Day 3 of Finals Weekend arrived with more thrilling matchups under the continued warmth of the September sun. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the atmosphere electric as the players prepared to battle it out on the green.
Men’s Handicap: Daron Ayris vs. Joe O’Hara – Part II
We kicked off the day with a rematch of sorts in the Men’s Handicap Final, where Daron Ayris faced Joe O’Hara once again. Daron wasted no time, racing into an early lead, echoing his performance from the Lilley Cup the day before. But, as with all great rivalries, Joe wasn’t about to back down, staging another determined comeback. However, after End 11, Daron found a second wind and unleashed a class performance, pulling ahead with precision and focus. In a decisive moment, he secured all 4 points in a critical end, avenging his defeat from Day 1 and taking home the title.
Ladies’ Handicap: Karen Ayris Strikes Back
The Ayris household wasn’t done with comebacks just yet. Karen Ayris recovered brilliantly from her 2 Woods disappointment, clinching victory in the Ladies’ Handicap Final. In a rollercoaster of a match, she faced defending champion Geraldine Scaresbrook in a nail-biting contest that saw the lead change hands no less than seven times. As the match neared its end, Karen dug deep to secure the win, making this one of the most memorable matches of the weekend.
Bill Woodley Cup: The Golden Oldies
Next up, we saw a masterclass in teamwork and consistency as Ray Newman and Howard Butler claimed the Bill Woodley Cup for a record-breaking 9th time. Known affectionately as the “Golden Oldies,” this competition allows players to choose their own partners, making it one of the most fiercely contested events. The partnership of Ray and Howard has become legendary, and their win was nothing short of impressive. Their opponents, Bev O’Hara and Martin Gammage—themselves both Day 2 trophy winners—put up a valiant effort but ultimately couldn’t overcome the formidable duo. The question now lingers: could Ray and Howard make it a perfect 10 next year?
Ladies’ Pairs Final: Bev O’Hara’s Triumph
After a short break, the afternoon continued with more action, and Bev O’Hara didn’t have to wait long for her next moment of glory. Teaming up with Mary Martin, they delivered a fantastic performance in the Ladies’ Pairs Final, overcoming Roz Booth and Jain Garrod to lift the trophy. The victory was a testament to Bev’s skill and determination, bouncing back from earlier matches and adding yet another trophy to her collection.
Eddie Neal Final: Steve Menzies’ Moment
Over on Rink 3, a special moment unfolded for Club Chairman Steve Menzies as he claimed his first-ever singles title in the Eddie Neal Final. Steve put in the performance of his career, comfortably seeing off Dave Merriman in Steve’s 2nd Eddie Neal Final, only 2 years after taking up lawn bowls. Dave, who had played brilliantly in the quarter and semi-finals, admitted afterward that he just couldn’t find his rhythm in the final. Meanwhile, Steve, never really pushed out of second gear, secured the win with a smooth and controlled display. With the singles deadlock now broken, Steve will surely be a player to watch in future seasons as he sets his sights on more titles.
The Big One: Men’s Championship Final
The day concluded with the most prestigious match of all—the Men’s Championship Final—and this season marked an extra special occasion: the 100th year of this historic event. Defending champion David Scaresbrook squared off against the ever-determined Joe O’Hara, and the match lived up to its billing. Spectators were treated to a tactical masterclass, filled with showboating, precision play, and sheer determination. The final point was a spectacle in itself, as David, who had appeared down and out halfway through the match, staged a remarkable comeback to retain his crown. With this victory, David lifted the Men’s Championship trophy for the 5th time, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest competitors.
Joe O’Hara, already one of the most decorated players in Denham Bowls Club history reached six finals this season, and doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. How many titles he’ll win overall is anyone’s guess.
Looking Ahead
With the day’s action complete and just one final remaining, everyone retreated to the clubhouse for reflection, drinks, and celebration. The weekend continued to deliver great matches, superb weather, and unforgettable moments on the green.
Stay tuned for the final day’s recap—this weekend is one for the history books!