Secretary’s Report 2006

This is my fifth report as Honorary Secretary of C.S.B.A (N.I.) and I am pleased to record that we have had another rewarding and memorable year. The year has had everything, hard work preparing for Belfast 2007, success on and off the green, more tournament week excitement, fun, folklore and a mysterious disappearance which was never solved, but more of that later!!!

Chris Graham Hon. V.P. CSBA

During the AGM in Cardiff It was my honour on behalf of CSBANI to nominate Chris Graham for the position of an Honorary Vice President of CSBA. Since the passing of Jim McNair and Roly Murphy, CSBANI’s Committee had been aware that we had no surviving Honorary CSBA Vice Presidents. It was our belief that Chris is the most worthy recipient of this honour to mark his many loyal years service for the good of CSBANI and CSBA bowls in general. Chris was totally unaware of the honour being planned so he was somewhat shocked but none the less very pleased and honoured when the award was bestowed upon him. From all of us Chris, congratulations.

Chris is congratulated by CSBA President Gordon Brown Tournament 2006

The C.S.B.A. International Championships and Tournament where held in Cardiff. during July 2006, and I think I can safely say, based on the comments of those who attended, it was a very enjoyable experience. Congratulations to the Cardiff Region who gave us a really fantastic week and wonderful memories of a beautiful city. I must also congratulate all the staff at Rhiwbina Bowling club for their excellent service. We had a fantastic array of lunchtime foods and in the tropical temperatures we couldn’t believe how good the Brains Smooth Extra Cold was, no matter how many times we went back to try it.

The evening friendly games, as those on tour know, remain an important part of Tournament week and these were all thoroughly enjoyable. Equally we understand they are only possible with the support of local clubs and therefore our grateful thanks go to all those who provided us with good bowling, superb meals and excellent company. We also got to hear some Welsh Male Voice Choirs and their magnificent voices will be a lasting memory. I was very lucky to have attended the Bridgend Club on the Monday night and must add this was a very special night, one which will last long in my memory and I’m sure of all those who attended. Bridgend was the home Club of the late Dennis Cole and his wife Alma is still a member there.

The evening had already been a wonderful night of companionship, bowling, food and we were well entertained by the choir. As it was drawing to a close, Alma asked to say a few words, she felt she just had to convey how special it was that tournament was in Wales and that one of the games was being held in Bridgend. She explained how this was something she and Dennis had dreamed off for many years. Alma said she felt Dennis was present and would have approved of the event, and her emotional address was warmly applauded by an equally emotional audience. Congratulations to all involved in the Bridgend evening and especially well done to Alma, Dennis would have been very proud of you.

That is Entertainment, Welsh style – Bridgend 2006 I also want to congratulate the St Fagans Bowling Club on achieving their Centenary Year. I was fortunate to be Captain of the CSBA team who played there in a game which was part of their Centenary Celebrations. I’ll wear your tie with pride and have many more happy memories of a great evening. Best wishes to all the St Fagan’s Officers and Members and here is wishing you another 100 years success.

The Championships This tournament produces some excellent bowling and this year, in glorious weather conditions, those present felt it might even have excelled itself. Bob Smith’s victory against Alan Montgomery in the singles was both exciting and miraculous. Alan lead 20 shots to 9 but Bob decided he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. With no little determination and excellent bowling Bob slowly but surely closed the gap and some 30 minutes after it appeared to be all over he triumphed in a nail biting 21 shots to 20 victory. Bob was obviously buoyed by this victory and in the final had a relatively comfortable victory against the Welsh champion.

CSBANI Champions 2006, Trev’s Gang In the pairs semi final John Mooney and Conor McCartan had enjoyed a comfortable win against the Welsh pair and would now face the strong English champions, Nick Skidmore and Paul Cater in the final. The game began with the English pair taking an early lead which was almost clawed back only for our pair to slip behind again. So it continued, however, despite never being able to get level John and Conor kept fighting. Finally the gap was closed and it was a magnificent bowl from Paul Cater that stopped our pair going into the lead for the first time on the penultimate end. A grandstand finish was guaranteed though, as the score after 20 ends was 21 shots each.

The final end was tense throughout with both sides seeking the telling bowl that would secure the title, fittingly the game would be decided with the very last bowl delivered. With all the other bowls played England lay one shot while our pair had a close second shot and good position. The shot was agreed, the lying bowl out clean or turned onto the jack and victory could be ours. Conor took his time and under the gaze of every spectator including the fours finalists who had also stopped to watch, he delivered the bowl with controlled running weight.

A pin would have been heard dropping; John was crouched behind the head, Paul and Nick standing expectantly watching and waiting also. Conor, following his bowl, called out “JOHN”, as it was halfway up to the head, happy the line and weight was good, no doubt seeking assurance the bowl was online. Staying crouched no reply was offered for what seemed like an eternity, until finally with the bowl dead online for the target English wood, John leapt up and yelled “YOU’VE GOT IT”. The lying shot went out clean and despite rocking, as Conor’s bowl just clipped it, the second shot green disc bowl, lay shot. The title was secured. John hurdled the head, to meet Conor before the pair danced a jig of delight!!!.

“YOU’VE GOT IT” the moment of victory” Having been glued to the game President Trevor was right behind the head watching the action unfold. As the English bowl was removed he leapt three feet in the air (more recent accounts of this tale have already put this leap at five feet) and on landing created another piece of tournament folklore and the imaginary monument to the victory, Trev’s crater. It was a very emotional Trevor who congratulated our equally emotional new Champions.

In the triples Jack Nelson, Billy Fitzsimons and Gareth Bell lost in their afternoon semi final. It must be said that playing their second game of the day, in 90 degree plus heat, took its toll. and was probably instrumental in their defeat. However they had the knowledge that in the morning with Rodney Nesbitt joining them in the fours, they had secured a fantastic victory against a very good Scottish four. Sadly they were narrowly beaten in the final by the Welsh four but had given a very good account of themselves over the two days.

A tremendous spirit of sportsmanship and friendship has been the trademark of these Championships, despite fierce competition during the games. Once again the spirit of fellowship was displayed by all those competing. I wish to congratulate all the Northern Ireland Champions who brought credit to the Association and turned in excellent performances in the Championships, with the following results: -

Singles (Alan Montgomery) - Beaten semi-finalist.

Pairs (John Mooney Conor McCartan) - Winners.

Triples (Jack Nelson-Billy Fitzsimons-Gareth Bell) - Beaten semi-finalist.

Fours (Rodney Nesbitt-Jack Nelson-Billy Fitzsimons-Gareth Bell) – Beaten Finalists.

The overall Championship was still available to win for England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the Double fours to be played. Having only 6 Champions remaining for the Double fours President Trevor Smyth and Chris Graham were drafted into the team. Both these guys had an excellent game and gave everything they had in the semi final but the English team were just too good on the day and sadly the chance of the Jubilee Trophy slipped away.

Double Fours-Beaten Semi - Finalists

Chris Graham-Trevor Smyth-John Mooney-Conor McCartan

Rodney Nesbit-Jack Nelson-Billy Fitzsimons-Gareth Bell

Overall, Wales had too much power in their locker again this year. They eventually ran out comfortable winners against England in the final and retained the Jubilee trophy. I congratulate them on their fine victory; they are worthy Champions on their performance during the week.

While slightly disappointed and wondering what might have been, if only results had been slightly different, we finally finished in third spot a single point behind England. It feel this was still a creditable performance and more importantly, we all enjoyed the week and many new friendships were made. The week ended with the Dinner and Prize giving at the Rhiwbina Club once again we were treated to a wonderful meal in keeping with the culinary efforts of the staff all week. I think it should also be recorded that President Trevor did a fantastic job in Cardiff. He was ever present at all the championship games and attended meetings as required; he enjoyed the evening matches and battled hard in the double fours. Congratulations Trevor on an excellent job.

