Wallasey Crown Green Bowling Association

 

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Sunday December 21st

Roger "rounds em up" in Flyers triumph

In the true spirit of cup competitions the Final of the Flyers was not won by one of more fancied players. Bromborough Pool's Roger Griffiths belied his position as the 9th "seed" and came through a strong field to take the top spot with an impressive win over Mick Andrews.

He had a hard struggle in the first round against Nick Woodward but then beat Tommy Walker and Bill Atkinson a little more easily in the Quarters and Semis. Meanwhile Andrews had fought through to the Final with wins over Ray Jones, Gerry Riley and Robbie Fitzpatrick. 

In the game against Mick Andrews Griffiths struggled at first and was 11-5 down but he then really turned it on and ran out a 21-13 winner. This win gives him an automatic free entry into the New Brighton Classic on May 4th 2009.

Results;

First Round; T. Walker 21, P. Roberts 13; R. Griffiths 21, N. Woodward 19; J. Hignett jnr 21, F. Arnell 14; W. Atkinson 21, S. Scott 13; J. Fitzpatrick 21, J. Hignett snr 15; R. Fitzpatrick 21, S. Gardner 10; G. Riley 21, T. Ryding 16; M. Andrews 21, R. Jones 15.

Quarter Finals: Griffiths 21, Walker 10; Atkinson 21, Hignett jnr 20; R. Fitzpatrick 21, J. Fitzpatrick 16;  Andrews 21, Riley 16.

Semi Finals: Griffiths 21, Atkinson 18; Andrews 21, R. Fitzpatrick 16.

Final: Griffiths 21, Andrews 13.

 

After the New Year the Flyers restart on the 4th January as usual in Birkenhead Park at 10.00am.

Wednesday December 17th

Happy Christmas from some agile members of the Executive Committee

 

Sunday December 14th

"Welsh Wizard" Paul does it again

A slightly warmer morning saw a large turnout at the Sunday Flyers in Birkenhead Park as players tried to ensure that they had enough points to qualify for the Finals next week. However the conditions do not seem to make any difference to the "Welsh Wizard" Paul Roberts. He has reached the Final on each of his 5 visits to the Wirral and on this occasion he beat Anthony O'Neil to take his third title.

He beat namesake John Roberts in the quarters and then Roger Griffiths in the semi while O' Neil accounted for John Hignett Snr and Steve Scott.

This win meant that Roberts joined Mick Andrews at the top of the point total.

Results:

Quarter Finals: P. Roberts 21, J. Roberts 17; R. Griffiths 21, M. Andrews 16; S. Scott 21, R. Fitzpatrick 20; A. O'Neil 21, J. Hignett Snr 13.

Semi Finals: Roberts 21, Griffiths 12; O'Neil 21, Scott 18.

 Final: Roberts 21, O'Neil 15.

Tuesday December 9th

Brian Hampson,

New Birkenhead & Wirral Crown Green Bowling League Financial Secretary

An emotional Annual General Meeting of the Birkenhead & Wirral Crown Green Bowling League last night, saw Brian Hampson elected as the new Financial Secretary of the League. On a difficult night for the Chairman, Roy McGunigall, Brian was elected unanimously to follow in the footsteps of Cec Hannay. Roy gave an excellent and moving tribute to Cec at the start of the meeting and confirmed the committee are looking at a couple of options for a lasting tribute to Cec. We at Wallasey wish our former Secretary / Treasurer Brian, every success in his new role and will help out in any way we can with his mammoth task.

Sunday December 7th

Roving reporter, Bill Atkinson, wins latest Flyer

West Kirby Victoria's, Wirral Globe Bowls columnist, Billy Atkinson won the latest round of the Birkenhead Park Open "Flyer's" this morning.

The frost made for an interesting morning's bowling at the Sunday morning Flyers in Birkenhead Park. When Jamie Fitzpatrick reached the Final he must have hoped he was going to repeat his win of the previous week but it was not to be. He was beaten in a very close game by Bill Atkinson who in doing so won his first title of this session.

Atkinson won through to the final by beating Eddie Clayburn and then Jamie' s brother Robbie Fitzpatrick in the Semi. Jamie Fitzpatrick had earlier beaten John Roberts and then Gerry Riley, both long hard games.

Results:

Quarter Finals: W. Atkinson 21, E. Clayburn 09; R. Fitzpatrick 21, R. Griffiths 18; J. Fitzpatrick 21, J. Roberts 17; G. Riley 21, J. Hignett jnr 16.

Semi Finals; Atkinson 21, R. Fitzpatrick 18; J. Fitzpatrick 21, Riley 18;

Final: Atkinson 21, Fitzpatrick 19.

There is just one more opportunity for players to win enough points to qualify for the Finals on the last week, the 21st December. At this moment the player with the most points is Mick Andrews.

