An exceptionally good day - we win two County championships and...

...were very ably represented in the final of the Under 18 Singles.

This is our longest "Club News" post to date but we think it’s worth it and hope you enjoy it.

The main report was kindly provided by Gary Preston, with additional commentary (in green) by Lee Coutts.

"Sunday July 20th 2025 will be remembered for years to come as an exceptionally good day for Harrogate Bowling Club.  We have not had any representation at the county finals for over 25 years, and this year we had three teams making it to the finals.

Men’s Triples.

The morning started with a fantastic win for our Men’s triples team of Ian Brickley, Lee Coutts and Paul Morton, not forgetting Tom Bielby, who couldn’t make the finals but helped them get there.

In Lee's words:

Harrogate’s trio claimed the Yorkshire Triples title in a thrilling, nerve-jangling battle that went to an extra end — winning 14–13 against a relentless Selby side.

The match starts with handshakes.

After the trial ends the first jack is sent.

And the standard is high from the start.

You can come in on either hand.

The first of the day's rain...

The match ebbed and flowed from the first bowl, with Selby making the brighter start before Harrogate dug deep in the middle ends to pull back into contention. With every exchange, the margin stayed razor-thin.

As other finals wrapped up, this contest rolled into its third hour. All eyes turned to Rink 3 as the two sides traded pressure bowls and refused to give an inch.

Selby led 13–10 going into the final end, but Harrogate hit back with a clutch 3 to force the extra end. A measure denied them a match-winning 4.

Drama peaked on the 19th end. Selby held shot late after promoting a short bowl into the head.

With the game on the line, Brickley delivered a stunning final bowl...

...to trail the jack and snatch the single required.

Celebration, appreciation and disappointment.

And the match ends with a handshake.

The 2025 County Triples Champions.

Scorecard

Harrogate now stand as Yorkshire Triples Champions — topping a field of 54 entries — and will represent the county at the Northern Finals in Silloth, Cumbria. They’ll also head to Leamington Spa, joining Selby at the Aviva National Finals to take on the best in Britain.

It's believed this is the first Harrogate club national representation since David Dearlove in 1983 — who was fittingly the first to shake their hands at the finish.

Mens Over 65 Fours.

In the afternoon, the Mens over 65 Fours team of Gary Preston, Paul Morton, Richard O’Halloran and Les Bentley (plus Frank Devaney who couldn’t be there but got us through the semi-final stage) were taking on last years winners from Skelton.

Despite a forecast of torrential rain, we started in the dry and got off to a good start with a four on the first end.

We were winning 18-0 by the 8th end when the heavens opened and the match was put on hold.

Some supporters hope for a quick resumption of play!

Even the rain butt was struggling.

We had a 2-hour break before the two umpires and ground staff felt that it was safe for us to go back on the green. 

We lost the next three ends...

...to make it 18-6, before scoring a 4 and a 2.

Skelton conceded at 24-6 with just 4 ends to go.

The 2025 County "Over 65 Fours" Champions.

Under 18 Singles.

Freddie Robinson in only his second year of bowling was in the under 18 singles final against Marcus Moseley from Middlesbrough Bowling Club.  The game was over two sets of 7 ends.

The rain continues and supporters seek the protection of the clubhouse.

Whilst the players play on, regardless.

The rain eases slightly.

Despite playing really well Freddie had to concede defeat.  However, he played his own game and gave Marcus (who has had trials for the England team) a good run for his money. 

The 2025 County "Under 18 Singles" runner up receives his trophy.

Freddie has a bright future ahead. A real credit to himself and the club.

Many thanks to our supporters, Ann O’Halloran, Fiona Bentley, Jeff and Caroline Jaycock, Susan Sherwin, Mike Peters, Chris and Maria Littlefair and Kevin Townson and family.  It makes such a difference to have your support."

Gary Preston

Overall Results

SPECIAL THANKS GO TO THE YORK RAILWAY BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB WHICH HOSTED THIS EVENT IN LESS THAN IDEAL CONDITIONS. THE ORGANISATION AND HOSPITALITY WAS EXCELLENT - ESPECIALLY THE BACON AND SAUSAGE BUTTIES.

AND TO THE TWO UMPIRES, WHO QUIETLY AND EFFICIENTLY WENT ABOUT THEIR DUTIES.

Photography and format: Jeff Jaycock