcome return to the original friendly fixture list. Abington is greatly looking forward to catching up with all our old friends after the longest gap we've ever known. Bowls England rules on how many can use a green are also relaxing, now maxing out at 48 (a number almost never exceeded in any case, as this represents a full six-rink game of fours).
Groups up to 30 can now congregate off the green and spectators are being readmitted. All equipment is now permitted. Just remember to continue sanitising mats, jacks, sticks, scoreboards, pushers, etc. The one other big change is the return of car sharing, allowing members to travel to away matches together.
Of course, competitive bowls has already made its return, with triples the word of the week just gone. Abington resumed action in the Northampton Area Monday League and men's county triples, amongst other things. Results will follow in due course.
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15/4/2021
ANNOUNCEMENT RE FRIENDLIES
WITH REGRET, Abington BC has decided to cancel all friendly fixtures scheduled before 17th May.
In common with many other clubs, the committee has decided to keep to 'members only' gatherings until the next major relaxing of pandemic restrictions in England. The Saturdays and Thursdays until the reopening of indoor hospitality will not lie barren though. If you would like to be considered for any of our captains' fun days, please notify Phil Reeve for Saturdays and Reg Jones for Thursdays.
Formats will be decided upon as soon as it's clear how many would like to take part. It's possible the events will be split in two, if demand exceeds the amount of people the club is currently allowed on the premises. All play will be conducted in greys so you do not have to change. You will also have to bring your own food.
Apologies for this late interruption, especially to those clubs we were initially hoping to welcome back after a long absence. Hopefully, this is one of few remaining hiccups before we are back to bowls as we knew it. Stay safe.
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4/4/2021
WELCOME BACK TO BOWLS
THE DAWN of a new season is upon us, and scarcely has one ever been looked forward to more.
More than a year on since the coronavirus pandemic fundamentally changed our usual way of life, we look back with sorrow at what it has taken from us, but also forward again, with hope that we will soon be out the other side. The reopening of grassroots sports clubs across England at the end of March was a crucial marker on the road back to 'normality', and has come just in time for the outdoor bowling season.
The 'official' opening of the Abington green will be on Saturday 24th April with the traditional 'Our Day' event, but greenkeeper Martin Trasler has permitted its use for an extra week in advance. So if there is space available you may have a rollup from the 17th.
HOWEVER, caution remains the watchword. Even though almost all of our members will have received at least one, if not both, doses of their Covid vaccine, the virus remains transmissible by anyone and multiple restrictions remain in place. Although we hope to fulfil all our fixtures this year - and are allowing access to non-members again - the early weeks of this season will procedurally resemble the previous one.
Mats and jacks still require regular sanitisation, and bottles of such will be laid out on each rink. Only 24 people will be allowed on the green, until further notice. And, even though the bar will be able to serve drinks by the time we're back bowling, the clubhouse and changing facilities remain off limits until Monday 17th May, when England as a whole reopens indoor hospitality. (Which means that if you would like to take part in any of the first few fixtures you will have to notify the appropriate captain.) So, please arrive already dressed for your game or rollup. Please also respect the current national guidelines on social distancing, and stay at least 2 metres (6 feet, 7 inches) apart from those outside your household.
Naturally, updates on further easing of these restrictions will be posted nearer the time. Fixture lists and competition draws will also be published very soon. It's still not quite bowls as we knew it, but with your cooperation, we will get back there sooner rather than later. Thank you.
All the best for your return to bowls in 2021!
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13/1/2021
RIP BIG MAN: Abington Bowling Club would like to pass on its condolences to the family and friends of our long-time member Scott Osbourne, who has died at the age of 88.
Scott first joined Abington in 1980 and was ever after an enthusiastic supporter of the club, serving multiple stints as Saturday team captain. He had some success in club competitions, most notably becoming the first three-time winner of the Veterans Cup, but there were also triumphs in the Handicap Cup and the 2-Wood, the latter as recently as 2009.
Above all though, he'll be remembered for a kindly demeanour that belied his great frame, a wicked sense of humour and that rich, deep voice he expressed it with. The very definition of a 'Gentle Giant'.
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11/12/2020
CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW - OUR LUCKY WINNERS
THE CHRISTMAS and 100 Club prize draws were held earlier this afternoon. With current coronavirus restrictions ruling out our usual eventful evening, we are posting the winners here on the website for the first time.
