BOWLS ALGARVE - SUMMER LEAGUE

Alvor Kestrels ~ Alan Clarke (Captain), Anne Davey proudly holding Summer League Cup, Judy Drewer, Geoff Drewer, with Bob Davey and Jack Pendley (behind).   Kestrels reserves:  Christina Laskey, Catherine & Mike Webb.

The final round of matches took place Thursday 1^st July at the Pedras Club. The very hot sunshine making life rather uncomfortable for all players. Albufeira Cats chalked up a very good win against the Alvor Larks, who have been challenging for the title all season. Cats winning 32-27 and by seven points to three. Pedras had a good win on their own green against Tavira, Pedras edging home in a tight match by 35-30 and taking eight points against two. In the final match of the morning session, champions - elect Alvor Kestrels took on a strong Alvor Doves side, who have only lost two matches all season. Kestrels ran out winners by 44-33 and by eight points to two and maintained their unbeaten record this season, winning all nine matches played.

The afternoon was even warmer and saw PDF Pirates continue their excellent form with a 42-21 victory over Amendoeira, earning themselves eight points against two for Amendoeira. Pirates have recently hauled themselves off the bottom of the table to finish in a very creditable fourth place. Finally, Valverde played Alvor Eagles, who earned a good victory by 35-29 and six points to four.  Eagles have played very well in this their first season, despite finishing bottom of the league table.

So Kestrels take the honours with 75 points, the most shots scored and the least against and the best shot difference. The Larks have challenged hard all season, but eventually finished on 59 points in second, The Doves also played consistently and ended up third with 49 points. Pirates made the most dramatic leap up the table, having been on the bottom only recently, they rallied to fourth with 42 points, equal with a somewhat erratic Tavira, who had an inferior shot difference. Valverde were also rather up and down this season, finishing in sixth with 40 points, just ahead of Amendoeira who totalled 38 but performed creditably.

The Cats have had somewhat limited resources all season, but stuck to their task well, ending on 35 points in eighth, equal with Pedras in ninth, who also struggled with a small squad of players. Eagles finished tenth with 31 points but proved themselves to be worthy contestants and good competitors.

Bowls Algarve bowling now takes a short Summer break until the major winter league and the Inter - club competitions roll around in September - October and the merry go round starts up once again.

Alan Clarke - League Director