2025 HOBA Bowling Challenge Russell Smith Memorial Trophy
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
Kipling If
On Sunday, , following last year’s break occasioned by the Heath RUFC’s success in the Papa John‘s trophy, the 16th edition of the Russell Smith Memorial tournament was played at its spiritual home, Greenroyd Bowling Club.
The day was unseasonably warm and sunny, the drought-stricken green hard and true, and all was set for a memorable tournament.
Several regulars being absent (again!). a mere nine names went into the hat and the pairs were drawn as follows:
- Andy Hoyle or P. Stollery and Tim Freeman
- G.P. Smith and Richard Crossland
- Jon Hamer and Peter Greenwood
- Keith Crossfield and John Robertshaw
The format was, as before, the best of seven ends, with three points being awarded for a win and one point in the unlikely event of a draw.
After two or three hours of friendly banter with varying degrees of ‘triumph and disaster,’ the worthy finalists emerged in Hoyle and Freeman v. Crossfield and Robertshaw.
A welcome diversion was provided at 4.30 p.m. by the arrival of John Hudson with the buffet.
The final provided the best bowling of the match, with the score standing at 6 each after four ends, before the more experienced pair pulled away for a convincing victory. The trophy being gracefully accepted by John Robertshaw, all repaired to the bar to socialise.
Thanks to Greenroyd for hosting the event, to Grayham Smith and Jon Hamer for organising and to John Hudson for providing the buffet. Another good HOBA event in all but numbers.
Rod Eastwood [1954–1961]