29/08/2026
There was standing room only around our green today as the huge raft of members, friends and family who came along to our main Saturday of finals were rewarded with great weather and great games of bowls.
In the Ladies Nomination Pairs, Helen Allison and Susi Tuttle once again proved how strong a pairing they are, securing a remarkable fourth win in succession against Anne Weston and Mary MacKenzie who fought valiantly.
In the Under 45's Singles, Ben Major and Stephen Wood were involved in a great tussle that went to the wire, with Ben unfortunate to narrowly miss out on conversion attempts that could have secured the title. The plaudits though go to Stephen, winning 21-19, to win the trophy donated by his uncle, and the marker on the day, Andrew Wood.
The Vice-Presidents final saw first time-finalist, Andy Logan, take on Christopher Wood, the 2022 and 2025 runner-up in this competition for gents that have never won a singles title. Perhaps it was this experience that stood Chris in good stead, as he took an early lead that he managed to maintain and increase throughout the game, to become a worthy winner.
In the President's Prize between five times winner, Ian McLelland and four times Winner, Drew Cunningham, there was always the potential for a great match. And so it proved to be, a great match with the scores never more than three shots apart throughout - the finals score deservingly 21-20 - this time in Drew's favour, allowing him to equal Ian's number of wins of the President's Prize.
The other two finals on the green were the Ladies and Gents Championships.
The ladies game between Marilyn Moore and Anne-Marie Kennedy saw some top class bowls played by both. Marilyn had already won a Singles trophy this week, and the on-form Anne-Marie was playing in the fourth of her five finals this year. After securing an early lead, the shots were largely shared thereafter and the early gap remained the difference, for the 2026 Ladies Singles Champion - Anne-Marie Kennedy.
It was a similar story in the Gents Championship final. Second time finalist, David Wood took the early lead and whilst opponent Steven Dow came back into the game strongly, David was able to produce shots that would counter Stevie's great play. A couple of great shots in what proved to be the final ends, drew or chipped the jack away to save losing high counts. After missed drive by Stevie left David lying two with a draw to secure a three required for a win. Which he did successfully - a great contest. Congratulations to 2026 Gents Champion - David Wood.
MTL