A CROWN green veteran is bowled over after winning a prestigious annual contest.
Retired engineer Alan Stephenson, 78, was victorious on league finals day to become Sherwoods Bowls League champion of champions.
He beat fellow player Terry Beer, of North Park, 21-17 in a close run match at the Darlington Railway Athletic ground.
Alan, who is currently president of the Darlington Railway Athletic Bowling Club, has been taking part in the sport for over 40 years.
“I’m really pleased with the win,” said Alan, of Darlington. “Especially with this being my presidential year which meant we got to play the final on the president’s turf, giving me a slight home advantage.
“Bowling is a great pastime which helps to keep the mind active as well as the body and I’d love to see more people, both young and old, coming into the sport.”
Family run motor dealer Sherwoods, who have dealerships in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton, have continued to help drive the nine team league forward since 1985 when it began its sponsorship of the then Darlington Works League.
The league was renamed The Darlington Sherwood League in 2008 with managing director of Sherwoods Alasdair McConachie made honorary president for his continued support of the grassroots sport.
“I am delighted to be celebrating 30 years of sponsoring crown green bowling in our town,” said Mr MacConachie
“Team members, from all across Darlington, do a magnificent job of keeping the bowling league alive and Sherwoods are only too happy to continue to help support them in their chosen sport.”
Silver tankards, donated by Mr MacConachie, were presented to the winners of the Sherwoods Fours, won by Cummins Ladies’ Margaret White, Norma Cooper, Shirley Andrews and Vicky Knight against Junior Unionist Club players Stuart Clarke, Geoff Wright, Stan Harston and Jordan Harston.
Darlington Railway Athletic Club comfortably beat Cummins B in the league knockout final with the league pairs won by Stuart Clarke and Jordan Harston over John Boddy and Vic Tunstall.
Secretary of the Sherwoods Bowls League Scott Morland added: “It has been a fantastic competition and once again we are indebted to Sherwoods for their invaluable support and sponsorship of the league which is vital to our survival.
“Unfortunately bowls is a sport in decline as we are always battling against the misconception that it is just for older people. We have players aged from 14 to 80 and are always on the look out for more people to join in.
“It’s a wonderful way to exercise and socialise and enjoy a skilful competitive sport in the community.”
For further information on joining on of Darlington’s bowling clubs contact Scott on 07984 603455 e-mail: scott@southparkbowls.co.uk or visit www.sherwoodsbowls.wordpress.com.
