2023 County & National
Saturday 19th August - Roger Burton Final
After a long time in coming, our Clock House Men's team defeated Elm Park 87-80 shots in the Roger Burton Competition Final held at Harold Hill. Not the expected opposition as Romford had been disqualified for fielding four ineligible players in the semi-final. In the singles Barry Kavanagh lost 18-24, albeit to Dave Curtis, who has won every singles match in the event for the last 2 years. Pairs, Roger Tallentire and Doug Baxter, managed to turn a 10-4 lead into a 10-21 deficit, before clawing back 9 shots to only go down 20-22. The triples, Gary Robinson, Eamon Smyth and Chris Baker set their rink alight with a 32-7 victory. The rink, Peter Lowe, John Noble, Peter Galloway and Colin Lincoln, were trailing quite significantly, but rallied to only lose 15-27 against a strong Elm Park rink. In effect we lost 1-3 on rinks, but the scoring method is thankfully different, with total points being the only issue, therefore the points total was enough for Clock House to raise the Trophy. |
Leamington National Finals Update
Thought it might be appropriate to update members on the progress of our Ladies teams representing Essex in the National Finals at Leamington. The Fours, Hayley Kenny, Michelle Squires, Serena Madgewick and Rebecca Smith started their campaign on 10th August with a 15-11 win over Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, followed by an afternoon win over Henlow, Bedfordshire by 16-12. On Friday 11th, in the last 16, they beat Whitenash, Warwickshire by 19-11, then in the Quarter Finals went down by 9-16 to Egham, Surrey. |
On Sunday 13th August it was the Triples turn, Hayley, Michelle Carlin and Rebecca, with an afternoon start against Ross on Wye, Herefordshire and achieving a comfortable 25-6 win.
On Monday 14th another good win 27-4 against Bude, Cornwall followed by a closer match beating Felixstowe & Suffolk 19-14. Into the Quarter Finals on Tuesday morning facing Workington, Cumbria they had another comfortable 24-8 win after only 14 ends. The Semi Finals in the afternoon against Egham, Surrey once again proved to be the stumbling block, going down by a close 15-18. All five Ladies were representing Essex in the Inter County Johns Trophy on Saturday 19th, where in the semi-final they came up against Devon, the eventual winners, going down by 6 shots, 123-117. Rebecca Smith will be contesting the 2 Bowl Singles Championship starting on Thursday 24th August. |
Thursday 3rd August - Roger Burton semi-final v Gidea Park
An exceptional result in the semi-final of the Roger Burton v Gidea Park saw Clock House Men winning on 3 rinks out of 4 with a total score of Clock House 95 v Gidea Park 54. At home Barry Kavanagh went down 9-21 in the Singles match with the Fours, Peter Galloway, John Carter, Colin Lincoln and Mike Long coming from behind to win 19-14. At Gidea Park the pairing of Doug Baxter and Roger Tallentire had it all their own way recording a convincing 44-3 win. The Triples, Gary Robinson, Tony Reeves and Chris Baker were always in control gaining a 23-16 win. We are now in the final of this competition, which will be played at Harold Hill on Saturday 19th August against Romford.
An exceptional result in the semi-final of the Roger Burton v Gidea Park saw Clock House Men winning on 3 rinks out of 4 with a total score of Clock House 95 v Gidea Park 54. At home Barry Kavanagh went down 9-21 in the Singles match with the Fours, Peter Galloway, John Carter, Colin Lincoln and Mike Long coming from behind to win 19-14. At Gidea Park the pairing of Doug Baxter and Roger Tallentire had it all their own way recording a convincing 44-3 win. The Triples, Gary Robinson, Tony Reeves and Chris Baker were always in control gaining a 23-16 win. We are now in the final of this competition, which will be played at Harold Hill on Saturday 19th August against Romford.
County Finals weekend - Saturday and Sunday 29th/30th July
The Essex County Women's Finals weekend held at Witham Bowls Club probably ended as the most successful campaign in County Competitions that Clock House ladies have ever achieved.