Wednesday December 3rd

Name Change

Burton's Bowling Club have informed me that they have now changed their name and will be known as Moreton Royal British Legion Bowling Club. We wish them well and hope the name change brings some good news to the club for a change.

Monday December 1st

Divisional Set Up for 2009

The new Divisions for 2009 can be seen below. We are still hoping Sandridge might be able to field a second team to make 3 equal divisions of 11 teams. With the Five A Side competition to be held at the end of the season, the provisional start date for the League season is Tuesday 21st April.

Saturday November 29th

British Parks Senior County Championship 2009

The British Parks C.G.B.A. Secretary, Eric Taylor, informed me today, that he has received 4 letters from Counties wishing to call an E.G.M. in response to the proposed structure of the 2009 Senior County Championship, with a 5th on the way. Because of the proximity of Christmas and the availability of Winnington Park, it looks like the E.G.M. will be held on January 3rd. After the Divisions have finally been agreed, the draw will take place on the same day.

Saturday November 29th

A.G.M. Trophy Presentations

Association President, Keith Etches, Sandridge's Barry Nixon and Association Vice Chairman, Colin Jones after the Division Two Trophy presentation

 

Association President, Keith Etches and Vice Chairman, Colin Jones, present the Division Three Trophy to Terry Fanning from Bronze

Greasby Captain, Tom O'Hanlon receives the Association Cup from Association President, Keith Etches and Vice Chairman, Colin Jones

Thursday November 27th

Harrison Park withdraw a team from the Association

The Wallasey C.G.B.A. Annual General Meeting held at Manor Road last night produced just one shock for the members, with Harrison Park withdrawing one of their teams from the Association to try their luck in the Bebington & District League. A lack of League Fixtures in Wallasey seemed to be a big contributory factor in their decision. Association Secretary, Peter Dodd, although disappointed with Harrison Park's decision, wished them luck in their new venture and informed them that if things didn't work out in Bebington, the Wallasey Associations door is always open. Mike Costall was deservedly voted in as a Life Member of the Association in recognition of all his hard work and enthusiasm for all things Wallasey bowls. Brighton Telegraph will be known as "Telegraph Bowling Club" as from January 1st. Magazine Bowling Club kindly withdrew their proposal for the Association to operate 2 Divisions in 2009 after the Secretary had explained that with the 32 teams we have at present we could not accommodate 2 Divisions comprising of 30 League fixtures. The Secretary explained to the delegates that we are already mandated to operate 2 Divisions should our number of teams drop to 30 or below. Burton's request, mainly for Clubs with "B" and "C" teams, to have permission to opt out of Cup competitions when all the registration forms are completed, was partially accepted, with the delegates voting that all teams must enter the Divisional Cup competitions but could withdraw from the Presidents Cup, Wallasey News Cup and Five A Side Cup if they so wished. Colin and Paul Saville, after lengthy and valuable service as the Wallasey British Parks County selectors, decided that they wished to stand down and reluctantly their request was accepted. Both Colin and Paul were thanked for their contributions to the Parks teams. The Treasurer produced a balance sheet, correctly audited, showing a balance of £1453.87 in the Association Account and £563.76 in the Weekly Draw/ British Parks Account. The Treasurer did however inform the delegates that without our Race Night and Raffle ticket sales, we would make a loss over the season and we should not be complacent in our fund raising efforts. Ironically, with some clubs feeling they are struggling to raise teams for the cup matches, prize money has increased to £75 for the winners and £50 for the runners up in all 3 Divisional Cups and the Wallasey News and Five A Side Cups. Prize money and the Division 1,2 and 3 trophies were presented to the winners by Vice Chairman, Colin Jones and President, Keith Etches. The Officers and Executive Committee were re-elected en-bloc after a proposal (and kind words) from Rick Keeley (Sandridge) but Ron Hitchmough has decided to stand down from The Executive Committee and proposed that Linda Mitchell (Manor Road) be accepted onto the Committee. This proposal was accepted by the delegates and we look forward to having our first lady on the committee.

Monday November 24th

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will take place this Wednesday, November 26th, at Manor Road Bowling Club. The meeting starts at 7-30pm and all Clubs are entitled to have 2 delegates present for voting purposes. Any other members of the Association who would like to attend will be made most welcome.

Friday November 14th

Cec Hannay

The funeral service for Cec Hannay will be held at Landican next Friday, November 21st commencing at 3-00 pm. There are no details regarding flowers etc. at this time but I will post any further information as and when I receive it.