Firstly, the 100 Club lottery, with a potential jackpot of £200 awarded to whoever had their number picked first by the machine. Winnings will be paid by cheque, unless recipients would prefer it to be deposited straight into their bank accounts. Please contact our treasurer Allen Johnson if so.
|
Ticket |
Name |
|
|
£200 |
56 |
Ollie Kirkwood |
|
£125 |
27 |
Jonathan Brown |
|
£100 |
36 |
Chris Beck |
|
£100 |
10 |
Colin Bradbury |
|
£75 |
61 |
Dave Poole |
|
£75 |
63 |
Alan Bailey |
|
£75 |
28 |
Adam Hawkings |
|
£50 |
3 |
Dave Brawn |
|
£50 |
78 |
Gordon Stringer |
|
£50 |
59 |
Rob Archer |
Following that, the annual big Christmas raffle. Congratulations to everyone who has won a prize, especially those who will take home two, three or even four!
|
Prize |
Ticket |
Name |
|
Kettle charcoal BBQ |
365 |
Gordon Stringer |
|
Xmas hamper |
361 |
Linda Beck |
|
White wine + choc Brazils |
205 |
Adam Brown |
|
Merlot, Xmas pudding, orange segs |
84 |
Molly Atterbury |
|
Ladies cosmetics + Madeira |
144 |
Peter Boulden |
|
Wines + Celebrations |
171 |
Dave Brawn |
|
Rose wine + shortbread |
354 |
Pete Hollingworth |
|
Tea + biscuits |
281 |
Dick Voller |
|
Navy rum |
235 |
Stuart Johnston |
|
White wine + shortbread |
342 |
Dave Jones |
|
Clock + chocs |
322 |
Molly Atterbury |
|
Xmas hamper |
38 |
Jonathan Brown |
|
Red wine + Heroes |
349 |
Michelle Brown |
|
Bowls carrier, scorecard holder, chocs |
189 |
Harvey Fruish |
|
Tartan teddy bear + Scotch whiskey |
357 |
Carole Voller |
|
Afternoon tea for 2 @ Beckworth |
143 |
Peter Boulden |
|
Chocolate selection |
210 |
Alan Mann |
|
Wine selection |
343 |
Reg Jones |
|
Mug of cake + Roses |
259 |
Dave Jones |
|
Port |
255 |
Margaret Sidebottom |
|
Mulled wine + Milk Tray |
260 |
Mick Hall |
|
Xmas hamper |
284 |
Dick Voller |
|
Campari + shortbread house |
363 |
Gordon Stringer |
|
Abington BC teddy bear |
172 |
Adam Brown |
|
Wine selection |
77 |
Dave Poole |
|
Air hockey game |
358 |
Carole Voller |
|
Steak knives & forks |
388 |
Bill Roberts |
|
Xmas crackers + Scotch |
292 |
Thomas Manderson |
|
Teddy bear + Dairy Box |
162 |
Dave Vernon |
|
Ladies bath trio + white wine |
184 |
Dave Fage |
|
3-in-1 American treat maker |
321 |
Molly Atterbury |
|
Xmas hamper |
214 |
Dave Vernon |
|
Photo frame + Celebrations |
306 |
Reg Jones |
|
White wine + chocolates |
146 |
Peter Boulden |
|
Food mixer, wine, chocolates |
196 |
Pat Parsonson |
|
Wine, chocolates, shortbread |
364 |
Gordon Stringer |
|
Red wine + chocolates |
278 |
Bill Roberts |
|
Wines + Celebrations |
276 |
Dave Jones |
|
Red wine + chocolates |
227 |
Stan Breach |
|
Wine + Quality Street |
65 |
Gill Crossley |
The club will be opened next week on the below dates and times so prizes can be collected (if you cannot make any of these, please contact our treasurer Allen Johnson to arrange a pick-up). Please remember to obey all coronavirus restrictions when on the premises:
- Monday 14th Dec, 10:30am-12:00pm
- Wednesday 16th Dec, 2:00-3:30pm
- Saturday 19th Dec, 11:00am-12:00pm
To all entrants, members and readers, we wish you all an extremely merry Christmas and best wishes that the New Year will be much happier than the preceding one. Normal service will be resumed one day.
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7/12/2020
CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW UPDATE
- TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
- £2.50 each
- Please contact club treasurer Allen Johnson to purchase
- Deadline: 12pm, Friday 11th December
ABINGTON'S traditional Christmas prize draw will be held 'behind closed doors' on Friday. As will the 100 Club jackpot draw. With current restrictions, we unfortunately cannot open the club for the event as we normally would, but the results will be posted on here by the evening. We'll also provide information for winners on how to collect their prizes. Good luck!
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29/11/2020
ABINGTON IN TIER 2
SADLY, it appears extremely unlikely Abington Bowling Club will be able to reopen even after the current England-wide lockdown ends this week.
With Northamptonshire set to be classified as a 'tier 2' area, the bar cannot operate purely as a socialising venue, and must serve food. Even then, the restrictions do not permit socialising with people from outside your support bubble in an indoor setting.
The club's officers are currently deciding how and when the Christmas period's usual events - prize draw, AGM, etc. - can take place. The government has promised that the tiering structure will be reviewed fortnightly, although all members should be prepared for these restrictions to remain in place until at least the early spring of 2021.
*****
PETER BOULDEN'S funeral will be held this Thursday, 3rd December at Nene Valley Crematorium. Obviously, none of our members will be able to attend owing to current restrictions (and the service is not being streamed online), but for those who would like to pay tribute in person, the cortege will pass Wellingborough Bowling Club at 11:40am.
If you are travelling to see that, please make sure to obey all of the tier 2 distancing regulations while you're there.
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11/11/2020: QUICK UPDATE on the club's annual Xmas prize draw. There are still some outstanding numbers yet to be sold, but there is no deadline, and will be sold on the day if need be.
The plan remains that the draw will be conducted at 7:30pm on Friday, 11th December - obviously in accordance with whatever coronavirus restrictions are in place at that time. If the club cannot open on that date, we will announce an alternative plan in due course. The situation will be reviewed in the last week of the current 4-week lockdown. Stay tuned.
*****
ABINGTON BC would like to express its condolences towards the family of member Peter Boulden, who has died after a lengthy battle with serious illness.
Peter only joined Abington a handful of years ago, having been a longstanding member of Wellingborough, but he quickly became a very popular face, and represented the club in the National Double Rinks and Top Club tournaments. Members will be forwarded funeral details, including how to attend online, in due course.
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2/11/2020: BACK IN LOCKDOWN
TONIGHT, the Abington clubhouse bar will be open for the final time before the England-wide 'circuit breaker' lockdown comes into force on Thursday, 5th November.
For all those who would like to come and have a drink (or two) this evening, please continue to obey the existing restrictions - and to all members, very best wishes for the following four weeks. We know many of you will stay in touch electronically. We hope to re-open on Friday, 4th December, though obviously such decisions are largely out of our hands in this situation. Stay safe.
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15/10/2020: THE 'OFF THE GREEN' page has been updated with the new times for Chris Nightingale's popular Pilates classes, which have now resumed, Covid-secure. (For example, you are now required to bring your own mat.) Unfortunately, the Otago sessions will not be taking place for the foreseeable future.
As is usual, the bar at Abington will remain open to members through the off-season on Monday and Friday evenings (7-10pm). We hope to bring you announcements on events soon. Currently, the committee is still investigating what is permissible.
For anyone who does come into the club, please continue to obey the one-way system and other pandemic-enforced restrictions. Stay safe.
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5/10/2020: OVER AND OUT(DOORS) FOR THE SEASON
TO OFFSET 2020's delayed start, the Abington green was granted an extra week's play. On Saturday 3rd October, a season like no other was eventually ended with 24 members playing out a mini-competition using the 'Australian' pairs format.
The weather was determined to prove just why we normally shut up shop earlier, with persistent rain hastening the day's events, but that so many still turned up for a game (and a warm meal, which may have helped) shows the strength of determination that has carried Abington through this most difficult of times. 'The show must go on' attitude in many ways the perfect summation of an unforgettable, sad, but ultimately proud moment in Abington's history. Once again, a major thank you to those who did the work in organising and putting on the event, making sure to keep the bowlers suitably safe, nourished and entertained.
In reflection, the club's 'members (and their households) only' policy for pandemic play has emerged with justification, the vast majority of opinion being approving. Evidence perhaps that Abington went into this crisis in credit re membership, the recruitment efforts of recent years allowing us to take a stricter control in preventing transmission of the coronavirus. Finances have been dealt a significant blow here as everywhere, with the centenary celebrations in 2022 now likely to be scaled back, but the amount of bowls - and spending over the bar - that has taken place has still been significant, without having to rely on a contribution from those outside our bubble.
Of course though, we cannot wait for the day that Abington is re-opened to all bowlers (and potential bowlers), and for the resumption of Chris Nightingale's extracurricular classes that have done much to boost the coffers and bring the wider community into the club these last several years. Sometime next season would appear to be a realistic aim for a return to 'normality', hopefully as soon as the very beginning. Fixture secretary Adam Hawkings has confirmed that he will try to keep the planned 2020 calendar in place for 2021. The six intervening months will be long ones, especially with much of the 2020/21 indoor season already cancelled, but if there's one thing we've all learned this year, a lot can change in a very short time.
