Bowlers at Totland Bay Bowling Club have rounded off the 2026 season with a day of friendly competition as the club’s annual finals were contested.
Members came together on Saturday 12th September to decide the winners and runners-up across 10 men’s and ladies’ competitions.
The finals marked the culmination of another season at the long-established West Wight club, which has occupied its present location for more than a century.
S Freeman enjoyed a particularly successful day, winning the Men’s 4 Wood Singles before joining S Crockett to claim the Men’s Pairs title. Freeman was also runner-up to Crockett in the Men’s 2 Wood Singles.
A Freeman was another multiple winner, taking victory in the Ladies Handicap and partnering H White to win the Ladies Pairs. She also finished runner-up to D Kellar in the Ladies 4 Wood Singles.
Elsewhere, R Ryan beat T Kershaw to take the Men’s Woodstock title, while P Sparks overcame S Metcalfe in the Ladies Dot Murray competition.
C Sloan-Murphy was victorious over K Gosden in the Men’s Handicap, while A Collins took the Ladies 2 Wood Singles ahead of runner-up J Breeze.
The full results were:
Men’s 4 Wood Singles: Winner – S Freeman; runner-up – K Gosden
Ladies 4 Wood Singles: Winner – D Kellar; runner-up – A Freeman
Men’s Pairs: Winners – S Crockett & S Freeman; runners-up – R Mathews & K Gosden
Ladies Pairs: Winners – A Freeman & H White; runners-up – P Everson & J Breeze
Men’s Woodstock: Winner – R Ryan; runner-up – T Kershaw
Ladies Dot Murray: Winner – P Sparks; runner-up – S Metcalfe
Men’s 2 Wood Singles: Winner – S Crockett; runner-up – S Freeman
Ladies Handicap: Winner – A Freeman; runner-up – M Kershaw
Men’s Handicap: Winner – C Sloan-Murphy; runner-up – K Gosden
Ladies 2 Wood Singles: Winner – A Collins; runner-up – J Breeze
Totland Bay Bowling Club’s history can be traced back to 15th February 1908, when accounting records show the club received £18.14 from donors including Hallam Tennyson, 2nd Baron Tennyson and son of poet Lord Alfred Tennyson.
A committee was formed that year with a membership of 33 men, while a sports ground ‘at the back of the Coastguard Houses’ was formally opened by Colonel Alexander Leith.
Today, the club – whose President is Ted Nelson – takes part in league and friendly fixtures, club competitions and matches against visiting touring sides.
Its green is available to members from the middle of April until the end of September, with coaching also offered alongside a Coaching Academy following the club’s open days for those interested in trying the sport.
Away from the green, members can take part in activities including cribbage, skittles, tai chi, social events and Thursday Club nights during the non-playing season.
Visiting bowlers can also arrange a roll-up by contacting the club’s Honorary Secretary.
