This year's Championship was held at Holloway Hill Bowling Club on Wednesday 24th August 2011.

The evening had been picked for its promised weather and proved to be a splendid evening for competitive bowls.
The green was in perfect condition and much credit to the hosting club and Waverley Council. The ladies final was a home affair and Jenny Archer and Jenny Bywater - members from Holloway Hill were strongly supported by their fellow members. After 10 ends the scores were level at 5-5 and Jenny Bywater took advantage after dropping 2 shots and won the next 5 ends to lead 12 -7. While Jenny Archer restricted her opponent to single shots and rallied after being 19-11 down Jenny Bywater won the match with a count of two to win 21 -14, after a long match of 28 ends. Godalming Mayor Steve Cosser presented Jenny with her trophy.

The mens final also was mainly single shot scores apart from the third end where Nigel Whiteman from Milford picked up 4 shots. The match was a see-saw affair and previous winner Bernie Gray from Godalming & Farncombe looked to be homing in when 15-11 up following a conversion when again 4 shots down his last wood perfectly drawn to take shot. However only three single shots kept Bernie in check but Nigel took 8 ends scoring singles and finishing with a count of two to win the title for his first time.

Both matches finished as the light faded and trophies were presented by Steve Cosser – Godalming Mayor. A splendid spread of refreshments were provided by host club guided by President Elizabeth Burrows.

Championship Finals : The Winners

The Sport Godalming Bowls Championship Finals were held at Holloway Hill Bowling Club this year for the first time with the Mayor of Godalming , Cllr Jane Thompson, presenting the prizes and having to apologise for spiking the green with her stilettos.

The ladies final was an all Milford affair between two previous winners and Helen Burgess and Sheila Seddon. Helen started well and took an early lead but the scores levelled halfway through the match and Sheila's experience told when drawing well whenever Helen was holding shot. Sheila completed the match with a count of three on the final end to take the trophy again.

The men's final was  similar with Graham Robinson from Godalming and Farncombe winning the first three ends resulting in a 6-0 score. However local bowler Bob Archer from Holloway Hill knew the green and regularly managed a close wood that was not moved and pegged back the score to level halfway through. Bob continued to get woods close and despite some close calls with Graham's running woods the game was won by Bob for his first win with a score of 21-13.

A great nights bowls ended with a winner from Milford, Sheila Seddon, and one from Holloway Hill, Bob Archer who are the Godalming Champions for 2010' and our thanks to Holloway Hill Bowling Club for organising the finals night so well and to Graham Robinson and Roger Humphrey for organising the Tournament.

Here's to next year and for even more bowlers in Godalming entering the Tournament.

LADIES' TOURNAMENT RESULTS
MEN'S TOURNAMENT RESULTS

From left: Steve Cosser, Sheila Seddon,
Helen Burgess, Jenny Bywater

From left: Graham Robinson, Bob Seddon,
Bob Archer

From left: Helen Burgess, Jane Thompson

From left: Sheila Seddon, Jane Thompson,
Michael O'Sullivan

From left: Graham Robinson, Jane Thompson

From left: Bob Archer, Jane Thompson

From left: Helen Burgess, Sheila Seddon,
Graham Robinson and Bob Archer

Archers Win One Lose One

Sport Godalming Bowls Finals were held at Milford Bowling Club on Wednesday evening and this year saw the Milford and Holloway Hill clubs battling for the honour of being Champion for 2009. In the ladies final Jenny Archer from Holloway Hill took command from the start winning the first three ends. Helen Burgess from Milford recovered to bring the score to 6 -6 but Jenny regularly drew shot or added to her score with her last wood. Helen had competed well in previous rounds and admitted to playing well taking out previous champion Sheila Seddon in the semi finals. Her form did not continue and Jenny Archer added most ends to the score only allowing Helen a further 2 shots. Jenny completed the match winning 21 – 8.

In the mens event Bob Seddon from Milford controlled the beginning with two counts of three and ran away with a 12 – 2 lead after 7 ends. Bob Archer from Holloway Hill rallied – maybe seeing his wife in command on the adjoining rink – and while not totally finding the green to his liking pulled back to 9 -14 at the midway stage. Bob Seddon looked home at 19 – 12 but a further three ends including a score of 3 brought Archer to within two shots but Seddon drew well to hold the shot count and some spirited firing from Bob Archer just did not get the results. Bob Seddon winning 22 -17.

Joy Poulter Mayor of Godalming attended the evening and kindly presented the trophies to the winners. The Championships have now been run for 7 years and has become the local trophy to win for the local bowlers. Entries have slowly been increasing and it is hoped that all seven clubs in the area will encourage their members to enter next year.

2009 Tournament winners:
Bob Seddon & Jenny Archer
with Godalming Mayor Joy Poulter