HOBA Invitation Bowling 2010
This year's bowling extravaganza was tinged with sadness following the passing away of Russell Smith during the week.
Brother Grayham, speaking on behalf of the Smith family, insisted the event took place and what a cracking competition it transpired to be. Novices and old pros turned up to play in this annual pairs afternoon - those without partners were soon paired off - to play as the sun shone at Greenroyd.
Last year's winners John Bunch and John Robertshaw were soon chalking up the wins but so were plenty of other teams.
The Stollery combination of Phil and Dave were proving dark horses as they quietly went to work, along with Mick Hynes and Harry Brearley who continually defied the odds with some brilliant bowling.
Jon Hamer and David North were slow out of the blocks suffering narrow early defeats, which left them with too much to do when they hit the winning formula.
John Stoddard and Chris Bowes along with David Wilson and Barry Timms enjoyed victories along the way, most notably against Graham Smith and debutant John Henry.
As the round robin format reached its climax four teams were challenging for a place in the final. Bunch and Robertshaw were severely tested and beaten by Hynes and Brearley 4-3 but had still done enough to make the final. Hynes/Brearley were then beaten by Hamer/North 5-2 to spoil their hopes of the other finalist spot.
Team Stollery had to beat Smith/Henry for a place in the final but were soundly thrashed 11-1 to put an end to their bid.
Smith/Henry were then in pole position for the other finalists spot if they could beat Mark Baxendale and Rod Eastwood. In a pulsating game it was 6-6 after four ends and the measure was called for on the 5th end to secure the win for Smith/Henry 7-6.
The final consisted of cup holders Bunch/Robertshaw, beaten only once all afternoon, against Smith/Henry who finished just ahead of the pack. After two ends it was all square at 2-2 before Smith bowled superbly to make it 4-2 after three ends. Bunch/Robertshaw fought back gallantly but it finished 5-3 to the competitive combination of Smith and Henry.
HOBA Chairman Mick Hynes presented the fabulous trophies to the winners and runners up before a magnificent buffet feast was enjoyed in the clubhouse.
It was unanimously agreed that next year's Winners Trophy would be titled the Russell Smith Memorial Trophy.
Mark Baxendale in action Bunch in action
Mark Baxendale in Action Bunch in Action
Bunch wants the trophy! Eastwood, Baxendale and Brearley
Bunch wants the trophy! Eastwood, Baxendale and Brearley
Hamer and Bunch measure up Smith in action
Hamer and Bunch measure up. Smith in action.
Team Stollery and David North Winners Smith and Henry
Team Stollery and David North. Winners Smith and Henry.
[June 2010]
 

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