First up on Saturday was the 2 Bowl Singles Semi-Finals where Rebecca Smith had a 14-11 victory over Elm Park's Jean Hough to earn a place in the Final, which followed. Playing Helen Grant of Loughton, Rebecca recorded her first title of the weekend with a 16-9 win.
In the afternoon the Triples team of Hayley Kenny, Michelle Carlin and Rebecca Smith faced Tiptree Jobserve in a closely contested game, emerging winners by 16-14 shots.
A return to Witham on Sunday morning for the Fours final resulted in another title for Clock House ladies with Kenny, Michelle Squires, Serena Madgewick and Smith defeating Holland-on-Sea 19-11.
The Essex County Women's Finals weekend held at Witham Bowls Club probably ended as the most successful campaign in County Competitions that Clock House ladies have ever achieved.
First up on Saturday was the 2 Bowl Singles Semi-Finals where Rebecca Smith had a 14-11 victory over Elm Park's Jean Hough to earn a place in the Final, which followed. Playing Helen Grant of Loughton, Rebecca recorded her first title of the weekend with a 16-9 win.
In the afternoon the Triples team of Hayley Kenny, Michelle Carlin and Rebecca Smith faced Tiptree Jobserve in a closely contested game, emerging winners by 16-14 shots.
A return to Witham on Sunday morning for the Fours final resulted in another title for Clock House ladies with Kenny, Michelle Squires, Serena Madgewick and Smith defeating Holland-on-Sea 19-11.
With 3 titles in the bag, the last challenge of the weekend was to regain the Top Club title they last won in 2019.
The opposition was Fairwood Bowls Club, Leigh-on-Sea, but nothing was going to stop the momentum of wins this weekend. In the Singles, Hayley Kenny decided she wasn't hanging about when the rain started and quickly won 21-10, however the Pairs, Angela Ueckermann and Rebecca Smith were outplayed and defeated 15-18.
After a slow start the Triples, Jane Preston, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick won 22-13, with the Fours, Margaret Tinton, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Carlin and Michelle Squires winning 36-11.Travelling reserves were Val baker and Hazel Pudney. An overall 3-1 win by a 94-52 points margin gave Clock House their deserved Top Club title.
The opposition was Fairwood Bowls Club, Leigh-on-Sea, but nothing was going to stop the momentum of wins this weekend. In the Singles, Hayley Kenny decided she wasn't hanging about when the rain started and quickly won 21-10, however the Pairs, Angela Ueckermann and Rebecca Smith were outplayed and defeated 15-18.
After a slow start the Triples, Jane Preston, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick won 22-13, with the Fours, Margaret Tinton, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Carlin and Michelle Squires winning 36-11.Travelling reserves were Val baker and Hazel Pudney. An overall 3-1 win by a 94-52 points margin gave Clock House their deserved Top Club title.
Sunday 16th July - County Fours and Triples
The Ladies had an early start at Tiptree for the semi-finals of the County Fours and Triples events with entries in the National Championships at Leamington up for grabs. Up first, attempting to get their third visit to Leamington in the fours were Kenny, Squires, Madgewick and Smith, where in a close game the Clock House four managed a 18-15 win over Essex County, booking their Leamington ticket. With little time to relax, Kenny and Smith were back on the green, joined by Michelle Carlin, to contest the Triples semi-final against Wanstead Central. A 17-10 win and another ticket to the National Finals resulted. |
Friday 14th July - Albert Crabb Competition
The ladies faced Liberty of Havering in the County Albert Crabb Double Rink competition, where the combined scores from a home and away game decide the result. With the home team of Margaret Tinton, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Squires and Rebecca Smith winning 22-15 and the away team of Jane Preston, Angela Ueckermann, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick winning 24-7, the ladies comfortably progressed to the next round. |
Saturday 15th July - County Top Club
The Ladies were up against their old adversaries, Wanstead Central. in the County Top Club semi-final at the neutral venue of Haynes Park. Once more Hayley Kenny had a comfortable 21-7 win. The pairs Angela Ueckermann and Rebecca Smith won 23-16. The triples Jane Preston, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick lost 8-17 but the fours Margaret Tinton, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Carlin and Michelle Squires won 22-16, resulting in an overall 3-1 win. |
Thursday 29th June - Ladies National Top Club v Harlow
Harlow visited Clock House to contest the next round of the National Top Club competition. Once again with a full strength team the Ladies advance into the last 32 with a 4-0 win, where they play Royston of Hertfordshire on a neutral green.
