By Suzi Cooper
The National Mens Singles competition started on Tuesday 9th May. It was held at Quesada Bowls Club & the weather until the last morning was bright & sunny.
22 players entered and were in 2 groups of 6 and 2 groups of 5. Play started with round robin in each section. Each game consisted of 2 sets of 9 ends plus a 3 end tie break if it was 1 set each.
At the end of the round robin play the top 2 in each group progressed to the quarter finals on Thursday afternoon.
Each group winner played again a second place player from another group.
Dave Webb of San Luis played against Alan Bannister of Vistabella. Dave won on the tie break.
Pete Bonsor of Greenlands played against Richard (Freddie) Willey of Vistabella. Freddie won the tie break.
Dave Morrison of Greenlands played Harald Olsen of Quesada. Dave won on the tie break.
Scott Malden of San Luis played Peter Morgan of Quesada. Peter won on the tie break.
On Friday morning the semi finals took place with the weather trying to intervene. Luckily the forecast heavy rain didn’t materialise and matches ran to schedule.
Dave Morrison beat Dave Webb in one semi, while Freddie Willey beat Peter Morgan in the other.
With the weather still looking threatening the final was moved forward by an hour.
Freddie Willie against Dave Morrison in what was a superb match with brilliant bowling from both players. Freddie who played well all week held his nerve to win the first set and draw the second and become Spanish National Champion 2023.
President Bob Donnelly thanked all players who entered, the umpires and the markers who between them marked a total of 57 matches in 4 days. Thanks went to Suzi Cooper, Competition Secretary for the planning & scheduling before the event and overseeing the tournament in progress.
Finally he thanked The Club Quesada for keeping everyone fed & watered, the Members & committee of Quesada Bowls Club for giving up their green for the duration and finally all the spectators who came along to watch over the 4 days.
