Illuminations Bowling 2008

28th SEPTEMBER – 3rd OCTOBER 2008

You never know do you, what you are going to get weather-wise from the English summer, and, although yes, as it turned out bowlers did get wet at the 17th Illuminations Classic, and, yes, there was some disruption to the format, all in all everyone agreed it could have been a lot worse! Those at the Isle of Man Festival would certainly support this!

Arrivals day at Pontins was glorious, and with an excellent turn-out (about 20 up on 2007) of 476 bowlers, the first day’s play got under way without a hitch. However, torrential rain overnight on Monday evening, continuing into Tuesday morning, meant that four of the best greens at East End, The Raikes and St. Annes Ex-Servicemens’ were unplayable despite the efforts of the host clubs.

With a round-robin event this meant that with no further games being possible that the first day’s results were the only ones that could be used to determine who qualified from these groups. This was very disappointing for the organisers and bowlers affected alike, and unfortunately, unavoidable, but as only five groups out of 48 were ultimately affected, thankfully disruption was minimised. By Tuesday evening the 48 group winners, and runners-up (who qualified for the Consolation events) were known.

Mixed Pairs day, Wednesday, saw only the green at the Raikes unplayable with the others having drained well overnight, and Jim Parker at the Waterloo kindly offered his green as a last minute ‘stand-in’ for those due to bowl at the Raikes, so no doubt those bowlers were very happy with the weather! By 4.30 p.m. on Mixed Pairs day, over 200 pairs had been whittled down to the semi-finalists despite having bowled in round-robins in the earlier stages!

Finals Day arrived with still a lot to play for – around 40 pairs entered both the Mens and Ladies Plate Pairs events, sponsored by Taylor Bowls, whilst the final stages of the Mens and Ladies Main and Consolation events, and the semi-finals of the Mixed Pairs, all had to be played out by 2.00 p.m. for the finals to get underway. With the Waterloo green in immaculate condition (some experienced observers saying “it is as good as it’s ever been!”), and the weather giving us a pleasant day some great bowling was on the menu. Everyone’s favourite, Andrew Spragg, certainly didn’t disappoint taking the Mens Main title, and Mixed Pairs title, with Pat Roscoe, but a new name appeared on the Ladies Roll of Honour as Carole Hartley overcame Maureen Lyons to take the Ladies Main.

Dates for 2009 have been set by Pontins as 27th September – 2nd October (Sunday – Friday), and forms will be available shortly. Call Esselle Sports on 01257 450991 or download from www.essellesports.com.

LADIES PLATE PAIRS

Wendy Ward (Keighley) & Jenny Greenbank (Barnoldswick) 11
Pat Lonsdale (Bradford) & Bridget Reeves (Telford) 8

MENS PLATE PAIRS

Ron Jones & Dave Sumner (Southport) 11
Gary Whittaker & Peter Waggett (Stockport) 9

LADIES CONSOLATION

Lynne Crossley (Mossley) 15
Susan White (Mossley) 10

MENS CONSOLATION

Dan Kirby (Morecambe) 15
Peter Lackford (Macclesfield) 7

MIXED PAIRS

Andrew Spragg (Chesterfield) & Pat Roscoe (Wigan) 15
Frank & Maureen Perkins (Wigan) 10

LADIES MAIN

Carole Hartley (Rochdale) 21
Maureen Lyons (Liverpool) 15