Littlehampton Gazette Bowls League
The Littlehampton Gazette Bowls League was formed back in the winter of 1984/85 by the current League Chairman, Chris Rolph ex of Tarring Priory BC. Chris acted as Hon. Secretary until the early 1990’s when he passed the reigns on to his friend Brian Wellsted who worked tirelessly for the league until he passed away in 2007.
Brian was responsible for the fantastic growth the league has seen by attracting new teams, creating new divisions and starting the league knockout cup. Chris stayed involved ‘behind the scenes’ assisting Brian until being asked to return officially as Chairman some eight years ago.
In the first season (1985) the league consisted of just one division and only six clubs (Norfolk, Maltravers, Arundel, East Preston, Middleton and Bognor). How times have changed! In 2011 the league boasts three divisions, twenty clubs and twenty eight teams. The league has developed so impressively over the years it is now widely regarded as the most successful and competitive league in the whole of Sussex County.
After we lost Brian there was a brief period when as Chairman Chris was a little worried as to who may come forward and continue the fine work Brian had done. Thankfully Rod Jamieson of Worthing Pavilion BC offered his help and spent three years as Secretary until he passed away in November 2010.
For the 2011 season Chairman Chris has taken on the role of Acting Hon Secretary and will be assisted by three Results Secretary’s. Rod Mcbeth (Storrington BC) will look after Division 1 and the PC Cup, Lew Mockett (Norfolk BC) has taken on Division 2 and Brian Heal (Arundel BC) is dealing with Division 3. Thank you gentlemen for assisting the league in these jobs.
Finances of the league have been under the control of Bognor Regis BC member David Parker for 7 years. He ensures we are kept in a healthy position so much so that we have been able to create this website without any increase in fees.
Our webmaster is David Jackson also of Bognor BC and we all offer our thanks for his work in moving the league forward and enhancing it’s already splendid reputation.
The leagues Annual Delegates Meeting is held each October and its Presentation Day and Cup Final is held in September at Worthing Pavilion BC. (In 2011 it will be on Sunday 18th September) We are very lucky that Worthing Pavilion BC have supported us for many years at no cost.
LITTLEHAMPTON GAZETTE LEAGE V THE BRIGHTON AND HOVE LEAGUE
BOWLS MATCH ON 20TH JUNE 2011 AT CHICHESTER BOWLS CLUB
It was a slightly overcast day at Priory Park for the annual derby against our old rivals . LGL had won the past two matches and were looking to do the Hat Trick. Teams from Chichester, Arundel, Bognor, Witterings, Crablands and Norfolk represented the LGL. Our hosts Chichester provided the Green, tea on the hoof and welcoming drinks in the Bar afterwards. The Match was played in excellent spirits throughout with lots of friendly banter to accompany the excellent bowls. The match started fairly evenly and stayed that way for the first eight ends or so. However a comfortable lead was established by LGL after the tea semi-interval and was maintained to the finish.
The match was won by LGL 6 rinks to 0 with the total scores being 141 to 92.
There was a great deal of competition to receive the top rink Cadburys delights Arundel (a Triple) pipped Chichester for that honour and won by 14 shots , Chichester11 shots.
I would like to thank Chichester for their Green and hospitality and all the LGL players for playing and maintaining the Leagues winning run.
We all look forward to the next fixture on Monday 18th June 2012.
David Parker
21st June 2011
TEAMS |
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NORFOLK |
BOGNOR |
ARUNDEL |
| 1. A WHITE | 1. D JACKSON | 1. M KNOX |
| 2. D POOLE | 2. N WADDOCK | 2. J HALL |
| 3. D MANN | 3. T REXSTREW | 3. G REYGATE |
| S. JA COLLINS | S. R GARDNER | S. J ROSE |
CRABLANDS |
WITTERINGS |
CHICHESTER |
| 1. B JONES | 1. P CHIVES | 1. S MEYER |
| 2. A BLYTHE | 2. F KNOTS | 2. J PICKARD |
| 3. R EASTLAND | 3. B HORSLEY | 3. M LEWIS |
| S. D ADAMS | S. D BELL | S. J HEASEMAN |
Non Playing Captain Dave Parker. |
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We have been supported financially since formation back in 1985 by The Littlehampton Gazette and have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the various Sports Reporters and Editors.
Tony Mustard, Peter Butcher, Richard Amey and now Steve Bailey have all had an interest in the league and we thank them and their employers for the financial assistance and coverage they give us in the newspaper each week. Current Sports Editor Steve Bailey holds the honorary position of League President.
The Littlehampton Gazette is proud to sponsor the league and we look forward to doing so for many more years to come. Year on year, it provides excellent entertainment for so many people and it really is one of the top local bowls leagues.
We look forward to reporting on you all again this year.
Any other bowls stories or news you have, let us know on 01903 282399 or sport@worthingherald.co.uk
