The borough of Wigan is one of the most fiercely proud bowling areas in the country. A relatively small area has given the sport a huge number of top-class players and its local leagues are still hugely supported by its bowlers.
The Wigan Subscription Club is closing in on a century since its incorporation and has been at the centre of bowls in Wigan since it was formed in 1852. It is affectionately known as the “subby”.
Since the turn of this century, it has also been the home of one of the best competitions the sport has to offer. With its 31up competition attracting players from across the crown green world. Joining the great and the good on the honours list is Danny Sillitoe who beat Bradford’s Chris Mordue in this year’s final.
The video of the close final is below but since you already know the winner I might as well further spoil the surprise and let you know the score in the final was 31-29.
In the semi-final Danny beat favourite Callum Wraight 31-24 in a game who could settle on the slightly slower than expected green.
In the other semi-final Chris took Danny Barwise the full distance and it was amazing how close Chris could get his bowls to a famously tricky edge on his way to a 31-15 win.
Danny Sillitoe hails from Doncaster but has supported this, and many other competitions, on this sensible side of the Pennines for years.
I know the Wigan Subscription Club are very grateful to, and proud to associate with, the following:
- Dennis Goulding Ltd – specialists in windows and glazing.
- Grayway Coaches – specialists in coach holidays and private-hire coaches
- SF Consulting Services – specialists in providing individualised public-relations and marketing campaigns to businesses.
- Co-op Funeralcare – specialists in…well it’s a service we’ll all need eventually.
- Blue Flame Ltd – plumbing and heating specialists
- Eco Battery Solutions – the people to talk to about car, scooter, electric wheelchair and other batteries.
