BOWLS: Tom and Jordan contest close Under 16s final

Under 16s champion Jordan Ward with organiser Darren Wheeler

Bowl4Fun Under 16s Singles 2017

After the success of the inaugural Under 16s Singles tournament, the second running saw 32 players from across the country travel to Rugby Thornfield Indoor Bowling Club to contest the title. The entrants were split into eight groups of four, playing each person in the group with the top two progressing to the knock-out stage.

The following players advanced into the knock-out phase: Max Mackinnon, Ben Bywater, Cauly Swift, Tom Wheeler, Harvey Griffiths, Rhianna Russell, Rebecca Fey, Alex Warrington, Oliver Sloan, Alfie Knight, Toby King, Paul Warrington, Joseph Noon, Jordan Ward and Brandon Giblett. They were whittled down to the final eight, Alex Warrington beat Cauly Swift, Tom Wheeler beat Paul Warrington, Jordan Ward knocked out Alfie Knight and Alice Atkin needed an extra end to beat Joseph Noon.

The Under 16s bowlers at Thornfield for the singles competition

In the semi-finals Tom Wheeler took the first two ends to lead 3-0 only to be pegged back to 3-2 heading into the final end. Tom held his nerve picking up a shot to claim his place in the final.

Jordan Ward had an easier journey into the final, 7-0 up with three ends played, his opponent Alice Atkin scored a pair of twos but couldn’t stop Jordan winning 7-4.

For the second year running Tom Wheeler would be competing for the Under 16s crown, hoping to go one better than last year in this his final qualifying year. His opponent, also playing for the final time in this age category, was club colleague Jordan Ward. The pair along with Alfie Knight recently won the Potters Holidays Youth Trophy during the World Bowls Tours tournament at Potters Resort.

A couple of singles gave Tom the early lead, but Jordan replied with a double to level things up. Wheeler replied with a two of his own but it was Ward who went into the final end one up, leading 5-4. Needing to knock the shot bowl away and stop for shot Tom Wheeler’s final wood went agonisingly close allowing Jordan Ward to win the title 7-4.

The Under 13s Singles tournament is due to be held on Saturday, March 11, also at Rugby Thornfield Indoors and there are still some places available. For more information contact Darren Wheeler on 0788 5509499 or [email protected]