Celtic Challenge 2003

The annual Celtic Challenge, now in its twelve year, was played in Bangor County Down over the May bank holiday weekend. In very wet conditions the teams from Wales, Scotland and Ireland competed during the Saturday and Sunday.

Contributed by Mike Dow

The victorious Scots

Scotland got off to an excellent start with a convincing 11-5 win over Wales, whilst Ireland A had the same victory score over Ireland B. However, Scotland went on to contain Ireland A, then inflict a heavy defeat on Ireland B to secure the Challenge Trophy.

There were three teams who recorded 10 wins, one each from Scotland, Wales and Ireland. When the points difference were totaled the Welsh side of Rob and Neil Dobbins with Paul Bond collected the best triple trophy.


The unlucky Ireland A and B teams

The team of Scotland 1 (no names please) suffered the embarrassment of two fannies during the course of the weekend.

During the wet windy weather the players had to shelter in a tent. The gales, however, threatened to lift the tent, so that players had to hold it down. The event was played in the ground of Pickie Bowling Club where the pistes were ideal, beer was cheap, and despite the weather the craic was mighty.


The winners of the Best Triple, Wales 1 – Rob and Neil Dobbins and Paul Bond

The hosts had managed to attract former world champions Claudy Weibel, Michel van Campenhout and Andre Lozano from Belgium to the games. The three played a President's Competition on the Friday evening (won by Claudy Weibel and Sue Ryan) and gave great displays of their skill over the Saturday and Sunday.



Mike Dow ( SPA Vice President is pictured wth the Belguim Team)

Mike Dow
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