Wendy Smith Trophy

On a cold and windy afternoon at Davy Sports, Chris Hill, 23, a furniture fitter who plies his trade at Meersbrook BC and Dronfield Woodhouse became the 7th winner of the Wendy Smith Memorial Trophy, beating Rob Wiltshire from Almondbury Libs in the final. This was Chris’s first men’s competition success and it is well deserved after having several near misses this year.



The wind was having a great effect in the early rounds with many bowls either yards through or short depending on the timing of the delivery. It was becoming clear that the person who could battle the elements best would be at a great advantage.



Chris showed his intentions in the first round, racing into a 17-6 lead against Ian Ross, winning 21-11. In the quarter final, Sarah Clarke, who had just beat Matthew Ford from Littleover 21-9, led 9-6 and an upset looked possible. But Chris levelled at 13’s and then bowled well to win 21-15. In the semi final Chris was having an early tussle with Rob Swift, but then from 10-9 he found a mark down the side of the green that Rob had difficulty following and a 10 break ensured. This put Chris within a point of the final, but Rob showed his never say die attitude and bowling the corners well, slowly reduced the score back to 20-17 and was counting one with a foot bowl. At this point Robs great run was halted as Chris fired and duly dispatched his bowl, leaving himself the point required for game.



Rob Wiltshire was having to battle all the way in his first round match against Phil Wakefield, coming from 15-12 behind to lead 20-18 and finally 21-19. In his quarter final, bowling a pegging mark along the top edge of the green he found his form, beating Tommy Fletcher 21-05. This set up a semi final against Andy Farmer who had beaten favourite Kevin Nixon 21-14 and the dangerous Albert Rodgers 21-15 in the quarter final. This time Andy started well, leading 9-3, but then Rob counted and headed for the same mark he had used in his previous game. Again, this paid great dividends as he went 12-9 and 18-12 in front before winning 21-16.



The final was an interesting one, with both bowlers trying their marks that had been successful in previous rounds. Chris went into a 9-3 lead and then stretched this to 17-8. Rob then found his range and pulled the score back to 17-15. A valuable two at the next end put Chris 19-15 which became 20-16 and on the brink of his first victory. Rob then replied with a double of his own and was standing another brace to take the score to 20 across, but Chris held his nerve and bowled a foot bowl to win the match and take home the £500 first prize, leaving Rob with the consolation of £300.



Losing semi finalists Andy Farmer and Rob Swift each received £150, with the quarter finalists £90 and the last sixteen £40. Sarah Clarke also received an additional £40 for the furthest female prize.

Thanks must go to the sponsors Don and Beryl Cooke, The Real Computer Shop, Simply Food and Warner Breaks.

The competition is nearly full for 2009, with only 15 spaces remaining . Qualifying rounds on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September, with the final 16 on Saturday 3rd October.



Last 16

Ian Ross 11-21 Chris Hill

Sarah Clarke 21-9 Matthew Ford

Glyn Davies 21-16 Matt Beever

Geoff Mallinson 15-21 Rob Swift

Phil Wakefield 19-21 Rob Wiltshire

Craig Shore 15-21 Tommy Fletcher

Kevin Nixon 14-21 Andy Farmer

Albert Rodgers 21-12 Mick Bugdol



Quarter Final

Chris Hill 21-15 Sarah Clarke

Glyn Davies 9-21 Rob Swift

Rob Wiltshire 21-5 Tommy Fletcher

Andy Farmer 21-15 Albert Rodgers



Semi Final

Chris Hill 21-17 Rob Swift

Rob Wiltshire 21-16 Andy Farmer



Final

Chris Hill 21-18 Rob Wiltshire