LEIGH & DISTRICT

2016 saw a field of 12 bowlers of which Ian Pendlebury was a 4 times qualifier, Danny Mayers a triple qualifier and Phil Boydell, Sue Walkden, Bernie Draper were double qualifiers. The field had two first time qualifiers in Bernie Draper and Lesley Crook.

 

The draw proved to be a very strange affair with all the favourites drawing in the top half and current champion Ian Pendlebury securing a bye into the Quarter Finals. Round 1 had Bernie Draper drawn against in form Andrew Godfrey, John Massey against Lesley Crook and a top clash between Dany Mayers and Phil Boydell. Andrew Godfrey sneaked through 21-18 against Bernie Draper, Lesley Crook dispatched John Massey (16) for an early bath and Phil Boydell destroyed Danny Mayers (10).

 

The quarter finals saw a repeat of this years Midweek POS final with Phil Boydell gaining revenge over Andrew Godfrey (17). Lesley Crook (14) put up a great fight against last years winner Ian Pendlebury before finally losing out. Keith Wright came from behind to pip Sue Walkden (20) in a very close game. Pam Hodgetts (16) lost out to Len Bowdler in a game were the score that didn't really reflect the closeness of the game. 

 

In the Semi-finals Keith Wright dismantled Len Bowdler (10) without breaking into a sweat. The other semi-final was a fascinating match. It was nip and tuck until Phil Boydell resorted to the corners and took a commanding lead 19-14. Phil's next lead was in the gutter and his second bowl was over compensated leaving Ian an easy two. Ian Pendlebury shortened the next end down with Phil calling on the long tapes. At 19.2M the mark was good and Ian scored another two to make it 19-18. Ian picked up another brace at the next end to nose in front 20-19 and led out for game. Two great bowls by Phil sealed the game and put last years winner on the "if only" bench.

 

The final proved a very one sided affair with Phil Boydell seeing off Keith Wright (4) and running out an easy winner to put his name on the trophy for the first time.