LEIGH & DISTRICT

2009 once again had John Hayes here, although this year, with a little green knowledge under his belt. He was on top of his game the whole day demolishing Rita Hitchen (2) in round one, playing his part in a superb game of bowls in his narrow win over Alan Mason (20) in round two and again playing a great game to beat Ann Crank (16) in the semi-final.

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His opponent in the final was defending champion Garth Smith who had made his way there via Gerry Houghton (11) in round one, Frank Naylor (16) in round 2 and David Green (17) in the semi-final.

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All was set now for a great final with Garth as defending champion and John in top form. Oh, what a funny old game bowls can be?

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With Garth bowling the simplest of marks, parallel to the veranda, 10 yards in from the edge, full width of the green he ran out an unbelievable 21-2 winner. Garth bowled a simple mark extremely well and John just couldn’t find it.