Bowlers from Victoria, Wellington Park, Ardgowan, Port Glasgow and Lady Alice were crowned champions at the Greenock and District Bowling Association’s championship finals.
The rain clouds and wind that made conditions tricky in the morning semi-finals at Lady Alice continued into the afternoon finals and the sun, along with some heavy outbreaks of rain, made things difficult for the players.
Lady Alice president Shaun Griffin welcomed players, officials, invited guests and spectators to the event and wished everyone an enjoyable day.
The junior singles final was a very close encounter, featuring two of Inverclyde's finest young players, Astyn McKechnie of Victoria Bowling Club and Brandon Miller of Wellington Park.
Both youngsters never fail to put on a spectacle whenever they meet and this was no different, but it was Astyn who managed to claw his way back from 15-11 down to regain the U25 title he won in 2023 by winning 21-19.
In the gents’ singles, George Wilson of Wellington Park was crowned champion after a fine victory over Dougie Twaddle from Port Glasgow by 21 shots to 18.
This makes it a double success for George following his district singles win in 2023, his first title.
In the pairs, it was the strong Ardgowan duo of Gordon Ewing and Alan Buchan who claimed victory over Callum Morrison and George Felgate of Grosvenor BC.
The triples championship went to Wellington Park, with Alex McIlravey, Brian McAlees and Stephen McLellan overcoming the Kilmacolm trio of Bryan Power, John Stanton & Tam Leisk by 17 shots to nine.
Port Glasgow’s Andy McCabe Jr, Duncan McConnachie, John McCarry and skip Ross Gouldstone emerged on top, defeating Jim McElwee, Pat McCurdy, Paul McElwee and Mark McLees of Rankin Park.
The senior fours title went to Lady Alice’s Willie Philips, John Clocherty, Alex Campbell and Mick McColgan, who defeated Malcolm McKechnie, Billy Brown, Phil Evans and Sandy Crawford of Kilmacolm.
Following the finals, the trophies for all the other leagues and cup competitions were presented as follows.
Top Five and Top Ten, Port Glasgow BC; Fletcher Cup and Reid Cup, Wellington Park; mixed pairs, Lady Alice; Ardgowan Hospice Trophy, Port Glasgow.
League winners: Over 50s Wellington Park; Triples Port Glasgow (divisions 1 and 2); Fours League Group B Victoria; Fours League Group A (Melvin Shield) and runners up, Lady Alice; Fours League Flag and Shield Championship, Wellington Park.
A spokesperson for the GDBA said: "The Association committee would like to thank all the clubs who have hosted games throughout the season, the umpires for their time and dedication to the sport, the many volunteers who work tirelessly in the background organising many of our matches throughout the season, and to Lady Alice for providing their greens, and in particular Alex Rennie, green-keeper, for all his hard-work and hours of preparations to make a successful Finals Day.
“Thanks also to the committee and members of Lady Alice also for all their planning and to all who was involved.
“Lastly, to our 2024 sponsors who continue to support the association, thank you all so much.”
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