SCGBA Veterans Merit – Monday 19th June 2023 – Trench BC, Telford
18 of the county’s elder generation gathered for a Midday start of the Veterans Merit staged at Trench Bowling Club in Telford. With the players and their supporters enjoying the warm Summer conditions, the players took to the green, having 5 chalks already on their cards.
Highlights from the quarter finals
From 5-5 0n the card. Dave Povey made a strong start to lead Tony Garson 12-6. Tony responded by fighting back to almost level it but from 13-11 up, Dave made a 6 end dash to run out 21-11.
Ian Evans led Alan Boulton 10-7 before Alan levelled at 12-12 that made Ian kick on again to go in to an 18-13 lead and wrapped up the game 21-15.
Mark Thomas raced away to lead Pete Burd 14-6 and although Pete hit back to trail 13-17, Mark eased himself into the semi final by taking four single chalks to end it 21-13.
Ian Foster and Dave Redge matched each other that saw the card go from 8-8, 12-12 and 16-16 until Ian edged home 21-18.
Highlights from the semi finals
From 5-5 on the card. Dave Povey had to fight hard from 5-9 to level with Mark Thomas 14-14 and from 17-17, Dave went to the edge of winning it at 20-17 before eventually ending Mark’s hopes 21-19.
Meanwhile
Ian Evans quickly found himself 7-14 down and fought his way back to lead Ian Foster 17-15 and then as the players alternately counted 1’s in the last 7 ends, Ian Evans made his way into the final, 21-18.
Highlights from the final
Both players agreed to risk their 5 chalk handicap advantage and played the final, 21 up from 0-0.
Dave Povey started slowly as he trailed Ian Evans 3-10(10 ends) before levelling it 10-10(16 ends) and went on to lead 16-14(23 ends).
The small crowd watching now were wondering if Dave may regret relinquishing his 5 chalks as he would have now be champion.
Although Dave scored a 2 at the next end, Ian pounced and took the next 4 ends to take him into 19-18(28 ends) lead, but Dave was not finished as he counted a point at each of the last 3 ends and secure his victory 21-19(31 ends)
Competition Secretary, Mike Potter thanked Trench BC for their hospitality and staging the event on their excellently presented green before making the presentation of the prizes to the worthy winners and to the 2023 Veterans Merit Champion, Dave Povey.
Congratulations to all.
MP
