EAGLE & CHILD SPRING DOUBLES 

Sunday 26th April 2026

With 39 entries including myself, I obviously needed an even number for doubles and so the choices were to not take part at all or find myself a suitably inexperienced stand-in to partner. For a fleeting moment there was a chance my wife Sara might give it a go. "If you come along to zumba then...", she replied with a deal on the table, and I was actually ready to show the world just how out of sync my coordination really is. But genuinely, she doesn't fancy bowls and so fair enough.

Having discovered Sara's former work colleague and friend Richard Andrew and his wife Helen had started bowling beginners sessions at the Eagle recently, I considered them as a double loaded back-up plan. Maybe one of them would be free and willing to have a go? Both willing in fact, but keen motorcyclist Richard was marshalling a cycle race in West Lancashire and couldn't make the start time and so Helen was only happy to oblige. 

So Helen, off just three Wednesday morning sessions, gamely thrust herself in to club competition. She didn't do so bad either, the green was running well so it was tricky. Most of the time Helen found the right road and just struggled a bit to get the right length. The potential is there if she gets in to it.

I didn't play well at all. We were playing an eight end format, so very little opportunity to get in to my stride and as promising this season has been so far, I've not started games well at all. Perhaps there's the excuse of not being able to concentrate fully with all the hullabaloo of running the competition side of the day, but it wasn't acceptable to myself that I was only happy with maybe three or four of the thirty-two deliveries that I sent during our two games. Helen and I lost both our matches convincingly but - a slight Drakeism here - we really didn't get much luck either! 

I felt I let Helen down a bit, but she seemed to take it all in her stride and enjoyed it which, whilst Spring Doubles is a competition, it's also a bit of fun and a great club day. Especially if we get good weather and fortunately we did.

REASONS TO BE PLEASED AT PENWORTHAM

PENWORTHAM SPORTS FLOODLIT SINGLES

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND

v GARY DRAKE (Leyland) W 21-18

The first qualifying night at Penwortham had plenty of class about it. To name but a few of the sixteen bowlers on show, one of the game's all-time greats Simon Coupe, other previous winners of this competition in Chris Kelly and Matt Nelson and a few other top bowlers to whom I should apologise for not mentioning and especially if they too have had their hands on this trophy.
Last of the eight first round games on, it was a more familiar face waiting for me at the start. Certainly from a local perspective, a very good bowler too in Farington player Gary Drake. There's no such thing as a "should win" for me and particularly in an open singles contest, but based on steady progress in recent competitions and league form so far I had the nerve to consider Gary as a "could win". I was up for the challenge against one of the top bowling dogs in my hometown of Leyland.
I didn't get off to a great start though, which didn't faze me too much as my starts haven't been the best so far this year, but I did feel the match was starting to get away from me at 1-8 and that perhaps I had too much of a mountain to climb. Gary was bowling well and I could tell he knew the green very well indeed - reminded later by someone that he's a home player in Penwortham's Preston League team. But I didn't get too flustered and chipped away at trying to play better. A few runs with the jack helped matters to get more of a feel for the green which was now running a little heavier than during practice. I ask a supporting Steve Wilson, who also scored our card, where we were up to and I was 13-15 at this point. Surprised how close it was, this gave me an extra lift because I was just starting to feel a bit of confidence. 

As I began to chase Gary's score down, he began to leave more opportunities than when I was getting smothered earlier on in the game. We get to sixteen across and I continue doing the good things to nudge ahead. It was a poor end that got me to all but, but I was never going to get away with a poor lead for the match and Gary put two up for good measure. After careful consideration, my opponent plays across to the edge of the far slope. Unusually, a short and wide first bowl from Gary wasn't bettered by much with his second, however he was holding two and this was a pressure bowl for me. All I had to do was pass Gary's bowls and yet avoid the edge of the slope. Despite kissing one of his on the way, luckily (admittedly lucky - more on that in the following paragraphs) that final bowl had enough momentum to break through and win it. Utter relief followed by being pretty damn chuffed with myself. As Steve pointed out, from 1-8 down I'd run out from there with a score of 20-8.

I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY
Tipped off by various sources that whatever the outcome of that first match, Gary Drake would be adamant he didn't get any luck. Sure enough, his occasional assessments of an end became more frequent as the match went on and particularly when I was having a good run. Gary did indeed rue his own "bad luck" and highlight my own "good luck". He also said I must have "weak woods" when he thought I'd gone narrow but still managed to get one close. (For the record, 2Ib 8oz Full Bias. Nowt unusual)
At one point Gary was still chunnering to me when I had my back turned and was ready to send the jack. I had to chuckle really, I'd just sent two decent bowls on my own merit! I mean whatever gets you through a game I suppose, but having had the heads-up, I was trying my best to keep a straight face every time I heard the 'L' word.
Actually, I'm curious about this behaviour. Gary's humour is pretty dry so is it just a bit of gamesmanship or does he actually believe he's the most unlucky bowler in the country playing the luckiest opponent every game? Next time I bump in to him when out with the dogs, I think I ought to prompt that very question!


SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
v MATT NELSON (Preston) L 13-21

Just two wins on the night books a place in the last sixteen for Finals Day, but that was to be a big step too far against Matt Nelson who I later discovered won the Spring singles here twelve months ago, beating elite West Yorkshireman Gareth Coates in the final.
It was only after the match that Vernons player Richard Flynn revealed to me that Matt's a previous winner, which probably worked out better for me. I played the game rather than get myself in awe of my opponent.
Matt won the toss and sent the jack to the very edge of the green with little margin for error and proceeded to send two bowls perfect length clustered closely. Brilliant woods and note to self: this is going to be bloody tough!
Matt's weight and length of bowl was exceptional all game and there were no cheap points on offer in this game. They all had to earned.
But earn them I did for a spell, getting myself to somewhere around level terms and I was still punching above my weight as we approached double figures. Matt's striking was pretty hot though and nowt that I put up was safe.
Our match was the final one of the evening and we had the green to ourselves for most of it. I say "we", moreover Matt had it to himself to play the two fairly long marks which he seemed absolutely intent on returning to at the next opportunity. Marks that quite possibly helped seal the deal here a year ago. I couldn't cope with them in any sort of consistent fashion, whilst Matt, even if a touch off the road, found great length as usual. Round pegging out from the bottom corner up the crown, then back deep in to the corner on finger peg... I did break across the crown with an absolute wonder bowl after being yards over with my first, "Oh no, that's ridiculous!", I heard someone say from under the stand. It was, too! But this was one of few joyous moments thereon as Matt began to put daylight between us on the scorecard.
On the other mark from cabin corner towards the sheet metal gates, Matt was unstoppable to the gates. Incredible accuracy from my opponent and despite getting damn close at times I was never quite close enough. Going up to the cabin, there was actually scope to have got more breaks. Matt repeatedly sent woods that dropped away down the dip a little and whilst I totally understood what was going on here having found a way in previously, I got frustrated by either finding the land but not the length or getting sucked in to Matt's line and yet more often trickling down the slope further than his.

So Matt goes through to finals day alongside the mighty Mr Coupe. I mean I was a little disappointed at first, thinking I could have done better in this match. Perhaps I had no right to think so, but I think I certainly had a right to be there contesting. There are still niggling doubts about my presence at competitions, but I think I'm on the right track at the moment and capable of making a finals day somewhere, eventually, if I keep having a go from time to time.
This was an excellent experience in front of a good turnout on the night. It's a few years since I've entered this one. Much greener back then and only there to soak up experience, I was anybody's easy route to round two. Not quite so much these days though.
I'd been put off entering Penwortham Singles again despite my enjoyment to play the green, mainly by Owen Jackson's organisational contribution and, therefore, his presence. Sam Patterson is still running things too but now alongside his dad, John. A grand job they do too. Meanwhile Jackson has gone now, although returned as a player last year and thankfully not on the same card as me tonight if he's entered.
I probably made too much of those smug comments at a league match and the general feeling that I wasn't welcome at the competition back then. The passing of time has not changed my belief that the fella is an arrogant prick though! 😁

ST GEORGE'S DAY, BUT NOT ST GEORGE'S NIGHT

Thursday 23rd April 2026

Leyland & District League Div-1: Eagle Blues (200) 9-3 St George's Institute (144)

v MARK HOULIHAN W 21-9

St George's Day versus St George's had an ominous feel to it, but it was another good point scoring evening for Eagle Blues and a fourth win from four for myself in this league. 

Mark started the match with some excellent bowling which had me on the back foot and I did wonder if it wasn't going to be my night. A few errors, including sending a bowl wildly wrong peg only heightened my fears. But not far beneath the surface was a belief that I could get back in it before it was too late. At 0-4 Mark had another close two at the ready, but I corrected my slightly short first to perfection and stole in which triggered the confidence. Two more similarly big bowls helped to turn the tide and I broke in to double figures first at 11-9. 

Mark's game lost it's early sparkle as mine got stronger and found a few patches of the green my opponent wasn't adjusting to. I ran out to win from this point. My two winners not the prettiest sight, but I'd switched the pendulum of pressure around and in the end won by a score that looks comfortable. 

