Bowls finals hit the web

CHAMPIONS of the fourth division of the Oldham and District Women’s Bowling League were Dobcross A, whose captain, Elaine Jones, is pictured with the trophy and her team-mataes at the presentation at North Chadderton Bowling and Social Club.

CROWN green bowls has received a huge shot in the arm with the announcement of a sponsorship deal for the Internet screening of six major tournaments in 2010.

Top bowls websites 21up and Talkingbowls have joined forces to screen the Spring and main Waterloo Handicaps in Blackpool, along with the All-England Merit, Champion of Champions tournament, Midlands Masters and Women’s Waterloo.

Match-of-the-day highlights programmes will be produced and streamed for each of the six events.

Helping to fund the operation will be Osprey Water Management Ltd, who are based in Wem, Shropshire.

Waterloo bowls manager Jim Parker, one of the sport’s driving forces, said: “This is great news and we thank Osprey for their financial backing to develop this venture.

“Many more people have Internet access and this will bring top crown green bowls into their homes.

“The Waterloo will also benefit, with Osprey agreeing to maintain and develop the bowling green watering system”.

Osprey managing director Jon Jinks said: “As the premier supplier of irrigation services to the crown green bowls community, Osprey are passionate about the promotion and expansion of crown green bowling.

“This type of opportunity does not come along very often, so it was the easiest decision we have made all year.

“The services offered by Talkingbowls.com & 21up.co.uk are of massive benefit to the crown green community in promoting the endeavours of existing bowlers and clubs and attracting new interest from all areas.

“The Waterloo is a spectacular venue for these events and now everyone in their own living room can enjoy the atmosphere and tension which goes hand in hand with these levels of major competition.”

Meanwhile, a free DVD is available featuring this year’s Waterloo Championship and Champion of Champions tournament, won by Gary Ellis and Graeme Wilson respectively.

The British Crown Green Bowling Association, who have welcomed the 2010 Internet screening initiative, have provided funding to supply all BCGBA-affiliated clubs with a copy.

Chief Executive John Crowther said: “When this exciting new initiative was first brought to the attention of the BCGBA, I had no doubt it was very much a step in the right direction, making full use of modern technology to show the sport of crown green bowls at its best to the widest-possible audience.

“The BCGBA has agreed to provide financial backing to assist in the production of DVDs showing highlights of some of the top 2009 competitions.

“They will be distributed as widely as possible, free of charge.”