Pre Dinner G&Ts Rhiwbina 2006 MEMBERSHIP Our membership is presently 45, and like the other three Countries, we are seeing our membership dwindle this is a worrying downward trend which has been evident over the past few years. Efforts continue to attract new members, including seeking NICSSA approval to allow NICSSA Associate Members to join CSBANI. It is heartening that NICSSA are to explore the role of Associate Members further. The committee are working tirelessly as we continue to look at other methods of increasing our membership. I make the appeal again if you know of any one interested in joining please put them in touch with me. The International Championship week tour and the Limited Pairs Competition within that week are now “open” events with Lady Tourists most welcome. In this light and in relation to the membership issue, we have at Committee begun discussions, that the introduction of Ladies, to participate fully in CSBA Bowling competitions and tournament, is an inevitable and natural progression.

FRIENDLY MATCH BLACKROCK B.C. v CSBANI

On 20th August 2006 we played our first “European” game when we travelled to Dublin to play Blackrock for our fourth Friendly match, as an Association. We had been offered this game, which was part of the Blackrock Centenary Celebrations, and this was too good an offer for us to have said no. We are indebted to Ciaran Ryan the Bowling league of Ireland President who acted as a go between in arranging the game. Our grateful thanks also go to the President, Officers and Members of Blackrock for their exceptional hospitality. Once again we enjoyed some excellent fellowship, bowling and fun. The meal after the game was out of this world and set us up for the entertainment and liquid refreshments which followed. I must mention Paul McVeigh who had made the journey to Dublin to play but was taken ill just before the start. It is encouraging to hear Paul has now fully recovered following a short stay in hospital.

The result at Blackrock was incidental to the fun we had over the weekend but as I said before I’m pleased to record that we won, what overall was a keenly contested game.

We had 21 players in Dublin for the game and the feedback from our members and guests, as well as the Blackrock Personnel was very positive. For any of our members who have not yet played in one of these games I thought I should outline the criteria for selection. Simply it is select a team of people in positions we feel they would be comfortable playing, put them on rinks with members other than those they normally play competitions with. Our guests are then liberally sprinkled amongst the rinks to allow them to meet and develop friendships with new people also. Then simply hope everyone has a fun day out. To me winning these games is important, CSBANI are unbeaten in the games played to date, and I personally am proud of that, but fellowship and enjoyment is paramount. Those who attended, that I have spoken too since the game, said it was an excellent trip and can't wait for the next one.

CSBANI Team – Blackrock B.C. 2006 . I must mention our “friends” from CSBA not least President Gordon Brown and his wife June who have become regular and welcome visitors. Gordon’s desire to attend our game is a tribute to his dedication to the role of CSBA President and we congratulate you Gordon on the excellent manner in which you conducted all of your Presidential term. We were also delighted that CSBA Immediate Past President Jim Wilson and His wife Cynthia had graced us with their attendance. Campbell and Margaret McColl, Bill and Morag Notman are now regarded as part of the CSBANI family rather than visitors and again we were delighted to have their support. Campbell’s fines, as well as adding a little humour to the proceedings helped raise €120 for the local hospice.

To all our guests I simply wish to say thank you, we very much appreciate your attendance and it made the event the more memorable for your presence. Hopefully we will continue to see you and others from CSBA at future events.

I think it is also worth mentioning that we have formed genuine friendships with many of the CSBA folk who attend our games. They have supported us not only on the green but at the Council meetings and they have seen this Association grow and stand on its own two feet. They admire how CSBANI members conduct themselves and having developed friendships they enjoy supporting us at our friendly games. While we are delighted to have them as our "guests" it should be borne in mind they attend our games at their own not inconsiderable expense.

Bill Notman and his secret to success! CREDITS

Bringing credit to our Association this year were, Stephen Moran who was once again selected for the Irish Indoor International Team, and Steve has also qualified for the PBA World Singles Championship an event which he has previously won. Our best wishes go to Steve for his participation in this event. Outdoors; Alan Montgomery, skipping a rink, played a major part in Ireland retaining the International Championship in Cumbria.