Concentration levels were once again much better. This was precisely the sort of game in which, not so long ago, my temperament would have blown up early on and a struggle would ensue. But those demons remain dormant for now and rather than curse myself and get all excited, a wry smile with a positive intent to put it right next bowl is starting to reveal signs of being much more consistent in my play. 

I turned up there last night getting ribbed by a few teammates for being top of the league averages. It's very early days and of course, there is only one way to go from there and with some big boys to play yet, there is no doubt it's a shortlived acclaim. But this win kept me there for another week at least and if nothing else, it was worth a screenshot on my phone! It may not and most likely won't happen again. On the one hand it's a bit embarrassing when looking at the esteemed bowlers beneath, but equally I might as well enjoy the moment at the top of the tree. It certainly gives me a little more validity and credibility than usual going in to a singles competition at Penwortham tonight. 

Our team remain fourth and just four points off the top. This too will be a temporary high no doubt, with all the top teams to play yet, but it raises the bar of our expectations and gives us a belief that we can do better than just simply avoid relegation. 

NOISY NEIGHBOURS SHOUT LOUDEST

Thursday 16th April 2026

Leyland & District League Div-1: Farington BC 'B' (173) 5-8 Eagle Blues (181)

v PHIL SNAPE W 21-9

A local derby victory at Farington launched Eagle Blues up to the dizzy heights of fourth place and maintain an excellent start to the season. A great night for the team, my own contribution turned out to be one of my most impressive league performances away from home.
Having lambasted myself enough times on these pages when I've not played well and let myself down, I should cut myself a little slack and temporarily pat my own back having clinched a convincing win against an opponent that I had considered beforehand would be one of the home team's most difficult draws for me.
Captain Aaron puts me on first four again and on hearing my opponent, the reserved and yet positive response of "doable?" slips from my mouth. Teammate Lee Kershaw chips in with, " 'Course he's fuckin' doable! Come on John!", and that's all you need to hear sometimes.
As was the case last week, a dubious practice session was followed by solid bowling during the match. Early on, it felt like a close game that could go to the wire. Phil was frustrated at not being able to send two good bowls and even if one counted, he was still remonstrating with himself despite such very early stages of the game.
It transpired Phil wasn't on his game, became more and more agitated and left me with plenty of opportunities which I snapped up. In fairness, I kept putting good ones up and kept the pressure on. This recently calm, collected and concentrated self on the green began to smell blood, landed some great winners at times and asserted authority on a game that perhaps on paper looked unlikely.
There were a few dubious ends which caught us both out, but I seemed to pick up the scraps on those too which, on one end in particular, resulted in one of Phil's woods kicked in to the gutter with disgust. I'm not sure Mr Snape and I have much in common really, but that would be a starting point!
Knowing exactly where my opponent's headspace was at that point, this was a reminder to keep trying hard not to go there again myself. Phil's display of frustration was only fuel for my growing confidence.
At 17-8 I had a bit of luck. I'd put two very decent bowls up that had every chance, but Phil found perfection with his second bowl and was on... until one of my bowls latterly tipped on to it's fat side just as rain descended. The calipers were out, but I knew damn well it was one to me. I then go on to nineteen after Phil beats my good lead by turning over and playing through on to the jack, but my adjustment was spot on too. I couldn't do owt about his winner on the next end, but Phil's hopes of finding his touch were dashed as he made the same mistake twice with two short and narrow bowls to which I replied with two unnecessarily very close ones to finish the job.
I doubt Phil thought beating me was going to be a foregone conclusion and even on his home turf, but I did sense he wasn't expecting me to keep putting good bowls up with such consistency. By his own admission he didn't play well, but I forced the issue and kept up the pressure on throughout.
The previous evening I bumped in to Farington player Gary Drake who joked that Eagle & Child were their "noisy neighbours". This newly promoted Farington side are a very good line up and this was a cracking result for us - so we had a right to be noisy on this occasion!
Chris Thompson was last game on against Matt Brown and not only helped clinch the aggregate, but pipped the young maestro 21-20 for our fifth win of the evening. Now a senior county player and winner of singles competitions at both Lonsdale and Longridge last month, young Matt doesn't lose many and especially on the green where he has learned his craft. A magnificent performance from our new recruit Chris.  

GOOD SHOW FROM TEAM AND I

Thursday 9th April 2026

Leyland & District League Div-1: Eagle Blues (203) 9-3 Longton VM (139)

v DOT DAVIES W 21-5

A comfortable home win came courtesy of a much needed steady performance and an opponent  playing our green for the first time I think.

