26 Jul Newcomers take Julie Fuller Shield

BROAD OAK – who entered a team in the Huddersfield Veterans Bowling Association’s six-man competition this year – enjoyed success in the competitions only cup with a commanding performance to take the Julie Fuller Shield.

Having been placed in Division Two by league officials at the start of the bowling year they held a four-point advantage over rivals Thongsbridge. The latter included Robert Barlow in their ranks – he had a -2 handicap to add to his team’s final score based on his average in the 10-man competition last year for Clayton West.

That meant that ‘Bridge went into the final knowing they had to win the three games by an average of two points per game, a challenge that was soon to become an impossible one when Barlow and his partner John Yalden were out-bowled by Broad Oak’s Andy Crowther and Carl Taylor who recorded a win by the widest possible margin.

Thongsbridge did gain some respect with skipper David Eastwood and Jim Sykes beating Paul Rushworth and Carl Livesey 21-9. It was a close contest over the first five ends but from then on the Thongsbridge pair were consistent scorers.

The third game of the Julie Fuller final was the highest scoring contest. Although Thongsbridge pair, Geoff Alsop and Robert Schofield quickly built up an eight-point lead their opponents, Malcolm Burn and Russell Auty, fought back and looked destined to win when leading 20-19. But a double saw the Thongsbridge pair home although their win turned out to be academic as Broad Oak were worthy overall winners with a 14-point advantage at the end.

A big thank you to Frank Greenwood who very generously sponsored this event, our referee on the day Mr Ray Tunnacliffe, Competition Secretary Paul English and last but not least everyone at Golcar Liberal Bowling Club for providing their excellent facilities and support.