To all readers, all the best for this winter and we look forward to seeing you out there bowling, just like the old pre-distancing days, as soon as possible. Stay safe.
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21/9/2020: EXTENSION TO SEASON
ABINGTON GREENKEEPER Martin Trasler has given his blessing to an extension of the 2020 season by one week, leaving the club open for casual play until Saturday 3rd October. An extra event has been scheduled for that day itself, involving a rotating Australian pairs format. Please contact Saturday captain Phil Reeve if you would like to be involved, though numbers are of course limited.
This Saturday just gone saw Abington pay its own personal tribute to the man considered by many to be the greatest (and certainly the most recognised) bowls player of all time, David Bryant, who died last month aged 88. Clubs and players all over the world have been marking his passing since the sad news was announced. Abington joined in the tributes in the way we know best - by getting out on the green and having a jolly old game.
Thank you to all members who took part and ensured the day was one long reminder of why we all took up this sport in the first place. Memories of Bryant's fleeting visits to Abington were shared before and after by those long enough in the tooth to remember. Both times that the great man bowled on our green, in 1979 and 1982, were exhibition events, the latter as part of our club's diamond anniversary celebrations. For all his medals, fame and forensic dedication to winning, he was above all the best ambassador bowls has ever had, and a champion of the sport's inclusivity. He may be an historical figure now, but it is in his example that Abington feels we should still look to the future.
***
Held over from the previous weekend's packed schedule, the remaining club comp final was played on Sunday, 20th September. Husband and wife duo Peter and Lis Milburn edged a competitive mixed pairs match 18-16 over Alan Mann and Debbie Bradshaw. Considering their multiple achievements over the years, it's surprising that the Milburns' triumph was their first in this competition, but it is very unlikely to be the last.
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16/9/2020: CLUB COMPS CLIMAX
THE ABC finals weekend turned out to be a masterstroke of timing. Designated many weeks before, the 12th and 13th September were two days of the most glorious sunshine. And as far as the bowling itself was concerned, most of the glory lay with Tony O'Leary and Lis Milburn.
Our men's and women's club champions for 2020 have both held those respective titles a few times before, this being the fourth major title for each. Having ended waits of five and six years respectively since their third, it's also been a joint triumph of patience and perseverance along with the high standard of bowling we've come to expect.
O'Leary defeated John Freeman in the men's final, recovering from nearly surrendering a 17-9 lead in just two ends to finish the job at 21-16. The two of them went on to dominate the weekend, sharing the honour in the pairs final with a dominant victory over Dave Vernon and new member Stuart Johnston, and cleaning up the rest of the singles competitions between them.
O'Leary made his superiority definitive by adding the handicap and veterans cups to the main one. Phil Reeve requiring some speculative efforts to stay in the former and fellow vets debutante Jonathan Brown beaten in straight sets in the latter. Only the 2-wood evaded O'Leary, which instead was claimed by Freeman, comfortably beating Adam Brown 18-5.
There were just two men's finals that didn't feature either O'Leary or Freeman. Alan Coleman, Jonathan Brown and Dave Fage took the Toms-Knight trophy, presented to the triples winners. (Surprisingly, for a set-up that did reach the national championships once - albeit in 1996 - this was their first such success for a decade.) Meanwhile, Reeve required a turnaround from 3-14 down against Stan Breach, but he made it to claim the club vase, the tournament played between those defeated in their first club cup match.
The pattern of the ladies club cup final was established on the very first end, where all four of Milburn's woods were in the count. She never looked back after that, not allowing Debbie Bradshaw to get to double figures before hitting the magic mark of 21. Following that though, there was a curious merry-go-round amongst Abington's three top female players. Milburn was in turn stuffed 21-10 by Gill Crossley in the handicap, while Bradshaw got her hands on the 2-wood cup by beating Crossley.
Diana Brown came very close to skipping a pairs and triples double over Crossley, but ultimately only won the former. Both finals were claimed by a late flurry of shots from the winning team. Seven on the last four ends won Brown and Christine Ball the pairs. But Crossley claimed some revenge in the triples, where six across the last three ends snatched a 16-15 victory in the most tantalising manner.
Regardless of the results though, the biggest success was the event itself, which attracted a spectator turnout rarely seen at the club for finals in modern times. It seems likely this format will be replicated in future seasons, even once bowls has regained some normality. Thank you again to the organisers and club staff for their time and effort, and to all members for continuing to obey the Covid-enforced guidelines and keeping each other safe.
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