The closest game of the evening was Hayley Kenny with a 21-19 win. The pairs, Rebecca Smith and Angela Ueckermann won 28-11.
The triples Serena Madgewick, Debbie Walmsley and Jane Preston won 24-11 with the fours Michelle Squires, Michelle Carlin, Jan Tallentire and Margaret Tinton winning 26-6. A total points victory 99-47. Another 2 victories will give them tickets to the National Finals at Leamington on 25-27th August.
Harlow visited Clock House to contest the next round of the National Top Club competition. Once again with a full strength team the Ladies advance into the last 32 with a 4-0 win, where they play Royston of Hertfordshire on a neutral green.
The closest game of the evening was Hayley Kenny with a 21-19 win. The pairs, Rebecca Smith and Angela Ueckermann won 28-11.
The triples Serena Madgewick, Debbie Walmsley and Jane Preston won 24-11 with the fours Michelle Squires, Michelle Carlin, Jan Tallentire and Margaret Tinton winning 26-6. A total points victory 99-47. Another 2 victories will give them tickets to the National Finals at Leamington on 25-27th August.
Saturday 24th June - Ladies County Top Club v Elm Park
On Saturday 24th June the Ladies had a short trip to Elm Park for the 2nd Round of the County Top Club competition. Back to full squad strength, the team had a comfortable 4-0 win with a shot score of 105-42. Back in the Singles, Hayley Kenny had an easy 21-7 win. The Pairs partnership of Rebecca Smith and Margaret Tinton triumphed 26-16. Triples Serena Madgewick, Debbie Walmsley and Jane Preston won 23-7 with Fours Michelle Squires, Michelle Carlin, Jan Tallentire and Angela Ueckermann winning 35-12, Hazel Pudney and Val baker were travelling reserves. This progresses the team to the next round at home against Liberty of Havering on Saturday 1st July. In the meantime the Ladies face Harlow in the next round of the National Top Club competition on Thursday evening 29th June at Clockhouse Gardens. |
Thursday 15th June - Ladies National Top Club at Falcon BC
Not even a flight from Barcelona or a fatal crash, which closed the A12 near Mountnessing, could stop the Clock House Ladies progressing in the National Top Club competition in an away match at Falcon Bowling Club, Chelmsford. After overcoming the travel complications, the match got underway only a half hour late. Hayley Kenny had a comfortable 21-8 win in the singles, doubles pair Margaret Tinton and Rebecca Smith managed a last end draw 22-22, triples Jane Preston, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick had a 25-11 win, however the fours Angela Ueckermann, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Carlin and Michelle Squires went down 9-22. So with a 2.5 to 1.5 win, with overal points tally of 77-63, Clock House advance to a Home tie against Harlow. |
Sunday 10th June - County Semi-Finals at Gt Baddow
The expectation along with the temperature was high at Great Baddow, for Rebecca in the County Singles and with Hayley in the Pairs. On a difficult green the expectation was dented with Rebecca going down 18-21 to Donna Law of Silver End in the morning Singles Semi-Final. Things were no better in the afternoon where Rebecca and Hayley lost 13-18 to T Howard and D Butcher of Dunmow. So that's this years Singles and Pairs route to Leamington Nationals blocked. |
Ashford Cup
Congratulations go to Colin Lincoln, Paul Hyde and Mike Long as members of the Group 4 squad that reached the final of the Ashford Cup (the Essex intergroup competition for unbadged players). Colin and Mike played in all 3 qualification matches, while Paul played in the first 2 before breaking his arm. Group 4 won all 3 games: against Group 2 at Braintree, Group 1 at Wivenhoe and Group 8 at Kings Chase. Colin had a brilliant campaign skipping his rink to 2 victories and one draw. The final will be played at Braintree on 30 July with a 10am start. |
Tuesday 30th May - 'A' Area County Pairs Final
Rebecca Smith & Hayley Kenny faced Dot Pope & Pat Powder from Romford on a chilly overcast evening at Aveley. Rebecca & Hayley took an early lead of 6-3 after 6 ends, then got into their stride to lead 20-3 after 12 ends. Dot & Pat never had much luck on the night, after holding 4 shots on the 15th end, only for Rebecca to make shot with her last bowl. That was enough for the Romford pair, giving Rebecca & Hayley a 25-6 victory after 15 ends. They now go through to the County Semi Finals at Great Baddow on 10th June, where Rebecca will also be playing in the Ladies Singles. |
24th May - Essex v Berkshire
3 players from Clock House played for the Essex team against Berkshire at Elsenham Bowls Club, near Bishops Stortford, on 24th May. Doug Baxter, Dennis Mills and Mike Long all represented their County with pride. Unfortunately the Berkshire side were far stronger on the day winning 5 of the 6 rinks and by a shot score of 132-87. After the match, Mike Long was awarded his Essex badge by County President, Richard Dodd. |
Saturday 20th May - Ladies County Top Club
Upminster Bowls Club returned to Clock House Gardens for the 1st Round of the County Top Club competition with a chance to get their revenge for the previous weekend's defeat in the National Top Club. Even with 2 of the National squad unavailable, the team still managed a comfortable win to send Upminster out of this year's County competition. Jane Preston was promoted to the Singles event, gaining a 21-5 win. Pairs partners Rebecca Smith and Margaret Tinton triumphed 27-9. Triples Serena Madgewick, Debbie Walmsley and Hazel Pudney won 28-9 with Fours Michelle Squires, Michelle Carlin, Kim Fergusson and Jan Tallentire halving the tie 19-19, completing a 3.5 - 0.5 win with a shot score of 95-42. Hazel Churchyard stood by as reserve. The next round will be away to Elm Park on 24th June. |
15th May - Ladies ‘A’ Area County Singles
The Ladies had a busy 2 weeks in the County Singles competition with 8 Clock House entries of the 18 total. Inevitably in the early rounds Clock House Ladies were playing each other, however Hayley, Rebecca and Michelle Squires made the ‘A’ Area semi-final, with Hayley and Rebecca making it through to the Final on 15th May at Haynes Park. What a match, with Hayley leading 17-8 after 18 ends, it seemed all over but Rebecca had other ideas. 10 ends later they were still at it with the score 20-16. With 5 shots from the last 3 ends, Rebecca snatched the match 21-20 after 31 ends. |
Saturday 13th May - Ladies National Top Club
The Ladies started their National Top Club campaign with a home tie against local rivals Upminster. With a stronger team than last year, with six County badged players in the squad, expectancy was high. Hayley Kenny, competing in the single event, after a close start, had a comfortable win 21-11, as did the pairing of Margaret Tinton and Rebecca Smith by the same score. The triples, Jane Preston, Debbie Walmsley and Serena Madgewick had a similar margin win by 20-9. The rink, Angela Ueckermann, Jan Tallentire, Michelle Carlin and Michelle Squires had a resounding 53-4 win, with which the score board couldn't cope. So with a 4-0 win and overall points tally of 115-35 to Clock House, the result was encouraging. Upminster have to look forward to a return to Clock House on Saturday 20th to contest the 1st round of the County Top Club competition. |