Young bowlers were among those making their mark as the 71st Cowes Open Bowls Tournament came to a competitive conclusion at Northwood Park.
The week-long tournament culminated in finals day on Friday 7th August, with players having battled through several rounds in hot and challenging conditions.
One of the closest contests came in the Men’s Singles, where 18-year-old Max Beaman held his nerve to defeat Bill Pike 21–20.
Beaman had established a commanding 16–8 lead earlier in the match, but Pike fought his way back into contention before the teenager eventually secured the title by the narrowest of margins.
It capped an impressive tournament for Beaman, who reached 2 finals and received special recognition for his performances during the week.
There was further success for the tournament’s younger competitors, with brothers Daniel Redpath, 12, and James Redpath, 15, jointly receiving the Best Tournament Performance award.
In the Ladies’ Singles, an in-form Sam Williams produced a dominant performance to take the title with a 21–1 victory over Cherry Rolf.
Steve Crockett and Keith Gosden also enjoyed success, taking an early lead in the Men’s Pairs final before going on to record a comfortable 23–14 victory over George Chapman and Max Beaman.
However, Crockett and Gosden were denied a second title when they joined Sue Pragnell for the Open Triples. Sue Green, Ann Bernard and Paul Green proved too strong, securing an 18–7 victory.
West Wight couple Steve and Ann Freeman celebrated their first success at the Cowes Open in the Mixed Pairs.
The pair emerged as 22–15 winners against James Redpath and Denise Butchers following a closely contested final.
Trophies and prizes were presented by Martin Butchers, who stepped in at the last minute owing to the illness of a committee member.
Cowes Open Bowls Tournament Committee members Phil Smith, Mike Cox, Pat Barsdell and Len Rowley oversaw the 71st staging of the event and have thanked everyone who helped make the tournament possible.
Thanks have also been extended to Emma from the Clubhouse Kitchen at Isle of Wight Community Club, who provided refreshments for competitors and spectators throughout the week, as well as others who helped with the running of the tournament.
