Flower Bowl Open Bonspiel – English Curling Association

The fourth Flower Bowl Open Bonspiel was held last weekend (16th to 17th of September) at the Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre with the help of Preston Curling Club. Twelve teams competed for the trophy over the three days, with a crazy golf competition and a dinner at the Barton Manor hotel thrown in too!

*Sweepers at the ready*. *Photo credits: Abbi Carter*

Teams competed over four games and some great curling was seen from teams right from U17 level, right up to seniors. There were also appearances from Matthew Waring and his English Junior Champions team, the English Ladies’ team skipped by Lisa Farnell, and three out of five of the English Men’s Champions skipped by Andrew Woolston. A host of local teams, included local junior rinks and the Preston Wheelchair Curling Club filled the sheets – and the bar afterwards, making for a terrific atmosphere all-round!

*Preston W.C.C. in action*. *Photo credits: Abbi Carter*

The winning rink was the local team of Dave Kershaw and company, who came through a hard-fought final match against Team Woolston, who ultimately finished in third. Team Farnell came in as runners-up, with Team F. Kershaw winning the Low Road. Perhaps most importantly, the Crazy Golf competition was won by Isaac Craig

A great weekend of fun and curling was had by all, and all will be looking forward to next year’s event!

*The Preston juniors showing us oldies how it’s done!* *Photo credits: Abbi Carter*

We’d like to thank the staff at the Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre and the Barton Manor Hotel, as well as the committee and volunteers of Preston Curling Club for putting on such a superb event.