Broughton Bowlers scoop four major trophies

With the bowls season drawing to a close, Broughton Gifford has enjoyed the best of times, winning four major honours in the last three weeks. 

The most recent success took place at Devizes Bowls Club, which hosted the Bowls Wiltshire Finals on the weekend 8th/9th September. On Sunday, Broughton were represented in the prestigious Champion of Champions Final by Neil Yeoman, who showed great character and skill to come back from a seemingly hopeless position. At 12-19 down he fought back magnificently to snatch a brilliant 21-19 victory over the experienced Dave Godwin of Royal Wootton Bassett. Earlier, Neil had comfortably defeated R Ferguson of Wanborough in his semi- final by 21-9. 

The previous day Broughton met Pewsey Vale in the final of the highly-regarded Tourist Trophy double rink competition. Broughton had displayed great form in the earlier rounds, winning their four games against some of Wiltshire’s best teams. After a somewhat tentative start Broughton settled and went on to display excellent form, demolishing a luckless Pewsey side, who decided to concede after fourteen ends, with the score at 59-19. Team: Norman Hughes, Vince Davis, Kevin Holmes, Trevor Cooke, Rodney Bourne, Barry Freeman, Dave Alford (capt), Neil Yeoman and Ray Thomas.  

The Spencer Melksham Green was the venue on Thursday 6th when Broughton gained a memorable victory in the Play-Off Final of the White Horse League, beating hot favourites Chippenham Town, who conceded with two ends left to play.  Shot of the day was delivered by Broughton skip Trevor Cooke on the first end. With his side seven shots down and under huge pressure, he drew beautifully into a congested head to win the end. An inspired Broughton then went on to play some top class bowls, winning the game in fine style against a team that was previously unbeaten. Team: Rodney Bourne, Barry Freeman, Dave Alford & Trevor Cooke.

 Broughton also gained the distinction of becoming the Champions of the third tier of the Mid Wilts Triples League, which was accomplished in late August with a game to spare. Congratulations to the twenty players who took part during the season and to Steve Hockings on his skilful captaincy.

Mervyn Davies