Lots of positive feedback has followed the League’s recent annual presentation dinner when two bowlers making title-winning returns to the sport were in the spotlight.
League President Mike Potter led the tributes to John Breeze and Ellie Wall as all the 2023 honours were saluted at the function at the West Stand @ TUFC in Wellington.
More than 150 people attended on a night when Mike was full of praise for Senior Merit and division one averages winner John Breeze of champions Newport and Ellie Wall (Wrockwardine Wood), the first winner of the new Monday Night Merit.
“They are great examples of people returning to the game so I say to clubs and bowlers, let’s look to get all ex-players back involved again.”
Mike also urged county selectors to consider using the two new greens at Allscott Heath before one of those selectors, Mick Jones, received an individual honour and then made a number of special presentations as County President.
“It was another fine year for the league with extraordinarily close title races, top class competitions with bigger entries and cracking cup finals,” said general secretary Malcolm Fletcher.
“Newport had a great year and it was good to see a resurgent Donnington Wood back winning silverware.
“And 2024 has started in stunning style with Life Member Mabel Finnigan awarded a much deserved BEM for services to bowls.”
Mabel was unable to attend after a spell in hospital, but there was special praise for her attending Madeley clubmate, Ian Evans, who captained the veterans inter-league team for the first time and won the championship in super style in Shrewsbury. He is pictured with the trophy, presented on the night by the County President.
It was also celebration tie for the ladies after their triumph at Trench in the annul challenge match against the men of the League for the Dave Ellis Shield.
Club delegates are asked to consult with their members who attended so that the League can conduct a full review of the function at the March executive meeting.
Pictures of the 2023 comps winners who attended the dinner can be seen under Competition News