By David Taylor

Last updated at 12:09, Thursday, 10 September 2009

Bob Dent, of Appleby, is the new county Champion of Champions. He won the title on Sunday at Edenside and in the process became the first Appleby player to win this event in its 43 year history.

Bob Dent

Twenty-three club champions took to the Aspatria and Dalston greens on Saturday in moderate weather conditions, which meant that the greens were not as fast as some would have liked.

At Aspatria where the rinks played well despite being slow 1977 winner David Taylor was successful against Wetheral’s John Sibley while Adrian Belshaw defeated Charles Robinson.

Chris Horsfield did well to beat home player Richard Gibson but in probably the best tie of the round Ryan Baird beat Peck Orchard with his last bowl 21-20.

Horsfield continued his run when beating Belshaw in round two and youth overcame experience when Baird accounted for Taylor. Dent progresses beating Brian Prytherch and M Little beat Stan Mounsey.

Baird had another great battle in the quarterfinal but just came out on top beating Horsfield by the minimum margin while Dent continued his steady play in beating M Little 21-14.

At Edenside the favourite Andrew Baxter made a quiet start against Clive Richardson but came through strongly to beat him 21-9 while Mike Rogerson and Ken Hesleden had a great battle before the former player won 21-19. Ken White played well to beat the consistent Henry Stewart 21-13. In the second round Ian Williams beat former champion Ken Johnston 21-11 while Mike Rogerson continued in form to beat Michael Hardman 21-12.

Andrew Baxter showed better form second time around to win 21-10 against White. In the quarterfinals Baxter continued to improve the further he went and accounted for Rogerson and Ian Williams earned his last four placing by beating Bob Dalziel 21-11.

On Sunday, it was on to Edenside for the semi-finals and final. Ryan Baird was clearly second best in the early stages against Bob Dent and trailed 11-4 but a jack length change saw a corresponding change in the game as Baird picked up no less than 14 shots in the next seven ends to take a useful advantage at 18-11.

Dent, however, recovered his composure and won the next six ends himself to lead 19-18. In a nail biting finish it was Dent who held his nerve to win 21-19.

In the other semi-final Ian Williams looked to have an early bus to catch as he raced to a 16-3 lead against Andrew Baxter. Baxter pulled back to 9-16 before Williams scored again but six shots for Baxter in the next two ends saw Williams continue to lead but only 19-17.

Just when it looked that Baxter might complete a marvellous recovery he played a moderate two ends and Williams took full advantage to win 21-17.

The final was a most interesting contest as Williams dominated and Dent was all out to hold on. It certainly looked as though the Workington player would take the title.

But Dent refused to give upand edged ever closer. In a tight finish he was with the aid of a little good fortune on one occasion, just the steadier of the two in those last few ends and went on to win a good final.

Also taking place at Edenside was the ladies Champion of Champions. S

ylvia Jefferey was a shade fortunate to overcome Karen Edmondson in the first semi-final but Wigton’s Eleanor Gass always looked to be in control in beating Linda Rose. In the final Jefferey could never contain Gass who produced a consistent performance and was a deserved winner.

Junior Internationals

England experienced a disappointing weekend at the Junior International Series at Llandridnod Wells in Wales. England won on four of the six rinks in the opening game against Scotland but still lost the game 98-117 and this defeat was to prove decisive.

England scored big wins against both Wales and Ireland but Scotland also won their games and in the end topped the table with England in second place.

Danny May enjoyed a successful two days skipping his rink to three successive wins while David Forster also came home undefeated as his four skipped by Robert Chisholm also won all three games.

County Luncheon

County Secretary Eric Johnston has asked me to remind all members that the County Luncheon will take place on Saturday October 10th in The Shepherds Inn Carlisle 11.30am for 12.00pm. The Luncheon is open to all including ladies and tickets priced at £14.50 should be ordered before the end of this month.

Indoors Bowls

The Indoor season is just under way but for those who like to watch top class singles play the Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club in Carlisle is the place to be.

Starting on Saturday and continuing for the next four days the qualifiers for the Scottish and Welsh Opens are being played here in Carlisle and if last years event is anything to go by then spectators are in for a treat.

There is tremendous local interest as well with nine Cumbria players taking part. John Baird of Eden IBC, David Forster of Copeland IBC and Stephen Farish, Ian Gallagher, Kevin Harrison, Stuart Irwin, Neil Karge and Trevor Taylor all of Cumbria IBC.

There is no entry fee for spectators and the club is open to members and non-members alike.

EIBA Ranking List

The National Ranking List will be published shortly but as compiler of the list I am able to provide a preview. After a successful indoor season Andy Thomson has moved back to the number one spot with Nicky Brett and Greg Harlow sharing second place.

There are five Cumbrians in the top 100. Stephen Farish is highest placed at 11, Craig Docherty is 21, Trevor Taylor 39, Gavin Taylor at 73 and Paul Barlow at 77.

First published at 11:31, Thursday, 10 September 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk