St Chad's Bowling Club marked its 70th anniversary in style on Sunday with a lively and sun-soaked T Cribb & Sons Mixed Gala, drawing 13 visiting teams eager to battle for cash and wine prizes.
The green was in superb condition, the crowd was in fine voice, and the bowls on display delivered drama from the first bowl to the last.
The club welcomed Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, as guest of honour, accompanied by cabinet member councillor Simon Perry.
Both took time to enjoy the action, chat with players from across south-west Essex, and join in the celebrations as the anniversary cake was cut to warm applause.
The competition format produced tension throughout the day.
Two groups of six played round-robin matches, and in one league Silverthorn surged ahead with commanding performances.
The other league, however, became a nail-biter.
Upminster and Ray Mansell’s St Chad's squad finished so closely that officials had to pore over the scorecards to confirm that the home side had edged their way into the final.
The five-end final proved decisive.
Clive and Jeanette Edmunds dominated from the outset, delivering clinical bowls under pressure to secure the top cash prize.
Jack Harris, senior manager at T Cribb & Sons, presented the prizes to worthy winners Silverthorn, rounding off a gala that showcased competitive spirit and community pride in equal measure.
The celebrations capped a strong week for St Chad's.
Earlier, the club travelled to neighbours Barley BC, where they battled through a hard-fought contest on a challenging surface.
After a slow start adjusting to the green’s movement, St Chad's settled into a commanding rhythm.
Keith Hutton steered one rink with authority, while Bernard Dowley led the other with equal determination.
Their combined effort secured a six-point victory and pushed St Chad's firmly into the race for the league title.
In the Gidea Park Triples League, however, St Chad's continue to wrestle with the higher standard of play following their promotion.
Liberty BC were held early on two rinks, but their consistency told as the match progressed.
On the third rink, the trio of Bernard Dowley, Sue Beasley, and Paul Smeulders fought a gripping contest, level at 15–15 going into the final end.
Hopes were high, but Liberty produced a superb three-shot finish to claim a clean sweep across all rinks.
Share