In an interesting example of role reversal, your Secretary has required me to produce an essay on the above event, thus neatly getting his revenge for occasions in the 1980's when your correspondent required many essays from him. He should note that any attempt on his part to pass critical comment on what follows could result in the full publication of his essay grades for the relevant period.

Sunday 26 th June dawned fine, with a promise of a very warm day, as contestants made their way to Greenroyd Bowling Club from many parts of the kingdom to participate in the annual test of skill and stamina which is the HOBA Bowls Day.

Those who arrived for the official start time of 1.30 pm were greeted by the spectacle of last year's Champions, Grayham Smith and John Henry, earnestly practising for the defence of their title – professionalism or a lack of confidence?

Some new figures graced the greensward, including Alistair Baigent who had been undertaking altitude training at Sowerby and Richard Firth, with Keith Fawthrop making the journey from Chesterfield to take part.

Partners were picked, generally at random, although, ominously, Jonathan Hamer had again secured the services of his father, John, after the latter's absence last year. In the early exchanges, your correspondent and his partner, the redoubtable John Hoggard, appearing as the “Champion of Northowram”, clocked up three comfortable wins. Yet, there were threatening signs from the smooth progress of Hamer and Hamer who were recovering well from an early reverse against Chris Gostridge and Phil Solan, enjoying their home advantage.

A late-entering “dark horse” partnership of Mark Baxendale and Rodney Eastwood eventually took to the green after the former had popped back home for pieces of personal Heath memorabilia. These included a prefect's immaculate gold-braided maroon blazer; a picture of what those who featured on it were pleased to call the “greatest Heath GS 1 st XV ever” and various swimming and athletic certificates. These items, unfortunately, did not provide a big enough boost to the pair's morale and they struggled to just one win in their six “round-robin” games. This, however, was one win more than the pairing of Richard Firth and Mick Hynes

By now the watching throng had been augmented by the arrival of John Davey with a fund of anecdotes about Heath in the1950s and a brief appearance on his bike of David Robinson, a Heathen in his eighties. They were able to witness a sound performance by Baigent and Fawthrop which brought them three wins and a draw, the extra point taking them above Bunch and Hoggard, who could not improve on their initial three victories. Smith and Henry's defence of the title was gallant, given a recent Smith injury incurred at a veteran athletic contest and Henry's thankful recovery from recent serious illness. Their four victories left them eliminated from securing a place in the final.

This titanic struggle brought back together the rivals of the first round, Hamer and Son against Gostridge and Solan, The match was truly an exhibition of bowling skill of a high order. Long ends were mixed with short and the lead see-sawed back and forth in a match which took half an hour to decide. In the end, the father-and-son team just sneaked their collective nose in front to win 11-8.

While all this had been going on, former HOBA Chairman Jim Farrell had appeared with his wife and a wonderful tea-time spread of delicacies and delights designed to appeal to the discerning palates of Old Heathens. After the trophy presentations of the gleaming silver cup for the winners and a dubious black-hand-with-gold-fingernails for the runners-up, all adjourned for this appetising tea. There the conversation flowed, ranging freely over past and present.

The event again proved itself a worthy example of what the Association is all about - good fellowship based on shared experience, good humour and respect for each other.

Russell Smith, who died just before the 2010 contest, would surely have enjoyed himself in the competition that now carries his name. Anyone reading this who has yet to take part should make a resolution to join us next year and share in the occasion.

Thanks must go to Messrs Hamer, Hynes and Farrell for their organisation before and during the event and to its hosts, Greenroyd Bowling Club.

John Bunch