Finals Day 2023
Priory Bowls Club
Three is lucky number for some and unlucky for others
The finals were held on Sunday 27th August and Steve Smith and Roly Bloy contested three finals each, this did how every cause a headache with the times that was solved by extending into the afternoon.
Singles Final – first to 21
Steve Smith v Roly Bloy – Steve got off to a great start leading 10-1 after 7 ends and continue with his form to beat Roly 22-4 after 14 ends.
2-Woods 21 ends
Steve Smith again faced Roly Bloy who was determined to beat Steve in this one and won the first end 1-0. Steve was again in his dominating form opening a lead of 12-4 at the halfway stage. Roly started to recover and reduced Steve shot lead to 13-7 by the 14 end but unfortunately for Roly this only spurred Steve on to wrap up the game 17-8 in the 19th end.
Handicap Final – 21 ends
Roly Bloy in his third game faced Fred Hammal hoping to break his duck of losing in the first two finals, unfortunately Fred had different ideas and won 23-15.
This was the best final of the day with Fred who started with a 4-shot advantage winning the first 4 ends to lead by 9-0. Roly was feeling the pressure of playing in three finals but put up a brave fight to fight back to 15-20 down on the 20th end. Fred then found his form again on end 21 and picked up three to win 23-15 and continue the misery of poor old Roly.
Pairs Final – 21 ends
This was Steve Smiths third final and was partnered with Mike Turner. There opponents were Randall Davies and Tony Cook and they found that Steve’s fine form continued throughout this game and was ably backed up by Mike. Tony was up against the tide from the start as Randall who had only just started playing this year found it hard to read the head and give Tony instructions this Steve took full advantage of.
After 18 ends Tony and Randall forfeited the game with the score at 27-11 so Steve added his third trophy for the day. It was good to see Randall a new player to the club getting through to a final.
So overall a very good day was had by all the finalist and especially Steve Smith winning three championships, but we all felt sorry for Roly whose day it was not losing all finals.
Thanks must go to the markers who were Club Captain: Clive Carter, President: Fred Hammal and Life-Vice President: Bobby Bloomfield.
Contact Information
Albie Somerset
- 02392822141
- 02392822141
Find Priory Bowls Club
Milton Park, Priory Crescent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 8QZ
Additional Information
The phone number below is the pavilion at Milton Park, if you required contact with the club, please email