In 2024, club member and seasoned bowler, Phil Dagnall, took it upon himself to do something selfless for the club’s social bowling members. He offered to give any bowlers, who may not have been confident enough to join one of the club’s existing teams, the opportunity to form a new team and enter the Chorley Mixed Vets league. Around eight sheepish members stepped up to the plate and decided to give it a go, with Phil as non-playing captain (unless the team were short on the odd occasion).
Phil’s reason for forming the new team wasn’t to go and win the league, or even win a game, but to give the team members a unique opportunity to visit different greens, play competitively and increase their confidence, without worrying about the results.
Being a newly qualified coach, Phil was able to help fine-tune many of the bowlers’ skills, both in the delivery of the bowl across the green, but also in some of the rules of the game.
Fast forward 2 seasons and the Hoole B Team are holding their own in their division! Players that started off with lots of nerves are now enjoying the experience, and the team is celebrating their success, finishing 10th out of the twelve teams in their division.
Keith Roughley, who started as a social bowler a few years ago and who now also plays in two other evening league teams, joined Phil’s team together with his wife, Lyn Roughley. It’s great to report that in the team’s second season, Keith came top of the whole division! Congratulations, Keith!
With their 2nd season firmly under their belt, Phil reports that the team is showing a big improvement in results, and more importantly, confidence.
The team already has two new members ready to play next year, but any new bowlers are also welcome to join the team. Simply contact Phil Dagnall and get yourself involved! See the Leagues page for contact details.
Below is a picture of the team, and I’m sure you’ll agree they look like they’re having fun!
Leave a Reply