With the weather turning autumnal, Fry’s Bowling Club wrapped up the 2026 season.
Club Competitions:
The internal competitions provided some close matches with the winners and runners up being presented with their trophies at the AGM. The middle of July saw the club hold their annual triples day. A sunny but windy day greeted the bowlers as one triple looked set for the title before the lunch break. The afternoon saw things change as the leaders could only draw their first game after the break leaving the title in the balance. Some composed bowling late on the their final game saw the triple of Andrew Nicholls, Graham Jury and Stephen Day hold on for the title with Steve Nicholls, Jeff Budd and Terry Morgan the runners up. The pairs final was another close match coming down to the final end. The pair of Sally Morgan and Graham Jury Won the game by a single shot with Nick Grenfell & Kevin Smith taking the runners up. Nick would see success in the Over 70’s Handicap taking the win over Jeff Budd. In a third final of the season, Nick would face Stephen Day, already having wrapped up the triples earlier in the season in the Two Wood final. It would be the latter taking the victory regaining the title Stephen last won in 2024, having been runner up in 2025. Also a runner up in the Handicap in 2025, Stephen would once again reach the final wrapping up another title with the runner up being Don Gourd. This victory secured a second triple crown in 3 years for Stephen following a much closer battle in the Championship final against Jeff Budd. A tight encounter came down to a few shots, but it would be Stephen taking the Championship title setting up the course for another triple crown.
Alongside the competitive bowls, the club also played around 50 friendly matches on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as ladies friendlies. The ladies team had good season, with some matches played against regular league players, showing the improvement since the team started a few years ago. Wednesday’s and weekend’s proved more challenging than past years, but were able to maintain around a 50% record. The club’s thanks go to the captains for managing to get a team out each week.
With the outdoor season now finished, work has started on the green which will hopefully see some improvements to the playing surface. Throughout the winter, our regular short mat sessions will take place throughout the week, along with the popular social events and planning for the 2027 season, which see’s Fry’s mark their 110th anniversary.