Treasurer, Derek Forsythe continued as Assistant Secretary, to both the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League and the Irish Bowling Association. On the “short mat” scene Ronnie McDermott continues as President of the Irish Indoor Bowling Association and Secretary of the British Isles Short Mat Bowling Council. Ronnie is ably aassisted by David Hunter in his role as Hon. Secretary of the I.I.B.A. Our short mat connection also now has the addition of Arthur Rice who was elected as Zone Convenor of the Mid Down Zone. Well done to you all.

THE FUTURE

Belfast 2007, yes, Tournament will be here at Stormont from the 1st to the 7th of July 2007. A lot of work has already gone into the preparation of this event but we have a lot more to do to ensure it is a success and support is always welcome. We started some 18 months late in our preparations as we were only asked to fill in when the Isle of Wight were unable to hold the event, so it has been hard work. I would appeal to all our members to consider attending the week as a tourist. You will all receive details of the event and the cost from the Tournament Coordinator Bob Smith early next year. The Limited Pairs event is open to all our members so why not consider entering this competition. A further incentive for this is CSBANI have never had a winner in the limited pairs, what better place to start than Belfast. We would prefer Tournament remained as it presently is established as a 5 day event but it needs support and not just here in Belfast in 2007 but in the future years also.

The friendly games continue to be successful and we are always willing to face anyone offering us the challenge. I am delighted to announce that CSBANI have been granted the honour of playing against the CSBA President’s select team during Tournament week in Belfast. This game will be played at Stormont possibly on the Wednesday afternoon. I will be issuing further details and seeking expressions of interest to play in this game and a game to be played possibly at the end of September in Wales. As mentioned earlier we are looking at the possibility of a trip to play in Fishguard in late September 2007. This would be the first time CSBANI will have been “across the pond” as a team since Prestwick. That trip was excellent and I hope that we can get sufficient interest to make this one equally memorable. It has been agreed at committee that we will seek a non refundable deposit of £25 from anyone interested in going on this trip. A ferry crossing and hotel accommodation will be booked in advance and it was felt this should be secured with a deposit. I hope you will give this serious consideration and we can look forward to our first trip to Wales as a team. Needless to say we will be delighted to see some of our “CSBA Friends” attending this game.

We work hard as a committee for all our members equally and try to give everyone something in return for their loyalty to the Association. For years we only had the competitions and if you were lucky (ok or good enough) and won a competition you got a trip to England Scotland or Wales. That was about it, so for some people they might only have seen other members once a year and maybe never got more than a few games and there was nothing else to look forward too.

To offer more to those members in particular but also hopefully making CSBANI generally better, we introduced the friendly matches and the annual dinner. We continue to try and improve these and to look for other interests that might give the current members something back and indeed make us attractive to new members which is our present goal.

The committee also work hard keeping C.S.B.A.N.I. to the forefront of C.S.B.A. bowls, again we have achieved a lot during the year which made the time and effort spent well worthwhile. CSBA is presently considering its future and I am pleased to report that CSBANI are at the vanguard of these discussions with our place firmly cemented in CSBA. Bowls in general is struggling with clubs disappearing at an alarming rate. I trust that this Association will not succumb to the general malaise but instead will stabilise its numbers initially and then start to increase and become stronger.

Our Association Dinner proved successful and the inclusion of the prize giving seemed a popular change. Our thanks go to the staff at the Pavilion for their efforts we once again enjoyed a superb meal and bit of “crack”. It was an honour once again to have CSBA President Gordon Brown and His wife June present along with CSBA Secretary Brian Hopper. Things started badly with Brian enduring a four hour delay on his flight into Belfast. However they soon picked up, he made the dinner and on the Saturday had time to see his first Irish League Football Glentoran v Ballymena, attended The “top table” CSBANI Dinner 2006 a dance and on Sunday got in a round of golf before returning home. Gordon and June arrived perfectly on time and they also enjoyed the Friday evening Dinner and then the Dance on the Saturday evening. Their problems arose on their return Journey, as if their 10am flight to Birmingham being cancelled before getting a change in flight to Manchester wasn’t bad enough. It got worse with an accident blocking the Motorway back to Birmingham where they were to collect their car. All this meant they eventually got home about 11pm. I am glad to report that this hasn’t put them off and they assured me they had had a really enjoyable weekend.

