SUNDAY saw the final day of the Competition Finals at Wellington Bowling Club.The weather forecast was not promising so all five finals were played in the morning rather than through the day.

The green was soaked following overnight rain and bowlers put on waterproofs as the morning progressed.

The Open Championship final was between Darren Sparks and Nick Channon. Darren started quickly and led by 3 shots to 1 after four ends but the pendulum swung the other way and Nick soon overtook and moved ahead to win comfortably 21 – 8 after 16 ends.

Christine Willcocks and Marguerite Nichols battled it out in the Ladies' Handicap final. Christine got off to a good start while Marguerite struggled to come to terms with the wet green and Christine moved ahead to win in style, 18 shots to 5.

In the Men's 2 Wood final, Phil Ellis got away to a good start against a strong opponent. Jay Merrell was not going to be pushed over easily and by the 17th end the two were level on 12 shots apiece. With two ends to go they were still level on 13 shots each but Phil came through to pinch it in the last ends, winning 16 – 13.

The New Bowlers' competition final was between Mark Bond and Will Smith. This was a battle of two halves. Mark led 5 – 1 early on but Will got down to some serious bowling and came back to win it 21 – 9.

In the Men's Pairs final, Richard Whiting and Kevin Austin took on Mike Groves and John Lane. This was a nip and tuck battle all the way but Mike and John were on top form and won it 20 shots to 10.

When all the finals had been played the champions of the day were as follows: The Open Championship Champion for 2024 is Nick Channon. Runner-up Darren Sparks who will live to fight another day.

Christine Willcocks is this year's Ladies' Handicap Champion with Marguerite Nichols coming second.

The Men's 2 Wood final was a victory for Phil Ellis so he is Champion for 2024 with Jay Merrell a close second.

Will Smith is the Champion of the New Bowlers competition with Mark Bond runner up.

Mike Groves and John Lane came through the Men's pairs competition to become this year's champions with Richard Whiting and Kevin Austin coming second.

The ten competitions have been very successful despite being hampered by bad weather. 

Their success is all down to Competition Secretary Janet Moore, ably supported by Bowls Co-ordinator Graham Brown. 

Thanks also go to the markers and to all those who supported on the day.