Regional Singles Report
On Saturday 22nd May the 2021 Disability Bowls Competitions got underway with 2 of the 5 Regional Singles competitions at Selby B C and Egham B C.
The event at Selby B C attracted 3 entries and the event was won by Arthur Redfearn.
The event at Egham had 10 entries and the players were split into two groups, with chilly weather throughout the early sessions and then a downpour in the fourth session the sun finally came out during the final session. Group 1 was won by Isaac Shieh who won his first 3 games and then had a walkover in the final game after a player had to withdraw with an injury. Group 2 was a closely contested affair with Stephen Stockley and Steve Simmons going into the final match each with the chance to progress, Stephen had already won 3 games and Steve had won 2 games but with a win he could overturn a shot difference deficit, Steve started the stronger and had built a 13 – 8 lead and holding the 2 shots he need to win the game, Stephen drew the shot and kept his chances alive, he continued to peg Steve back and when they reached 14 all and the jack was cast the bell rung to signify the end of the session, Steve managed to get the shot on the final end to win the game and draw level on points. The shots difference was then used to determine the group winner, Stephen Stockley progresses with a shot difference of 26 compared to Steve who had a shot difference of 16.
Sunday 23rd May saw the remaining 3 Regional events taking place at Clarence B C, St, Neots B C and Polly B C.
11 players, along with their Directors/helpers and a few supporters, gathered at Clarence Bowling Club in Weston-super-Mare for the regional qualifiers of this national competition.
The horrendous weather forecast for the whole day proved to be mercifully inaccurate and the two groups of competitors enjoyed dry, if somewhat chilly, conditions for the first three of the scheduled five sessions of play. The forecast rains materialised during the fourth session and the soggy players, Directors/helpers, markers and Umpires welcomed an extended break indoors prior to the final session. That final session was itself interrupted when a torrential downpour caused a suspension of play – but it was essential to complete these final-round matches to decide the two qualifiers to go through to Leamington in July. In consultation with the umpires, competition administrator David Stott took the decision to cut short the final session by 20 minutes to spare everyone further suffering in the wet and cold – especially given that the ‘important’ games to decide the final placings had already been completed.
The result in Group 2 was clear-cut, with wheel-chair bowler Mike Diston being the only player in the group to win all four games (Darren Moon having had to withdraw for health reasons prior to the competition), thereby going through with 8 points. Congratulations to Mike and we all wish Darren a speedy and full recovery.
Group 1, however, was a real nail-biter with three players tying on six points going into the last of their five games. Jamie Pugsley came unstuck in the atrocious conditions, against his points-rival, losing 1-15 to Anthony Page. Meanwhile, Jack Pullin won his final match by an 8-shot margin, so we had a tie on points between Jack and Anthony. Shot-difference was also tied (+28) and therefore the final result came down to shots scored, with Jack coming out on top by just four shots (71-67).
7 players plus a few supporters arrived at St. Neots B C to contest the East Region Singles, group 1 was a keenly contested group with the group being decided in the final match between Chris Gray and Kieran Rollings, both players having won their first 2 matches, Chris got off to a good start winning the first 3 ends the game then became a tight match with Kieran taking a small lead that was then pegged back at 10 all. Kieran won the next 2 ends to extend his lead to 14-10 before Chris scored a 2 to bring the score to 14 – 12 before Kieran scored the shot required to advance.
Group 2 only had 3 players after a player failed to show on the day, Daniel Adams and Steve Ireland had each won their first match and went into the final session with the chance to progress, good bowls were played and the scorecard did not reflect the bowls played by Daniel as Steve won the match 15 – 4 to progress.
Polly Bowls Club hosted the regional finals of Disability Bowls with the winner, Mike Robertson progressing to the Singles Play Off at Leamington Spa in July.
Mike played to a very high standard scoring throughout, with a maximum 45 shots over his 3 games and only conceding 14 shots giving him overall victory with 6 points. Runner up on the day was Rhys Taylor with 4 points after scoring a total of 36 shots. Umpire Peter Clark was kept busy with numerous tight ends going down to a measure.
All matches were played in a good spirit and kept the small crowd of spectators entertained.
We would like to thank all 5 clubs Selby B C, Egham B C, Clarence B C, St. Neots B C and Polly B C for their continued support by hosting these events for Disability Bowls England and their members for volunteering to mark the matches and provide catering facilities for the players, directors, helpers and spectators.
We would also like to thank the Umpires at each venue for their services, John McKenzie and Fiona Water at Clarence B C, Maxine Groce at Selby B C, Shirley Clarke at Egham B C, Peter Clarke at Polly B C and Peter Hartwell at St. Neots B C.
The 8 players who will contest the Disability Bowls England National Singles Play Off at Leamington Spa B C on Sunday 25th July will be:
Isaac Shieh
Stephen Stockley
Arthur Redfearn
Kieran Rollings
Steve Ireland
Jack Pullin
Mike Diston
Mike Robertson
We look forward to some good bowls at the play off for the chance to contest the final during the Bowls England National Finals on Sunday 30th August 2021.
Stuart Espie
Competitions Secretary
Disability Bowls England