LEIGH & DISTRICT
BOWLSWITHIN
2017 drew its entries from 22 competitions. There were triple qualifications from Pam Hodgetts and Danny Mayers with double qualifications from Andrew Godfrey and John McCaul. With three absentees (Jimmy Barlow, Derek Reynolds and Danny Mayers) there was a field of 13 bowlers. The draw was kind to Pam Hodgetts, John McCaul and Andrew Godfrey who received first round draws. John McCaul easily beat Sue Walkden 21-13, Phil Boydell demolished John Coleman 21-4, John Hayes made short work of the resplendent Tony Battersby 21-5, Andrew Godfrey was always in command against Ronnie Blackledge 21-10 and Richard Foster didn’t break a sweat beating Kay Berry 21-2. The second round saw Ian Inman enter the fray beating a spirited performance by debutant Andrew Woodward 21-13.
The 2017 Event (20th Anniversary)
Pam Hodgetts gave John McCaul a run for his money only falling away late on in the game with Cash winning 21-16. Reigning champion Phil Boydell put paid to previous winner John Hayes with an impressive win to 11. The in-form Andrew Godfrey should have beaten Richard Foster but lost his length and lost narrowly to 18. The semi-finals were not as competitive as one expected with Richard Foster capitulating to a strong Phil Boydell 12-21 and Ian Inman seeing off the ever-present John McCaul with ease 21-11. With two previous winners in the final it was hard to predict an outcome, but Phil couldn’t live with the consistency of Ian’s corner bowling.
At the start of the day a presentation from all the leagues and bowlers in the Leigh & District area was made to Tony Hodgetts in recognition of his work in organising the event for the past 20 years.
Tony was surprised and very appreciative and thanked all those who had taken the time to recognise his service to the competiton.
C of C 2017 - Ian Inman
Try as he may, Phil just couldn’t string a run together and Ian dominated the game to run out a worthy champion, for a record equalling third time.
