2005 SPBL Merit

INDIVIDUAL MERIT for the John Coxill Trophy

Alan Davidson WINS THE TROPHY FOR THE FIRST TIME……

Alan Davidson with the “John Coxill” Trophy

The Premier League Merit, held at Sir John Bayley Bowling Club, on Sunday 31st July, was won for the first time by Alan Davidson (Newport).

Alan Davidson, the 2004 County Merit winner and 2005 Runner Up, came though a quality field to land his first Premier Title. In a competitive final enjoyed by a reasonable crowd throughout the competition, he overcame previous winner Tony Rhodes (St Georges) 21-12.

In his first game he was well down against in-form Charlie Weaver but responded with a near 19 break in the corners to win 21-14 and then beat the Trophy donor John Coxill 6 again on the corners. In the semis he beat Ifton’s Tim Halliwell 16, before beating Tony Rhodes with an impressive display 21-12 and take the £120 first prize.

In the other semi final Tony Rhodes beat Donnington wood captain Dave Rhodes 21-6.

Pictured above are today’s semi finalists with the Trophy donor John Coxill

(From left) Dave Rhodes, Alan Davidson, Dave Card (referee), John Coxill, Mike Hinton (President), Tony Rhodes, Tim Halliwell.

Full Results

Last 16: Mel Jenkins (Chester Rd) 21, Mark Holland (Chester Road) 15; Dave Rhodes (Donnington Wood) 21, Alan Meredith (Donnington Wood) 9; Tony Rhodes (St Georges) 21, Pete Griffiths (Ford) 10; Peter Farmer (St Georges) 21, John Breeze (Chester Road) 20; Tim Halliwell (Ifton) 21, Barrie Thomas (Wem USC) 11; Dale Downes (Wrockwardine Wood) 21, Chris Bretell (Wem USC) 9; Alan Davidson (Newport) 21, Charlie Weaver (Chester Road) 14; John Coxill (Ford) 21, Jeff Smith (Newport) 5:

Quarter Finals: Jenkins 13, D Rhodes 21; T Rhodes 21, Farmer 13; Halliwell 21, Downes 15; Davidson 21, Coxill 6:

Semi Finals: D Rhodes 6, T Rhodes 21; Halliwell 16, Davidson 21

Final: Rhodes 12, Davidson 21.