The traditional season finale of Captain’s Day at Bridport Bowling Club saw the closing of the green for another season, with the final day of bowls played out in glorious weather.

It also saw the end of the two-year tenure of present captains Liz and Neil Kennedy. 

Their energised involvement and contribution to the smooth running of the club has been much appreciated.

Captain’s Day saw three variants of bowls played, enjoyed by all the participants, followed by a fish and chip tea and a ‘guess the identity’ of fellow members from vintage photos they had submitted. This  proved to be as popular as the bowling.

After a trophy laden season last year the current one was always going to be difficult maintaining that level of success.

Prolonged injuries and the absence of key players proved this to be the case. 

Both men’s league sides knew they would have tough seasons ahead playing in higher leagues and although they were unsuccessful in retaining their elevated positions they were never outplayed and maintained an upbeat outlook throughout. 

They failed by a single point to take the only league title they missed out on in the previous season and the whole season came down to the second off last wood in the final end of the final game.

The Ladies were also aware they faced an uphill task replicating their runners-up spot from last year but they still achieved some memorable results against stiff opposition, retaining their place in the top division despite having to play the entire season with a skeleton squad.

Despite the club’s record achievements of last season not being replicated, the club still fulfilled all their friendly and touring team obligations (dodging the weather), totalling 34 encounters, without having to cancel a single game.

This in itself was a mammoth accomplishment and credit solely and firmly belongs to the efforts of the club members. 

Not one visiting side left Bridport without being extremely impressed by the club’s noted hospitality, which most commented upon, and the club proved once again it is ‘second to none’ in the county when it comes to being a welcoming club.

The green at Priory Lane is known throughout the county as being one of the best and this season was no exception with many commenting that it played better than many past seasons, a tribute to the greenkeeper and his team. 

The game of bowls has struggled somewhat since the pandemic but signs of a renaissance are evident and although this season is over the next will come around all too quickly and new members are always welcome.

The club also had its finals day yo resolve all the club's internal competitions with a list of winners below.

  • Ivy Trophy -Trevor Deadman-Spall, Mike Long and Carol Broad
  • Club Morning Triples -  Dave Smith, Brian Rumble, Steve Crimp, Cheryl Mackenzie, Mike Higman, David Alcock
  • Junior Cup Ladies -  Di Shatford-Butcher
  • Junior Cup Men - Mike Edwards 
  • Ladies Two Wood Singles - Lyn Craddock
  • Men’s Two Wood Singles - Brian Medland
  • Men’s Singles Handicap -  Graham Tree
  • Ladies Singles Handicap - Petra Morgan
  • Men’s Drawn Pairs Handicap -  Bob Taylor, Chris Coram
  • Ladies Drawn Pairs Handicap - Jill Willcox, Petra Morgan
  • Mixed Pairs -  Liz Kennedy, Barry Shortland
  • Mixed Drawn Triples (The Brian Conisby Trophy) - Mike Craddock, Malcolm Mackenzie, John Carter
  • Australian Pairs - Lyn and Mike Craddock
  • Men’s Championship Pairs - Chris Thorne, Barry Shortland
  • Ladies Championship Pairs -  Ali Tibble, Frances Hewitt
  • Men’s Championship Singles -  Brian Medland
  • Ladies Championship Singles - Lyn Craddock

The new season begins in April 2025.