CLUB REPORT FOR 2025
It is time again to have a review of the bowling season of 2025.
In the league we had a great season. We won 13 and lost 4 with the result that we were runners up in Division 3. However, as 1[st] Ballymcarrett defaulted in 3 games over the season, results against them were deemed null and void, meaning we dropped to 4[th] place. Despite our arguments regarding the unfairness of this the NIBA have refused to alter the decision. We do still stay in Division 3 for 2026 which was the aim at the start of the season.
In the NIBA Junior Cup we were defeated in the first round by Annalong, and in the IBA Junior cup lost in the third round to Hilden.
In the NIBA Championships our members George, Paul and Johnny McMeekin along with Stephen Bewley won the Junior 4s championship.
I was honoured and privileged to be the NIBA President this year. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is 31 years since the club last held that office. I hosted the NIBA flag unfurling at Ward Park in April followed by a North Down V NIBA game and a meal in Bangor Golf Club.
Over the year I attended the IBA, ILB, PGL and NIPBA flag unfurlings, the Senior and U25 inter associations series, NIPBA centenary events, the IBA championships in Dublin and the Annual Dinners for each association.
I also hosted at Ward Park the finals of the NIBA Senior and Intermediate Cups, the Super Sixes, NIBA Championships. I was also present at the NIBA Junior Cups finals at Grove Park.
The amount raised for the NIBA charity by North Down was £2050, with the total figure of £5500 being donated to the Cancer Fund for Children. Thanks to everyone who supported this, especially to Richard for the great prizes he obtained for the raffle.
Rinks night continued to be well attended, although numbers did drop off later on in the season.
I was disappointed that only 2 club competitions were completed. Whilst it was good to get these played the number of players entering the competitions remains disappointingly low. Please make these a priority next year.
My thanks as usual go to the President, officers and members of the committee for their support over the last year. Also to Robert as match secretary and the selectors for the work over the year trying to put a team together. Finally, my thanks to all members for continuing to support the club, especially the ladies from Ballyholme, and for making yourselves available to play on the team.