AS we come to the end of the season, lots of finals have been played to determine the champions of the competitions that are held annually in Crediton Bowling Club.  

This week I will concentrate on the men and next week it will be the chance for our ladies. 

Pete Sheppard won the trophy for the Three Woods after defeating Graham Tucker.  

Graham did exceptionally well to reach no fewer than three finals, but unfortunately he was often the bridesmaid and not the bride. 

He was runner-up to John Harry in the Men’s Club Championship.  

John joined Crediton Bowling Club this year, and has been a great addition to our squad.  

He will also be able to add strength to our Over 60s A squad next season when he starts another decade! 

Another new addition to our club this season has been Steve Jones. He has been playing over 60s and has also helped organise the EDL B team. He did well to reach the final of the Two Woods but met his match in Allan Gibb. 

From left: Men's Handicap winner Gary Ayley and runner-up Dave Carpenter; Steve Witcombe with Non-Cup Trophy and runner-up Kelvyn Heath
From left: Men's Handicap winner Gary Ayley and runner-up Dave Carpenter; Steve Witcombe with Non-Cup trophy and runner-up Kelvyn Heath (Crediton Bowling Club)

Gary Ayley will have enjoyed winning the Men’s Handicap far more than his recent visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium to watch his football team Reading put in a dire performance against Leyton Orient.  

Gary plays in most of the top teams in the club and proved to be too much for Dave Carpenter who put up a brave fight.  

Dave is a true stalwart of our club and is the bar manager – second in importance only to the greenkeeper! 

Helping Dave run the bar is Paul Vodden who paired up with Allan Gibb in the Men’s Pairs. Here Graham Tucker finally found success in partnership with Pete Cookson.  

From left: Men's Pairs winners Pete Cookson and Graham Tucker with runners-up Allan Gibb and Paul Vodden
From left: Men's Pairs winners Pete Cookson and Graham Tucker with runners-up Allan Gibb and Paul Vodden (Crediton Bowling Club)

The final trophy of the day was contested by those who have never won a competition in the club.  

In the case of Steve Witcombe, this is not surprising, as he is yet another new man to our club.  

It was a hard-fought battle against Kelvyn Heath, but Steve proved victorious to win the Non-Cup trophy.  

Since this final he has been crowned Devon Champions of the Unbadged Triples along with Graham Tucker and Dave Carpenter.  

Seven different names on trophies showing that the men’s section of the club is growing in strength. 

Mike Canning