West Kirby Victoria Bowling Club

Skipper Mally Johnson led the Vics Wallasey side to their 4th Championship in a row last night as the Vics beat 27 Club by 52 shots away from home. Mally in winning 21-01, ruthless in his use of the long game, ensured that there would be no surprise result to encourage Manor Road “A” playing on the next green. Anthony Thompson, hiding in the back four tonight, had an easy 21-04 win and there were comfortable wins also for Matty Gilmore 21-11, Robby Fitzpatrick 21-12 and Dave Gilmore 21-13. Billy Atkinson 21-16, Peter Dodd 21-17 and Ian Sherbrooke 21-18 all came through closer games as the Vics had 8 away winners on the night. Karl Sherbrooke, Neil Sherbrooke, Eddie Clayburn and Bernie Owen all played their part with double figure performances as the rain came down at Harrison Park. With 4 trophies in the bag now this season, the Vics will be all out to complete a clean sweep when they play Manor Road in the Presidents Cup Final on Saturday evening. Skipper Mally Johnson has to be congratulated for managing to keep the squad going throughout the season and if it is to be his last season as captain, as he is thinking of standing down next year, what better way to go than with a complete haul of all the trophies available.

The afternoon “A” team defeated Harrison Park “B” by 21 shots in yet another home victory on Wednesday. On an afternoon of mixed weather conditions, sun, rain, thunder and lightening, the Vics had a difficult match against a good Harrison Park side. Elwyn Williams continued his fine season with an easy 21-07 win and he was well backed up by Bernie Owen 21-14 and Billy Atkinson 21-15. Dick Peake won again 21-17 and with Dave Bosworth 21-18 and Eddie Clayburn 21-20 also winning close games the Vics ran out winners by 21. Ian Cameron 16, Ernie Peers 17, Mally Johnson 18 and Brian Ibbotson 19 were all involved in tight games without managing victory. A good win for the Vics but a tough game awaits in the away match next week.

The afternoon “B” team suffered a heavy 61 shot defeat at Wallasey R.B.L. on Wednesday when only C.K.Pau and Derek Thomas managed victories. C.K. and Derek both had hard fought 21-18 wins and with Harry Preston 19-21 and Lawrie Blackburn 20-21 the best of the rest the Vics struggled on the small Legion green on a stormy afternoon. This was a bad result for the Vics who had shown better away form in recent matches and a really good home performance next week is required if the aggregate point is to be won.