For so early in the season and despite some rain earlier in the day, our green was running really well which certainly suited me and made Dot's Eagle debut all the more difficult. Greenkeeper John Waddecar has become the stereotypical perfectionist in this job and whilst he might never be entirely happy with the playing surface, the rest of us certainly are. 

Practice was a bit all over the place, but I've learned not to read too much in to that and often that can be a good sign. Concentration levels during my game felt much better than of late and most ends I was there or thereabouts with my bowls and made it really difficult for Dot to score. 

After sending two clangers on the first end as I did last week, a break of thirteen put me in a commanding position, but this is when a bit of ruthlessness is required by managing to maintain those concentration levels. When Dot did find a way in, putting up a couple of good leads too, I was back on it straight away and bettered them. 

So two wins from two so far and whilst there are many far more testing evenings ahead in this division, the manner of victory and consistency of bowling this evening has settled me down a bit and puts me in a psychologically better place for facing some potentially very tough opponents away at Farington next week. 

This was an important win for the Eagle Blues team against Longton, who were promoted back to Division One at the first attempt last season. At home, an opportunity to take a decent haul of points was duly snapped up with seven winners from ten and our three losses were close contests. 

It's been a bright start to the new campaign and whilst the team face big challenges ahead to keep ourselves the right side of the bottom half, the outlook is promising two weeks in.

WINNING START BUT WAYWARD WOODS TO WORRY ABOUT

Thursday 2nd April 2026

Leyland & District League Division One: Lonsdale (182) 7-5 Eagle & Child Blue (155)

v SUSAN HOLDEN W 21-15

As crown green bowling goes in Central Lancashire, the Preston League has already got going with cup matches, but as ever it's the Leyland & District League that is first to get the actual league business underway.

It was probably a favourable time for our team to visit Lonsdale. There's more advantage to the home side during the drier months when it's likely to run quick, although it was still running quite well for the time of year. It's a cracking green and despite it finding me out with some glaringly awful bowls this evening, it's a lovely surface to play on as I remember well from my first encounter here last year.

My opponent Sue was a very lively character and refreshingly so, who doesn't refrain on the green either. Poker-faced bowlers are in plentiful supply and especially at this level, so anyone who shows a bit of personality on the green I tend to take more notice of. Sue plays to win, but she plays to enjoy it with equal dosage and there's something to learn from that, even in the fairly serious domain of this division. 

I started the match by cockily taking on a tricky round peg mark off the crown and completely ballsed it up with two chronically short efforts. Then I landed a toucher backed up with a very good second to even the scores and this paradox of "ridiculous to the sublime" became the theme of an extremely inconsistent start to the league bowls season.

Sue blew hot and cold too, so it was a rather unpredictable game all in all. There wasn't much in it early on and I remember my opponent running one of our best players Phil Bradshaw to the wire here last year, so was taking nothing for granted despite feeling I should have enough to get the win if I could get my act together. Although the bad ends remained more prominent in my post-match memory bank, I probably did play more good ends than bad ones to be fair, stretching out to a lead of 18-10. Holding two to go all-but, Sue played through and took the jack out with a great bowl to which she shouted, "Get in!!" with a fist pump. Everyone within sight and earshot loved it and so did I despite being on the recieving end.

A few ends later it's 20-12 and I decided to play to the very centre of the green with some false confidence I could send an unbeatable lead bowl to wrap the game up. My first one was short, as too many lead bowls had been all night. Sue did no better missing the land. I then put too much in my second one - just missing the saving grace of tapping the jack up - but then rolling, and rolling off the top of the crown leaving two embarrassing bowls not fit to win any match at any level. I'm actually relieved when Sue manages to get one nearest and keep herself in it.

Back to the corner from where we came from and I roll both bowls off the green. What on earth? Four horrendous bowls over two short marks and Sue's back in it at 15-20. To her own frustration, she then rolls the block off next end, so I went round peg in front of the clubhouse. Sue came up a bit short and true to weird form, I then landed a toucher which didn't get disturbed. 

Over the line at last with the win. A sense of relief after too many wayward woods that leaves a cause for concern going in to the next game, but more importantly another point on the board for the team. It was a good evening overall for Eagle Blues with five winners on the night which is probably more than we anticipated and a positive start to the new campaign.

Following a good season maintaining Division One status last year and with some good results along the way, our young captain Aaron has strengthened the squad with the additions of the quickly improving and super keen duo of Matt Hoyles and his son, Henry, along with the vastly experienced Chris Thompson. Increased competition for places can only be a good thing and introducing a few fresh faces keeps things lively.