Victory in the Elsdon Metcalfe Pairs.

On Saturday 16^th August two teams representing Harrogate Bowling Club travelled to Bedale to play in the semi-final of the Elsdon Metcalfe Pairs Trophy. The final was scheduled to be played on the same day. The two teams were:

Ian Brickley & John Russell and Mark Peatman & Paul Cornwell-Vernon.

Our teams were drawn to play each other, which meant only one could proceed to the final. Unlike 2022 when two HBC teams managed to get to the final and Mick Metson/Norman Jackson managed a win against Gary/Janet Preston.

But back to 2025. Ian and John won their match against Mark and Paul 22-6. After the match Paul sent this message to them “Many congratulations on a fine bowls masterclass, you both played lovely…”

The final started at 1.00 p.m. – Ian & John (HBC) v Malcolm Hartley & Alan Smith of Thirsk Athletic Bowls Club.

Handshakes at the start.

The match wasn't going our away; Harrogate was 8 shots down after two ends. But it was early days and our men came back, producing an excellent run of 11 winning ends.

Essential rehydration.

Woods compete to be on the jack.

The peaceful setting belies the competitive spirit.

We have a good, but not unassailable, lead.

Ian resting on a wood!

The win is secured. The hand offered...

The match was won 21-13, securing our second Elsdon Metcalfe win in three years. Congratulations to Ian and John and also to our semi-finalists Mark and Paul - who were only beaten by the eventual winners.

Ian and John receive the Elsdon Metcalfe Pairs Trophy.

Our thanks and appreciation also go to Bedale Bowling Green Society for hosting this event.

Words: Jeff Jaycock

Photography: Les Bentley.