Over the weekend of January 25/26, Spalding Indoor Bowls Club are the proud hosts of the national under-25 singles finals.
Spalding have prided themselves on their junior section and have had a number of young men and women represent England – so to hold such a prestigious event is quite an honour for the club.
There will be some local interest as Spalding’s Stephen Harris and Ruby Hill, both junior and senior internationals, have qualified in the men’s and women’s events respectively.
Joining them will also be Sleaford’s David Bristow – so there will be plenty for the local supporters to cheer on.
The last Lincolnshire player to win the men’s event was Dean Tute (Lincoln) back in 2009, while you have to go as far back as 2007 when Spalding’s own Annie Dunham won the women’s event.
Hill actually qualified to this stage of the competition last season before losing out to the eventual winner in the semi-final.
In the last 16, Spalding’s Harris will play Lloyd Sabatini (Berkshire) while Hill will play Ellie Hamblett (Barwell).
Defending national and British Isles champions – Connor Cinato and Devon Cooper have also qualified – as well as some of the country’s top young bowlers.
Therefore, the standard of play will no doubt be of the highest quality.
Play will start on the Saturday at 10am, while on the Sunday the semi-finals will take place at 9.30am before the final at 12.30pm.
Spalding IBC would be delighted if local sporting fans came to the Castle Sports Complex event and showed their support.
- Spalding IBC’s friendly bowlers enjoyed a 122-77 home win over Perkins Retired on Saturday.
The top winning rink was skipped by Bill Borst, with Doris Rawding, Jenny Horner and Rob West, who had an impressive 30-8 rink win.
Captains for the day were Jenny Horner and Phyl Borst, who thanked Pauline Jennings for her assistance with the paperwork.