Tuesday November 11th

Sad Day for Birkenhead Bowls

I am very sorry to have to report that, the Secretary of the Birkenhead & Wirral Crown Green Bowling League for the past 40 years, Cec Hannay, passed away last night in Arrowe Park Hospital. No further details are available at present and I will post any when I receive them. It goes without saying how much everyone, who has ever played bowls in both the Birkenhead Evening and Afternoon Leagues, owes to Cec, as without his unique skills in administration and his determination to do things in the correct manner, we would not have been able to enjoy our great game as we do. Many requests to maybe do things not strictly "by the book" were always met with the same answer "No" and it was this steadfast attitude that made Cec such a great Secretary for Birkenhead. Everyone knew exactly where they stood and I can't begin to think how Cec can be replaced but at this tragic time our thoughts and condolences go to Cec's family. 

Sunday November 9th

British Parks Senior County Championship 2009

As I suspected, some Counties are unhappy with the new Divisional set up for 2009 and there is talk of an Extraordinary General Meeting being called to try and alter the format before fixtures are produced in January. I must point out that we at Wallasey have had no input at all regarding the proposed new Divisions and will play in whatever Division we are put into. The original Division Two proposal of Birkenhead, North Staffordshire, St.Helens and Wallasey, would obviously save us a lot of money on travel but as I point out we will play in whatever Division we are put in unlike some Counties who are taking umbrage at Wallasey being placed in Division One. I will point out as well that I do not include Birkenhead as one of these Counties. The way I see it is that by season 2011 all Counties should be in the Division that their play over the next two seasons merits. With 3 Divisions of 4 teams a lot of Counties will feel aggrieved but surely those Counties will prove over the next two seasons how good they think they are.

Tuesday November 4th

British Parks Senior County Championship 2009

The following set up for the new Divisions of the British Parks C.G.B.A Senior County Championship for 2009 have now been finalised. The individual wins for seasons 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were used to base an average for the 4 seasons. The new Divisions and the average over the 4 selected seasons can be seen below. All the fixtures will be played on the 3rd Sunday of the month in June, July and August. The draw for who plays who on which date will be made in January.

 

Sunday November 2nd

British Parks Senior County Championship 2009

Congratulations to John Hignett Jnr. on winning the British Parks C.G.B.A Senior County Championship, Division Two, Player of the year for 2008.

At the Parks AGM yesterday pandemonium broke out when the new League set up for 2009 was read out. There will be 3 Divisions of 4 teams based on individual wins over the last 5 seasons. This would have meant last years Division Two Champions, Yorkshire, actually playing in Division Three next year alongside North Derbyshire, Cheshire and Warwickshire and last seasons newcomers St. Helens ( being given an average on last seasons figures) actually playing in Division Two alongside Birkenhead, Wallasey and North Staffs. Obviously, Yorkshire registered a complaint and the Officers of the Association referred to the minutes from the 2007 AGM which stated that seasons 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 would be the seasons used for calculating the new League positions. The Chairman has undertaken the task of revising his calculations and the new Divisional set up will be announced later this week. It must be said however that St. Helens sportingly said that they would play in Division 3 instead of Yorkshire but this was rejected in favour of the new calculations.

A new British Parks C.G.B.A website www.britishparks.org.uk should be up and running in the next week.

Sunday October 19th

Rob Fitzpatrick wins his first "Flyer" of the new season

Following on from previous winners, Nick Woodward, Mick Andrews and John Hignett, it was the turn of Robbie Fitzpatrick to win this morning's latest round of the Birkenhead Park, Winter "Flyers". After earlier quarter final and semi final victories over Ray Jones and Tommy Walker, Robbie defeated Paul Roberts 21-19 in a closely contested final. Paul had earlier defeated Gerry Riley and John Hignett to reach the final.

Monday October 6th

A short break

I am going away on a short break tonight and will be unavailable until Tuesday October 14th. If you require any information about Wallasey Bowls in the meantime please contact Keith Etches, Mike Costall or Colin Jones. All their contact numbers are in the current handbook.

Monday October 6th

All bills paid

You will be glad to know the "cruising" Treasurer kept enough money back to pay his club's bill.

Thursday October 2nd

Thank you to Club Treasurers

I would like to thank all the Club Treasurers for their prompt payment of their 2nd Account to the Association. All but 1 of the Accounts have now been paid with the other promised in the next 7 days when the Club Treasurer involved returns from a cruising holiday. I hope he has enough money left to pay the bill !!!

Thursday October 2nd

Date for Proposals for A.G.M. has now passed

The final date (September 30th) for any proposals from Clubs for discussion at the Annual General Meeting has now passed and we have had only 1 proposal for the new season. Magazine Bowling Club are proposing that we only operate 2 Divisions next season instead of the current 3. I will be writing to Club Secretaries this week to see if there is any amendment to this proposal which has to be with me by October 31st at the latest. The Executive Committee will not be proposing any rule alterations at the Annual General Meeting.