Hello to all Hertfordshire bowlers. The Hive (Jimmy Mac’s) saw Hertfordshire’s prestigious singles competition take place, the first county/national qualifier of the season.

Twenty bowlers put themselves forward for this competition, so Jimmy Mac’s was buzzing with competitors, various officials helping out and six mats in play.

For the first round the competitors were split into four groups of five players giving everybody four games of eleven ends. With a 12.00 opening time and play commencing at approximately 12.15 it was good to see the hall full of activity. Chief organiser Margaret Regan had professionally prepared, individually printed score cards and playing lists for every competitor, using the software kindly written by Brian McGivern. Alexis Mack was in charge of compiling the results tables. Margaret Regan, Peter Regan, Toni Gearing and Audrey Fowler marked as many of the games as possible, along with some of the competitors when they were not playing.

Our thanks go out to these non-playing members who gave up their time to help make sure this event run smoothly.

At the end of the first round the top two from each group went forward to the quarter finals.

Quarter Finals

Alan Hare v’s Bill Gearing, Bill won this match 9 – 4,

Martin Nash v’s Mark Spalding, Mark won this match 14 – 9

Dennis Mack v’s Darren Stanford, Dennis won this match 10 – 6

Jeanette Gayler v’s Brian McGivern, Brian won this match 10 – 9

We then went immediately onto the next round.

Semi Finals

Mark Spalding v’s Bill Gearing, Mark won this match 9 – 6

Brian McGivern v’s Dennis Mack, Brian won this match 12 – 8.

After a short break for the players to catch their breath, some mats to be put away and a bit more mopping up - as Jimmy Mac’s roof lets in the rain - the final and the play off began. These two matches which didn’t finish until just after 21.00 were closely fought and gave the spectators a thrilling end to a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Third place play off.

Dennis Mack v’s Bill Gearing.

Dennis Mack won this match 10 – 7 taking third place.

FINAL

Brian McGivern v’s Mark Spalding

Brian McGivern won this match 14 - 13 and becomes this year’s County Singles Champion with Mark Spalding being the runner up.

So going forward to the nationals in Melton Mowbray will be Brian McGivern along with Mark Spalding. Dennis Mack and Bill Gearing may make the nationals, depending on Hertfordshire’s allocation, which has yet to be announced.