LEIGH & DISTRICT
BOWLSWITHIN
The 2023 Event
2023 drew its entries from 22 qualifying competitions. Making their first appearance in the competition are Suzanne Unsworth, Lynn Bennett, Derek Hitchen, Tony Brookes, Mike Walsh and Roy Clowes. There were 4 absentees in Roy Clowes, Mike Walsh, Tony Brookes and Suzanne Unsworth which made a field of only 10 on the day. The prelims saw Jimmy Noon (12) struggle get started against Stuart Ivers and Pam Hodgetts (15) put up a brave effort against the season's in-form Andrew Godfrey. The last 8 started Andrew Godfrey beating never really looking in trouble against defending champion Stuart Ivers (15). Derek Hitchen demolished Carol Day (4), Derek's son Steve Hitchen also made short work of beating Brenda Wilcock (8) and debutant Lynn Bennett beating Alan Waterworth (18) in the game of the day so far.
The sem-finals set up a potential father versus son final with Derek Hitchen playing Andrew Godfrey in one smi-final and Steve Hitchen playing Lynn Bennett in the other. Steve and Lynn were even after 10 ends at 7 across. However Steve had the better of the next 10 ends moving to 18-10 and running out as winner at 21-12.
The other semi-final told a similar tale with score at 6-7 after 10 ends. Andrew had the better of the next 5 ends moving to 13-7 up. Derek fought hard to pull back a little after 20 ends but still trailing 12-16. A three end finish of 2-1-2 saw the termination of Derek's ambition with Andrew winning 21-12.
The final was a hard fought game with Steve leading 6-2 after 7 ends. Andrew found a little bit of form to pull back to 7 across at 11 ends. The game was very tight over next 4 ends with neither player holding on to the block. At end 15 with scores level at 9 across Andrew seemed to settle on a length and held the block for the next 10 ends. Steve didn't do much wrong but could not halt his opponent. After a great final it was Andrew Godfey who was to put his name on the trophy for 2023 with a 21-9 victory.
