Two young players from Avon Bowls Club represented Wiltshire recently, when they competed in the Bowls England National Championships at Leamington Spa.
Alfie Holland, 16, represented Wiltshire in the Junior Pairs and the Middleton Cup, which is the top trophy that all counties play for and strive to win. Georgina Newman, 23, represented Wiltshire in the Junior Pairs and Junior Singles.
In the Junior Pairs, they played with Jake Webster from Westlecot Bowls Club and Amelia Yeoman from Box Bowls Club. Alfie’s first pairs game was against Cambridgeshire. “Whilst they played very well, that little bit of ‘luck’ was not on their side and they narrowly lost out in the end,” said a member of the bowls club. “Georgina was drawn against Northamptonshire and from the start of the game found form and led throughout, winning 21 to 8. “Her next game was against Huntingdonshire and was a different kettle of fish. Unfortunately, on a tricky green, the Huntingdonshire player was able to find the lines, Georgina did not give in and though she did close the gap, she was unable to catch her opponent.
“In the Middleton Cup, Bowls Wiltshire reached the semi-finals after convincing wins against Dorset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Herefordshire and Cornwall and was up against Huntingdonshire in the semi-final. “The Middleton Cup players are selected as, the top 24 players in the county. Alfie was first selected in 2023 at the age of 15, and following trials early on in the season, he was selected again. “In the early stages of the semi-final match, the scores were tight but the Wiltshire men soon found excellent form and edged away in front and maintained the lead coming out winners by 41 shots.
“In the final, Wiltshire men faced Northumberland. The atmosphere was electric from the very start, the crowds cheering and chanting was something else. It was a game that started close, but by the halfway point, Wiltshire had their nose in front, albeit by eight shots. However, the Wiltshire men’s momentum and focus maintained the lead, with Wiltshire coming out winners by 15 shots to be Bowls England Champions (best in England), with all the players earning a place in the record books. “Avon Bowls Club, nestled in the centre of Melksham, is a thriving bowls club of all abilities and ages. We are very proud to have such amazing talent. “Avon Bowls Club also hosted a game between Bowls Wiltshire men and Somerset on probably one of the last sunny afternoons of the 2024 season on Wednesday 4th September. Several of our members were in the team and a meal was provided; our thanks to all involved.”
The club is always welcoming and looking for new members (players or non-members) of any age and say that youngsters are key for the team. If there are any youngsters or teenagers wishing to try the game, then please come along on Monday evenings to the club, situated next to the Campus, from 6pm, or email abc-secretary@hotmail.co.uk
Pictured: Alfie Holland with his trophy and Georgina in action.
