The final event in the 2020 Championship program – the Consistency Singles – has started with players dodging the rain to complete the first two rounds of matches. In this format of play the object is to have as many of your bowls as close to the jack as possible. The jack remains where it was rolled for each end, being replaced if it is moved. Ten points are available for each end with the closest bowl scoring 4 points, the next 3, the next 2 and the fourth 1 point. The winner is the first player to 150.
There were some very close battles in the first round. Jonathan Green had a good start against Mick Atkinson but was required to hold off a strong finish from Atkinson. After being well behind at 111 to 69, Atkinson fought back strongly but found the gap too big to close. Green won 154 – 136. Peter Macdonald and Noel Downie both played very well in their tussle. The scores were very close throughout with Downie narrowly ahead at 107 to 103. At this stage Downie was able to grab the momentum and he moved into the next round with a 151 to 129 victory.
John Monks had to use all of his experience and guile to get the better of the determined Lou Kozlik 156 to 124. Stan Peck had a good battle with Akan Skelton before closing out his match 155 to 125. Michael Challis had a very impressive win over Marcel Kors, dominating the final stages of the match to win 153 to 107. Bruce Magilton continued his good form with a 151 – 119 win over Doug Williams. Chris Coddington – new to our club but a player returning to bowls – showed his promise with a good win over Ray Brown. Ray Downey had a convincing win over new bowler Bill Burch.
In round 2 action Stan Peck had to pull out all stops to claim victory over Bruce Magilton. Magilton started well but found that Peck – who recently turned 87 – is a fierce competitor. The scores stayed close until Peck was able to pull away at the end to win 157 to 133. Ray Downey had a great start in his match with Michael Challice and was able to maintain the advantage throughout to win 151 to 109. Chris Coddington again demonstrated his skills with a very strong performance against Jonathan Green. He dominated the second half of the game moving from a lead of 78 to 62 to a winning score of 151 to 89 in the space of 10 ends. There is one postponed match between Noel Downie and John Monks to be played to determine the last semi-finalist.