We remain keen to see this event established as part of our bowling year. Our main aim is to keep it fresh and encourage support. If you have any suggestions to make that might enhance the Annual Dinner the committee would be pleased to hear from you. Hopefully this will continue to be well supported as it is an opportunity for us to meet away from the Bowling Green and for our membership to get to know one and other better. As always we will be only to glad to see any CSBA visitors.

As I have constantly said, we as an Association have become proactive leaders in C.S.B.A. bowling circles this has been achieved with commitment and hard work from the Officers and Committee. I again say to the CSBANI members reading this, to maintain our status we need to see you attending the AGM and bringing forward your ideas. We are in need of fresh blood and ideas and we need continuing support and innovation from the current membership.

I would appeal for your support for the new President and the Committee; you can do this by supporting Tournament in July 2007, the friendly matches, our Association Dinner and the AGM. Remember this is your Association, so please tell us what you want from it.

CONCLUSION

To close we had another busy and enjoyable year, Tournament in Cardiff was certainly amongst the highlights, along with that memorable trip to Blackrock. Next year promises to be every bit as busy, Plans are well in hand for Belfast in July 2007, where it will be Derek Forsyth’s honour as President to host our many friends from England, Scotland and Wales. It has been a while now since the Jubilee Trophy resided in its spiritual home and lets hope when the Welsh party bring it over it doesn’t have to far to travel when the action is over!!.

This year again we will have new Champions attending Tournament for the first time. Simon Denley competes in the Pairs and Kevin McConville in the triples and both are looking forward to their “trip” to Belfast! I wish them every success; I know you will have a great time albeit on home soil.

To all the other champions I also hope you have a successful and happy tournament, I am sure you will find the week an experience you won’t forget and remember you have an important additional role this time, making our visitors feel at home during the week. As always we look forward to making new friends and renewing old acquaintances in Belfast.

Oh yes, the mystery disappearance!! Well it was late at night and Conor his wife Mairead and I were returning to our rooms. We were saying goodnight when a male dressed only in boxer shorts approached us down the corridor, as he drew closer it seemed he was maybe sleep walking. We looked at each other, unsure what to do. He drew level with us clearly unaware we were there, then carried on before opening a door marked fire exit which he passed through and it closed behind him. Our initial shock and some giggles wore off and we thought we had better check he was ok.

We pushed Mairead forward to open the door and see where he was; well Conor and I were just newly crowned champions. As she opened the door there was surely the loudest “fart” ever heard. She slammed the door shut, someone cried “he’s exploded” and we fell about laughing. We gathered our thoughts, still concerned, and watched as Mairead opened the door again, to reveal, nothing!!!! Just the empty set of concrete steps leading to the fire exit and no sign of the sleepwalker.

The outer fire door at the bottom of the stairs was still closed there was nowhere else to go, only down to that door. We looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, and then fled to our rooms where we fell about laughing again. We didn’t hear of anyone having been hurt or gone missing so what did happen that night? Was the hotel haunted or had the sleepwalker simply evaporated? Who knows?? We had had a good laugh and this was just another funny incident that will pass into tournament folklore!!!!

In closing I want to thank President Trevor for his leadership and along with Treasurer Derek Forsythe and the rest of the Committee for their unstinting support for me in my role as Secretary during this hectic year. We have put our hearts and souls into this Association and all we ask is that you as members enjoy what we offer in activities. The biggest thanks we can get is your support. As I said before any organisation its Officers and Committee will only be as good as the support the members give it.

John Mooney

Hon. Secretary

CSBANI

2006 NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

SINGLES

Stephen Moran* Runner up David Hunter PAIRS

Rodney Nesbitt & Simon Denley Runners up Raymond Pauley & Michael Kelly TRIPLES

John Mooney-Kevin McConville-Paul McVeigh Runners up Billy Scott-Ronnie Talbot-Tommy Surgenor FOURS

Norman Shields-Albert Preston-Raymond Pauley-Trevor Smyth Runners up Jack Nelson-Billy Fitzsimons-Stephen Moran-Gareth Bell