GALLOW JUNIOR BOWLS

Over recent weeks the juniors have played in a number of tournaments. In the Pentney junior open event, Daniel Cawthorne finished third. Two teams entered the County Arts pairs tournament, both winning through to the semi finals, but then being drawn against each other.

Daniel Ballantyne (left) and Rhys Morgan, pictured with Mr Bob Blogg of the County Arts Club, who presented the trophies, beat Daniel Cawthorne and Curtis Walters by two shots, leaving the former pair to play the final. Up against a County Arts team playing on home territory, put them at a disadvantage, and they finished losing to the home side by a couple of shots. Well done to both Gallow teams. The following weekend they were in action again at the North Walsham pairs tournament. Daniel Cawthorne again excelled with his partner Jake Biggs, getting into the semi-final, with the other participating pair of Rhys Morgan and Jarod Pitkin-Bovington reaching the semi-final of the Plate competition. A good performance all round again.

The Gallow IBC entered several players into the National School of Excellence, 9 players winning through to the second round. With record scores in this year’s competition, there was great pressure to qualify for the regional round at Chesterton IBC, in Cambridge. There are 9 players from the Norfolk entries who have qualified, and it is with great satisfaction to note that 5 of these are Gallow IBC members, Dean Johnson and Daniel Cawthorne from the upper age group, the younger members being Jake Biggs, who qualified last year, Lee Johnson and Rhys Morgan. The Cambridge event is scheduled for the end of April. Winners at Cambridge will progress to the National round.

Earlier this year the Gallow IBC made a grant application to the Norfolk Grassroots Foundation for funds to purchase short mat bowls equipment. The plan is to take this around the local schools giving some of the children a chance to have a go in the confines of the school. This is supported by the school’s sports organisers and is intended to extend an activity to those who may never have considered the game before. The Club have now been advised that the application was successful, and they are now planning the strategy to be adopted.

The under 18s singles cup, presented by Club member John Piercy, has now reached the semi-final stage, with plans for the event to be completed during finals week at the club.

At its last meeting the Bowls Committee recorded its appreciation of the enthusiasm and skills of the junior members, not just those doing well in external competitions, but all 18 of the regular players. It is recognised that the considerable support given by the Club to the junior section, does have tangible benefits both in the short term and over the longer term.

This continues to be a very successful year for the juniors, apart from the above successes, three of them have played in the Club men’s B team on many occasions. With the season approaching its conclusion, the emphasis will turn towards plans for next winter when the season restarts. New junior members are welcome and as soon as the autumn start date is known, it will be advertised. In the meantime, Bryan, the junior coach can be contacted on 07921887179 or via the Gallow Club on 01328 862867.